The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-03-21
CANNON ON DECK.
House Assemblies With Majority
of Members Absent.
The Speaker Finds Difficulty in
Maintaining Order.
BUSINESS PROCEEDS.
Naval Academy Band Bill Passes
Without Debate.
The Allies Appear to Be Salts
fed With the Situation.

washington, MdrCn Z1.-W men
Speaker Cannon called the house to
order today scarcely one-fourth of
the members were in their seats.
Representative Dawson. Ia, imme-
diately obtained unanimous consent
| for consideration of a bill providing
for the enlistment of the naval aca-
denny band. The measure was passed
without debate.
Speaker Cannon had the utmost
difficulty in maintaining order in the
house.
THE house will be in order or
somebody will get hurt" exclaimed
! the speaker angrily, bringing his gavel
/ down with resounding whack- me
| galleries which have not been saying
! word will continue that way. OF
course the house will preserve order.
Prior to the convening of the house
! at noon today there was general IN
quiry by all members. regardless OF
party or faction. to ascertain the ex-
act situation. On the surface it SEEM
ed there was to be no immediate trou-
BILE. The calendar of the house for
/ Monday called for the consideration
of many minor measures under the
rule of unanimous consent. This tact
alone presenting total absence of
any issue upon which any party or
section of party might split, augured
that the day was likely to be one OF
calmness. There was apparently no
disposition by anybody to renew hos
| tilities-
Regulars Ready for Business.
The regular Republicans Of the
house were ready to go ahead with
business Outside of what was before
the house itself, the pressing matter
of Importance with them was the eau
Gus to be called on the subject of the
new rules committee Chairman Cur
rier of the Republican caucus, SAID on
this subject:
IT have lust arrived at my office
and have as yet conferred with no one
about it. but within two or three
hours we shall know definitely
think, about the caucus"
1t seemed settled also that the IN
surgents would enter the Republican
caucus for the selection of six mem
bers of the majority party of the new
rules committee. Insurgents are not
insisting upon representation, al
accepting it.
Representative Norris. author of the
resolution which overthreW the ola
rules committee, said today
1--WE do not insist on representation
All we want is a committee OF falr
men. I have no doubt the insurgents
will enter the Republican caucus un-
less something is done by the regulars
to cause trouble If they want to ac-
cept the opportunity they now have to
go ahead everything will be all right.
What will happen cannot be foretOld.'
Democrats Are Satisfied.
Mr.. Norris said there was no meet
ing of the insurgents in sight. although
they were in position to get together
at moments notice.
The Democrat position apparently
was one of entire satisfaction with the
situation. The Democrats contem-
plated no violent hostilities for the
present at least
I'VE are in the best position we have
tn
nority Leader Clark. Il look for no
trouble today or perhaps tomorrow,
but no one can foresee just what Will
come of the effort to select new rules
committee. There is no trouble on this
side of the house, but yon cannot tell
about it over yonder."
Numerous conferences are in prog
ress on all sides regarding the situa-
tion Several of the important COM
mittees began sessions again today.
The Taft legislative program was put
in motion once more after three days
of waiting on the result of the fight
and the consideration of the admins
tration bill was begun before the COM
mittee having it in charge.
Galleries Well Filled.
Th galleries were almost filed when
the house convened today, the crowd
evincing expectation of developments
of the storm of the past week Repre-
sentative Murdock (Kan.), in a group
near the speakers rostruH. was talk
ing over the situation. Representa-
tive Foster (Vt), who voted with the
regulars, but was classed in the recent
Democratic speech of Representative
Kitchin On. CO as a near insurgent' a
title which Mr.. Foster Immediately
repudiated although asserting his in
dependence, Joined the group.
How are your children this morn
ing?' asked Foster.
''SpIendid," replied Murdock.
Mr.. Sherry (Ky.l. the Democrat who
tried to stop Mr.. Burleson (Tex) from
Offering his resolution to depose Can
cussed as a possible Democratic mem
ber of the rules committee.
Sherry and Smith Oa.), a member IF
the old rules committee, and others |
were in a group talking over the result
of the battle. Sherry contended that if
the Democrats had taken the same at |
titude he did in trying to fight off the |
presentation of the Burleson resolution, |
the regular Republicans would not now |
be claiming a partial victory for the |
speaker.
The only serious faces TO be seen
were those of the insurgents who vo-
ted last Saturday to retain Speaker
Cannon.
Madison Defends His Vote.
All of those contended with fervor
that they were satisfied with their po- |
sition. Nevertheless they appeared to
see that their attitude could easily be |
construed as one in support of Speaker |
cen of the responsibility. The insur-
gents who had voted to declare the |
speakership vacant were jubilant and |
their comment was largely joeuiar.
Representative Madison. Kansas, one |
of the insurgents. who voted against |
the Ruriescn resolution. declared he had !