Evening star., 1911-01-19
Democratic 'Insurgents" Plan
Program for Tonight.
NEW MEMBERS CONCERNED
Fear They Will Not Receive Desir-
able Committee Appointments.
CONFERENCE THIS AFTERNOON
IL Called by Representative-Elect
Thayer-"Old Guard" Prepares !.
to Head Of Trouble.

The democratic leaders in the House, on
learning today of a contemplated move
ment at tonight's caucus by "insurgent
democrats to Introduce q number of reso-
lutions and throw the meeting into con-
fusion. adopted rule of procedure to be
introduced at the outset of the caucus
and put to early vote.
This rule will provide that 1t will be
in order to make motions only to choose
the democratic candidate for Speaker of
the next House, designate tentative
committee on ways and means, authorize
that committee to act as a committee on
committees and adjourn.
This program was Immediately attacked
by the insurgents as being cloture of the
most pronounced character, and they an
nounced their intention of protesting.
conference of democrats was held at
the New Willard this afternoon to map
out a program of protest to be presented
at the caucus tonight. Representative
elect Thayer of Massachusetts, called
the conference and 1t was attended by
number Of new democratic members from
several northern and western states.
Seek Good Assignments.
The "insurrectos'' demand recognition
on the ways and means committee. which
is to act as a committee on committees.
with a view to obtaining fuller recogni-
ton for the new members in committee
assignments. They fear that the "elder
statesmen of the democratic party in
the House are planning to apportion the
best places by seniority, which would rel
egate the new members to undesirable po-
.sitions.
The movement Is entirely the work of
new members and does not represent fac
HNv.0 He's IL old c1xfv IN
large measure 1t Is a sectional movement,
since 1t is not being participated in by
new members from the southern or south
western states.
Mr. Thayer and his associates insist
that since 81 per cent Of the democratic
membership of the next House repre-
sents newly elected members. the major
ity Of whom are from districts hereto
fcTc represented by republicans, 1t is es-
seEiiaf that they should be given good
crFanittee assignments. He argues that
these new men are heavily charged with
the responsibility Of making a record In
their first session, since they have been
elected as .. protest against the party
now In power. and their course will be
watched very CLOSELY by their constitu-
snts.
Fear Seniority Rule.
The men who took part in today's con-
ference are fearful lest the present COM
bination. which has made up slate for
the new committee on committees, will
adhere to the seniority rule. to the detri-
ment Of the ambitious men from the over
turned northern and western districts.
The news OF the meeting at the New
Willard did not disturb the old leaders at
the Capitol. They feel that their plans
~ laid down will be carried out by the
caucus tonight. although there will be no
disposition to shut on debate. or to pre-
vent any democratic member or group Of
members from presenting their views
The ways and means committee to be
appointed tonight. and which. II pres
ent plans are not disturbed, win act as
q committee on committees, will dis
pose Of all committee places in spirit of
fairness and with due regard to geo.
graphical distribution, 1t Is declared.
Seniority OF service, experience and
proved ability must necessarily count in
the selection of pen for places on i'm
portant committees. but 1t does not fol-
low. IL Is said. that members serving their
arst term Will be systematically ignored.
The "old guard" naturally expected
there would be protests from some of the
new members and are prepared to smooth
their troubled spirits and assure them of
fair treatment All Of that will be gone
over at the caucus.