The Bridgeport evening farmer. [volume] (Bridgeport, Conn.) 1866-1917, 1911-06-12

Nothing could have been more graf
flying to the Democrats of the coun-
try and at the same time so disap-
pointing to the Republicans, as the
splendid harmony and mastery eff
cheney exhibited by the Democratic
members of the House of Representa-
tives upon assuming control of the
lower House. April 4, 1911.
All predictions of discord and dis
sension have proved unrounded and
premature.
Prior to the Baltimore banquet Of
January 18th 1911. the newspapers
were full of dire forebodings of the
awful mix-up and clash that was
sure to result from that notable gath
ering. Columns were written by am
bilious correspondents, telling how 1t
was being framed up for this or the
other presidential candidate, and how
the friends of the other candidates
were bitterly resenting it, etc.
The banquet night arrived and
eleven hundred loyal and enthusiast
tic Democrats from all over the coun-
try gathered in the great hall. Speech
es were made and the enthusiasm ran
high Not a word of discord arose.
Again. when the caucus of the
Democratic members elect of the 62d
Congress was called for on January
18th. it was freely predicted that
split in the party could not possibly
be avoided.
But upon. the contrary when the
roll was called upon that memorable
occasion. two hundred and twenty
(220) members out of a total of two
hundred and twenty-seven (22O re-
sponded and the deliberations were
absolutely harmonious from the be-
I. ginning to the end.
The same Or similar predictions were
frequent concerning the result of the
Democratic plan of selecting Commit
tees by a Committee on Committees.
But again our critics were doomed
to appointment.
The Democratic caucus of April 1st,
like the preceding one. was marked
by remarkable spirit of harmony and
good feeling.
Congress convened and after elect
ing Champ Clark speaker of the
House, with the vote of every Demo-
cratic member cast in his favor, the
realp work of the session began.
Again and again has it been demon
strated that the party, as represented
in the lower House. is thoroughly
organized efficient working body.
Under the able leadership of Speak,
er Clark. and Underwood, Chairman
of the Ways and Means committee,
together with his colleagues upon that
House is moving steadily forward to-
ward a complete fulfillment of
pledges made to the people
And what does this all mean when
viewed in the light of the coming con-
test in 1912?
To my mind it can mean but one
thing, and that is that the Democrat
ic party will enter upon that contest
thoroughly united and harmonious.
1t means that our party will be
able to point with pride to a record
of achievement and redemption of
rrx- lad in ha II of
Congress. 1T will mean a vigorous
enthusiastic and successful campaign
resulting in the election OF a Demo-
cratic President and a Democratic
majority in both Houses of Congress.
1t is a remarkable fact, but true,
nevertheless. that you can scarcely
find a Republican member of Congress
who privately will admit that Taft
has ghost of show for re-elec-
ton; yet his denomination Is conced-
ed.
His advocacy of Canadian Recipro-
city has widened the breach in his
party to such an extent that utter
Generalization seems imminent
1t is amusing to hear these Repub-
lican members of Congress who voted
against the Reciprocity agreement dis
cuss the situation.
In private conversation they frankly
say that they propose to run their
campaign for reelection Independent
of the national campaign.
1t is unlikely that we will hear
again, in 1912. the familiar strain
'elect a Republican Congress so as to
uphold the President"
Some people have marveled that a
Democratic House should be able and
willing to work so tremendously with
a Republican President.
The unfamiliar sight of a Democrat
ic Speaker and a Democratic chair
man of the Ways and Means Com
mittee comforting freely with a Re-
publican President. seems to have
startled even the veterans.
But 1t is satisfactorily explained
when we remember that Champ Clark
in his speech accepting the election as
Speaker laid down the Democratic
motto which has become the rule and
guide of the Democratic House to wit:
81 suggest to my fellow members of
both sides of the big aisle-which is
the line of demarcation betwixt us as
political partisans, but not as Ameri-
can citizens or American Representa-
tives-that he serves his party best
who serves his country best
A similar idea was expressed by a
member of the caucus when it was
said: THE best way to play politics