The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1911-04-15

over two hours In the House today to
elect the new committees of that leg
islative body. 1t was the first time
in history that the committees had
been elected and there was much de-
tailed work connected with the pro-
coedlng.
Former Speaker Cannon taunted
the Democrats with having approved.
as the Republicans on the various
committees practically the same men
whom he. as Speaker. had put on
these committees in the last House.
Discussion OF the personnel OF the
committees called out much bitter
ness from the Republicans. who
charged the Democrats with gross un-
fairness In cutting down the minor
ity membership on the most import
ant OF the committees.
Mr.. Underwood. the Democratic
leader. replied that the Democrats
had based the proportionate repre-
senation upon the committees strictly
according to the Democratic majority
In the House itself.
This Is. moreover" he said, "the
first time minority leader has been
permitted to name his committees and
has had them adopted by the ma
iority without dotting an "a or cross
ing T. " This statement was
eheered loudly by the Democrats.
Republican Leader Mann cited a
number of alleged Inconsistencies. and
his arguments were seconded by
Messrs Cannon and Gardner. Of Mas
sachusetts.
That 1 made mistakes Is un-
doubtedly true" said Mr.. Cannon.
"but I was responsible for the or
ganization OF tho committees and
did II honestly. have no apologies
10 make. I would like to see the
Speaker .or the ways and means
committee, or the minority leader,
who could orgarfZc tho committees
without making mistakes. ] have al
ready heard rumblings on the DEM
pcratc side. But. after all. you are
aot going 10 be judged by the COM
nittees you namo, but by the legis-
istion you accomplish"
A number of instructions to new
committees were adopted In the form
Of resolutions. The ways and means
and appropriations committees Of
khe House wero authorized 20 sit dur
ing the sessions and recess OF the
House. The House then adjourned
until tomorrow.
Prepared by Minority Leader James
H. Mann. at the direction of the Re-
Dubeocan caucus, the minority COM
mfttee selections contained many
surprises for the House. The desire
% accord impartial treatment to the
fnsurgert Republicans is shown In
the number OF choice committee
places given &C. thom by Mr.. Mann.
Two OF the leading insurgents. Rep
resentstive Madison. OF Kansas. and
Representative Lenrcot. Of wiscon-
sim. are given places on the rules COM
nittee. where the Republicans have
but four places.
Representative Good. OF Iowa, Ia
appointed 3" the appropriation COM
mittee. cons.4ered an especially fine
berth. Representative Haugen. OF
Iowa. is made ranking Republican
member Of the committee on agricul-
ture.
Representative Kopp, OF Wisconsin,
n placed on the naval affairs commit
tee; Representative Norris, OF Ne
braska, on the judiciary committee,
and other insurgents receive import
ant assignments
Former Speaker Cannon becomes
Ranking Republican member OF the
appropriation committee. He was
chairman OF this committee for SOW
eral years before he became Speaker,
and the retirement of James A. Taw-
ney. recently chairman Of the COM
mittee. will probably make the form
er Speaker Republican leader in de-
bates on appropriations.
Minority Leader Mann took no as
signments himself and will act solely
as chairman of tho minority confer
ence. Ills place as ranking mem
bor ot thc Interstate and foreign
TEX &. stevens. of Minnesota.
The Republican list includes the
assignment 81 Victor l.. Berger. the
gocialfet IA .bc cor,r,itt,c op District