Perth Amboy evening news., 1911-04-05
FATE OF NATION
IN NEW HANDS
Democrats Take Over Con-
troll of the House.

@aRt u "a hAoA bNS
sion of the new congress that the pres
ident called together to act on the Ca
madam reciprocity treaty convened
with the widest scenes Of enthusiasm
In many years. Democrats from all
parts of the country were in the house
galleries and on the floor as the CON
trolling spirits for the first time in six
teen years, and they celebrated, shook
hands with each other and then did 1t
all over again. Among these celebra-
tors were William J. Bryan and Gov
ernor Harmon of Ohio, leaders Of the
rival factions Of Democracy.
Champ Clark, as he accepted the
scepter which Uncle Joe Cannon has
held for years, delivered a speech put
lining the duties and pledges which
confront the present Democratic house.
Speaker Clark failed to mention Cana
dian reciprocity in his speech. The
new speakers words were strongly
partisan and were spoken of by Re-
publicans as the first instance In many
years in which a presiding officer Of
the house upon assuming power had
devoted his remarks to a partisan pro-
gram.
The converting Of congress- marked
the passing Of a political regime in
both branches. In the house the Re-
publican organization, as represented
by the Cannon leadership and a ma
jority of forty-one, gave way to the
Democrats under Champ Clark and his
supporters, backed by an overwhelm-
ing majority of sixty-eight.
While the senate still remains Re-
publican, the margin is 30 narrow that
control Of the so called conservative
stand pat machine, dominated for
years by Senator Aldrich, is at an end.
With the Republicans having only a
majority of eight, the insurgents In
the senate hold the balance of power
and will be able in an emergency
practically to dictate the policy of the
Republican organization. This fact
was indicated when the progressives
asserted their strength and wrung
" IAS ASSuidA Edllkltlcu llDcI dt
concessions In the matter of commit
tee appointments and patronage.
With the appearance Of new political
powers In both branches Of
there passed from view many familiar
figures who have held the Republican
congress organization together in days
Of stress. The appearance in their
places of new faces added q distinct
note Of sadness to the days proceed
ings for Republicans who are left.
I'VE Democrats of the house are just
like children" said one Of them after
adjournment. THE Democratic land
slide occurred last November, and
while it has been known for months
that Champ Clark would be speaker,
the committee have been named, the
rules promulgated and the program
discounted lnno IN ana vAt.
when all the anticipated good things
came true, when the string was cut,
the box opened and the candidates In
plain view, we performed like Indians
and scared up genuine enthusiasm"
And this same member, his voice
hoarse from yelling and his fingers still
gripping the American flag that he, In
common with every one of his col
leagues, had waved wildly when the
serene Champ was sworn In, walked
away shaking his head over the puzzle.
The scene and incidents In the house
were reminiscent Of a Democratic con-
vention.
The wide smiles and jovials shouts,
the hand striking and back Shaping,
the crowded, chattering galleries, With
the presidents wife and the notables
dividing the incessant attack of eyes
and glass, and the sudden and ire
sistible rush Of ticketless and disap-
pointed visitors past the protesting
guards and doorkeepers and in on the
supposedly sacred 1oor-au this made
a scene which is only surpassed In this
tense hour Immediately preceding the
choice of a national standard bearer
and party chief.
A most interesting incident In the
house before the body was called to
order was the matter Of William j.
Bryan of Nebraska and Governor
Harmon Of Ohio. These two distin-
guished Democrats have been In
Washington for several days, stopping
at the same hotel and displaying no
marked desire to get together, but
they met in the center aisle on the
Democratic side, put out their hands
simultaneously, shook long and hard
and smilingly chatted amid the up
roar.
For uproar there was when the two
men anne together. Uncle Joe, grin
ming from ear to ear, jumped from his
seat and led the applause on the Re
publican side. The Democrats, sew.
eral of whom still retain the belief
that the peerless leader is the great.
est man who ever stepped in boot
leather, did not need any one to start
them. After the enthusiasm had abat-
ed in some degree Mr.. Bryan and Gov
ernor Harmon took positions about SIX
feet apart In the aisle, while most OF
the Democrats on hand cheered and
gave them greeting.