Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1911-04-01
Democratic Caucus.

Washington, April l.-n TN mod
est pride of power the democratic mem
bers OF the House entered the caucus
this morning 10 DO the first definite
work since they acquired o majority.
There was lively talk before the caucus
concerning the committee appointments
and several Of the contests for official
places in the House.
Champ Clark was nominated for
speaker without opposition and it noW
only requires the formal vote OF Tnes'
day TO place him on Cannon's throne.
The Indications were for long session
Of the caucus with probable necessity
for taking q recess until Monday.
Prepared for long session the DEM
ocratic representatives assembled in the
House at 10 clock today 10 caucus, 10
plan the organization OF the House for
the new Congress which will open lis
session on Tuesday. When several
hours OF the operation Of the caucus
had expired one OF the members said II
would be necessary to continue the eau.
Gus on Monday.
Representative Clayton, of Alabama,
chairman OF The caucus in the last Con-
| gress, called the members TO order.
Mr.. Underwood, OF Alabama, told o!
the work of the ways and means COM
mittee OF which he is chairman.
| Next 10 order was the election OF .
new caucus chairman and the honor
vas bestowed upon Representative Bur
Lesson, OF Texas. He was originally 4
caHiidaie for the chairman OF the con-
nittee OH appropriations, and failing
in that sought to head the committee
on agriculture. Tie latter chairman
shin was awarded to another and ~
compensation for Burleson he Was
given the caucus chairmanship. Ash.
brook, OF Ohio, was elected secretary.
( Palmer, OF Pa. chairman OF The
committee To weed out The needless
employees on the House payroll. made
report. In tie discussion that fol-
lowed suggestions made by some mem.
bers were to the effect that 2 reduction
OF 500, 900 might be made in the pay
roll.
Rep. Sulzer, who left the caucus fol
4 few minutes Informed the newspaper
men in the corridor that he would he
chairman Of Tie committee on foreign
affairs and that it would be his choice
0f all The committees i'll the Hnnsc
| BY an almost unsnimou, vote The
cancil4 this afternoon adapted 1850.
luton introduced Mr., Palmer al
Pennsylvania providing foI reduction
in The number oi eulployes ii The
ilnii.s so that q saving Of more ihdn
$50 900 annually viii be SAVED il, he
payroll, The republican l1onsa had
more than 500 employees. Palmer IL
rallied tie dulles II many 81 them an
his description Of several OF The s'rc
cures brought forth peal, 81 laughter.
| The caucus took i recess until 2:3U
this afternoon.
In addition 10 eliminating about one
| third Of The present number OF House
employees, The Palmer report abolish
Ell theic committees, militia. Pacific
railways, ventilation anil acoustics.
private land elaine. leyres anl i'm
piovrmehis OF tic Mississippi river anf
n,aiiiiiictuTa5. The wav. and means
con,niittee Was authorized - appoint 4
special committee III three whose a;ifi
| It shall 6s ~ ascertain the total amount
Of patronage and appo5ti@n il an,Hnt;
ths jai;i1.ratiC members II l. &
pscted that III addition u private
ecsstary each democrat viii BE- given
patronage amounting 10 about s., 500 q
year Oh the payrole. Tie republicans
will he given The patronage With II i:
q custom al the majority patty III the
House to give Ia iir niinor,,y,
Champ Clark delivered = strong
speech in favor Of economy during the
consideration OF ihr Palmer report.
He remarked thai lie had given mp the
speakers automobile whirll would
save The government $1,000 4 year.
Tie told the members that lie would
work to The extent Of his ability III
bringing about economy in The opera
ron oil The government. Hr said thar
4 care shoiili be taken not t. cripple
The govarnment Int advantage shoiild hr
TAKEN 81 every reasonable Opportunity
Ia save money tor the tax payers.
II aaa planned to begin Al afternoon
session taking up thu report 81 tn.
committee Oil rules, then lie lioI ri
committee members reported by the
committee on ways and means and
after thai elect The officers Of The
JJII..