The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-01-29
DEMOCRATIC PARTY
 WELL ORGANIZED. Clark and Underwood Hold the Reins of Leadership ABLE MEN FOR PLACE
Henry D. Clayton of Alabama Is Slated to Head Judiciary Commit- tee and Will Settle All
 Doubtful Questions

Washington. January 2S.-(Special)- These declining days of republican power in the House of Representatives lend in- terest tc the members of the democratic minority. To the political tyro, unfa- miliar with the importance of the meas- ures under consideration there appears to be but one leader of the minority Champ Clark. As matter of fact there are some 20 others who figure in the proceedings in such way as to place them in the leadership class. These members are regarded as authorities on bills reported from important commit tees and their colleagues look to them for notification when record votes are ordered. When Leader Clark happens to be out of the House, Representative Os- car Underwood of Alabama, who is slated for chairman of the ways and means committee in the next House, is looked to, and if a skirmish breaks out he takes charge and marshals the minor- ity. It is on such occasions that Acting Whip John N. Garner of Texas takes hand in the leadership. He sends out the ws1 ming that brings members in from the committee rooms, and sees to it that the absentees are paired, if an inn portant vote is to be had. Whip Garner is also a member of the foreign affairs committee and takes prominent part in shaping the diplomatic appropriation bill He does not always figure in debate. but he makes his influence felt. He is all ways on hand to answer questions put to r; l,x,b h ic Iaoo ba ouc programme. He is close lieutenant to Leader Clark.
 Opportunity For Democrats
 But it is when the appropriation hills are under discussion that opportunity is given to the democrats to show their leadership The ranking democrat on the Appropriation committee is Representa- tive Livingston of Georgia, followed by Representatives Fitzgerald of New York, Burleson of Texas and Sherley of Ken lucky. These four members are among the leaders for their experience has treved of great value to the minority. They are familiar with the needs of the government, and are thoroughly posted on the budgets. Their activities are not confined to money bills. They figure in near.y every debate, especially if the de- bate. has to do with House proceedings, for they are authorities on the rules. This is particularly true of Fitzgerald and Shirley.
 !, When the army bill comes up Represen- tative Sulzer of New York, the dean of the eastern democracy and a veteran of is years continuous service, takes a lead ing part. He knows the army and it's wants. He is the ranking democrat on the military affairs committee and serves on the joint conference committee after the army bill comes. back with Senate amendments. He is regarded as strong parliamentary, and more than once has worried the majority. Others who take part in shaping army legislation and are always on the alert for parliamentary rights are Representatives Hays of Vir- ginia and Slaydens of Texas. They are all men of long service and their opin- ions carry weight.
 Clayton. Is n Leader On the judicial questions which arise now and then and particularly on meas ures reported from the judiciary com mittee, Representative Clayton of Ala bama, who is slated" for the chairman ship of that committee, and Henry of Texas take leading part. They rank with the best lawyers in the House, and when they have anything to say on con stitutional questions they are sure of hearing. Members of the minority who figure in debates are generally those assigned to leading committees having jurisdiction Such committees are interstate ana ror~