Evening star., 1913-03-05
KERN NAMED TO HEAD
DEMOCRATS IN SENATE
Succeeds Martin as Leader.
Provides for Reorganiza-
tion of Committees.

After unanimously electing Senator
John w. Kern Of Indiana to be chairman
In place Of Senator Martin Of Virginia.
the democratic senatorial caucus author
lied him to appoint a committee OF nine
to devise a plan for the reorganization
of the Senate committees along demo-
cratic lines, with the understanding that
he should present his list to the caucus
at it's next meeting, which was called for
tomorrow.
The list will be subject to the approval
of the caucus. but it is not anticipated
that many changes will be made
AS a matter of fact. the democratic sem
ators who heretofore have been demand
ing change in the selection of a steer
ing committee have materially modified
their position since it became evident that
their choosing. Most of the senator's ex-
pressed confidence in Senator kerns fair
ness, and only few of them voiced the
thought that the committee should be
selected by the caucus itself.
Not Candidate for Office.
Senator Kern was placed in nomina ton
by Senator Shively Of his own state, and
in response to his election said that, while
he had not been a candidate for the Of
flee. he highly appreciated the great honor
conferred upon him.
He said that he would not undertake
to be leader because he considered
himself too new in the Senate for such
assumption but that he would be only
too glad to follow the combined and
enlightened sentiment OF the forty-nine
democratic senators. He made an ear
nest plea for harmony in the Senate. say
ing that all democrats should unite in
making Mr.. Wilson's administrator one
of the most successful in the history Of
the country.
Senator Newlands Vice Chairman.
Senator Newlands of Nevada was chosen
vice chairman and Senator Salisbury Of
Delaware. one of the newly elected men,
bers of the body. was named as secre-
tary of the caucus. Mr.. Newlands ac-
knowledged the honor conferred upon
himself, echoing Chairman Ken's plea
for harmonious action among the demo-
Gratis.
On motion of Senator OGorman of New
York, the caucus adopted a resolution
thanking Senator Martin for his services
as chairman during the past two years.
The resolution was couched in compli-
mentary terms and was heartily agreed
to.
During q discussion of the resolution
authorizing the chairman to select
steering committee Senator TiElman took
occasion to express his preference for
the Craftsmanship for the committee on
appropriations and In doing SO indOrsed
the seniority plan of preference as the
most desirable method of filling the Sen
ate committees.
Backed by President Wilson.
Stating that he was the ranking demo-
crat on the three important committees
on appropriations. naval affairs and in
terstate commerce, he said that he had
requested the advice of President Will
son as to the craftsmanship that he should
choose and that the President had urged
his selection as chairman OF the commit
tee on appropriations.
In the course Of his speech the South
Carolina senator took occasion to argue
the necessity of a most economical ad-
ministration of the business Of the coun-
try, and he said that agreeing with him
on this point the new President had
urged his conviction in this respect as
the best reason for placing him at the
would have most to do in supplying the
money for the running of the govern
ment.
Selection of Committees.
1t is expected that the work Of select
ing steering committee for the designa-
ton and distribution Of the committee
positions will complete its work tomorrow,
after which the caucus probably Will ad-
journ for two or three weeks to enable
the steering committee to properly con-
slider the important duty assigned to it,
The democratic senators who agreed to
the plan to have the chairman name the
steering committee say that under il
it would be necessary for him to sub
nit the list for confirmation by the eau
Gus as a whole, which is departure from
the old method