The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-03-09
Bacon Accuses Supposed
Friends Of Conspiracy
Against Him.
HIS ASSOCIATES
ARE IN UGLY MOOD
Presidents Brother, Joseph Will
son, Is Defeated for Secretary
of Senate, and Place Is Given
to James M. Baker, of South
Carolina-Other Officers
Named.
Especial to The Times-pispa,ch.

Especial to The Times -Dispatchl
Washington. March s.-Thc split In
the ranks OF the Democrats was EN-
phasized to-day during the further
session of the Senate party caucus.
senator Bacon. the defeated candi
date for president pro temnort. in
private conversation. accused several
Senators whom he had believed to be
his friends, of conspiracy and init
mated that his defeat was the result
OF downright treachery. This only
added to the friction. The close per-
sonal associates OF Bacon are in ugly
mood, and each day the wedge that is
driving the party apart sinks trifle
deeper.
At to-days session of the caucus
James VI. Baker Of South Carolina,
was nominated for secretary of the
senate. Upwards OF two hours were
consumed examining charges that
Baker had spoculated in cotton. Baker
appeared before the caucus, admitted
the charge. said lie tried 10 increase
his income by that method and lost.
but had paid every dollar he lost
through tho SuIlv failure ono senator
observed that if all men who ever
spcculated were brought before the
caucus for examination /; might be
necessary TO put every Senator on the
stand.
Fully Exoperated.
In tho ballotinE Baker was cy-
oncratcd. ON the first ballot he re-
ccivcd twcnty-thrcc votes and on tho
second the caucus broke to him and
his nomination followed by acclama-
ton Joseph r. Wilson. brother OF
tho President, received nine votes and
Robert H. Gates. Tennessee nnws-
paper man, receiv2e tho same num-
bcr John NJ. Keller OF New York.
Senator O'Gorman's candidate, got two
votes as did former Senator Obadiah
Gardner. OF Maine. backed by Senator
Gore. Scattering votes OF ono each
were cast FOR three other candidates
Thomas w. Keller, of West Virginia.
who, like Baker, has been an alta che
Of the Senate for long years WAS
chosen for assistant doorkeepcr OF the
Senate. The complete list OF elective
officers agreed upon are:
President pro ,empore Senator
lanes =. Clarke. OF Arkansas: score
tary, James NJ. Baker. OF South Caro-
lima; sergeant -at-arms. Charles =. Hig-
gins. OF Missouri chaplain. Rev +. j.
PiGt;yman. OF Maryland; assistant
doorlseeper, Thomas W. Keller OF West
Virginia
The steering committee was unable
10 tpiltEi'lc us WOfk OF ASSIGNING
members 10 the committees. No other
subject than the elective oniccrf was
discussed. the caucus adjourning TO
meet 8 the call OF the chairman
Wnnt Committees Enlarged
The Republican steering committee
has urged the Democratic leaders to
agree to an enlargement of the num-
beT OF members OF the Foreign Rcla-
tions and Finance Committees. The
committees now is six. II the Demo-
Gratis Will not enlarge them Senator
La Toilette must get off Of the Finance
Committee, as he stands at the bottom
OF the list. The Republicans are anN-
ious TO keep this Progressive on the
committee for the sake of peace and
harmony.
There are eight Republicans on the
Foreign Relations Committee. If there
is no change in the total minority
membership Senators Burton and Dill
lingham. who are at the bottom. must
be dropped. Both Senators are most
anxious to retain their standing on
this committee: No word has been re-
ceived from the Democratic leaders
and until their conclusion is reach
ed the Republican steering com
mittee cannot assign its Senator's. 4
Republican caucus is to be held Mon