The Washington herald., 1913-03-06
kern IS named
SENATELEADER
Martins Mantle Falls Upon
Hoosier, Who viii Steer
Legislative Policies.
TILLMAN MAKES TALK
South Carolinian, Once "Pitehfork
Ben," Now "Reaetionary," will Get
Appropriation Chairmanship.

Senator John Worth Kern Of Indiana
was elected chairman OF the Democratic
caucus yesterday, succeeding Senator
Thomas F. Martin of Virginia, who
withdrew from the race a few days ago.
when it became apparent that he could
not win. Senator Francis @. Newlands
of Nevada was chosen vice chairman.
and Senator Willard Salisbury of Della
ware was elected secretary. The caucus
was harmonious. Senator Kern was au-
thorized to appoint a steering committee
OF nine members. OF which he is to be
the ex officio chairman. He will name
this committee tomorrow. following
which the committee will begin the work
of assigning Democrats to committee
places.
Senator Tillman of South Carolina read
a statement in the caucus. In which he
intimated that he would expect to be
Committee. to which he is entitled under
the seniority rule. He declared that he
would also request the right to name at
least two new members OF the Senate
to serve on that committee to aid him
In the heavy work.
Senator TiIlman declared that he had
been dubbed a "reactionary'' recently.
although when he came to Washington
eighteen wears ago he was so ultra radi-
he was Stunned by many as the 'Wild
Man from Borneo."
IT was almost regarded as an an
archist,' said he. THE people have
caught UP. and some of those who were
then tagging behind and pulling back
are now leading the procession, or trying
to do so. 1t is now fashionable to be
progressive. whatever that may he. I
have not changed at all: I am simply a
~.
and believe relisiously in the principles
of Democracy as enunCiated at Balti-
more"
Leadership Must BE Won.
Senator Tillman told the caucus that
leadership in the Senate could not be
conferred upon any one by n vote of the
members of the Senate. He said that
il must be won on tho floor. and that
the man who aspired to leadership must
his ability as a debater. his
foresight and acumen as a leader. his
as a manager. and his capac-
ity to enlist the support of his fellow
Senator's He said that the complexion
Of the senate committees would deter
mine in large part whether the Wilson
is to be a success. and
insisted that no one man be allowed to
name the committees or place men on
them.
There has been no real leader in the
Senate on the democratic side in my
time" said Senator Tillman. Bailey
had the ability and knowledge OF public
but his infirmities Of temper
= nd lack Of tact made his leadership un-
thinkable to some men. Then envy and
were at work. too
Senator Kern declined last night to dis
,uss tho personnel OF the steering COM
rittee that he will appoint. II is under
stood. however. that Senator Martin. the
ieposed chairman. will be given a place
m the committee. In the hope of con-
,ilating him. II is probable that Sem
.tor Clarke of Arkansas, another OF the
sO-Called conservatives. will be reCog-
lized on the steering committee. Most
t the other members will come from
he ranks of the so-called progressives
ma the new members will be given rec
ignition.
The steering committee will act as a |
committee on committees, and the COM |
,lexOn of the majority membership on |
Ill of the important committees will be |
iXed by it. subject to the approval of |
he caucus.