Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-12-27
independents Silent

majority
Il Independents Silent
y All Of the Independents are maintaining
a strict silence regarding their attitude on
the speakership; but the Democratic ana
Republican leaders are agreed on how
lost of them will vote, provided caucuses
held and solidarity maintained by The
{osoId parties
kelly OF Pennsylvania, a Progressive
mo formerly was a Democratic member
% the House, is listed as Democratic
probability. So are Randall, Prohibition
tst of California, who voted for Speaker
Clark the last time. and London of New
York, Socialist, sits on the Democratic
3de now and has been shown favors by
emocratic leaders.
FSchall Of Minnesota, Progressive. the
eaders agree probably would lean to-
ward Republican candidate if convinced
OF his progressiveism Fuller, Indepen-
dent, of Massachusetts, also is classed
as Republican hope. Martin of Louis
lana, Progressive, comes from a large
sugar district in Louisiana and has indi-
Gated that assurance Of protection Of the
sugar interests will be his first concern
merly was a Democrat. however, and
Democratic leaders hope to get his vote
At the same time Republicans think he
can be convinced that their party is the
only one which has his sugar interests at
heart.
Contests in which certificates have not
been issued are on in the 32d Pennsylva-
MIA district, where Rep. Barchfeld, Re
publican, is contesting the election of
Guy f. Campbell, Democrat, who on the
face Of the returns won by 46 votes, and
the Sd New Jersey district. where Rep.
Scully. Democrat. is opposing the election
OF Robert Carson. Republican. Kelly now
is reported to have lead of 1c5 votes on
the recount but there still are about 5000
votes to be passed upon by the courts.
At least 20 seats, it Is said. will be con-
tested in the House after it has organ
lied. Should the Republicans seat both
Of their contestants and hold their men,
bership solid for their candidate they
would need only two independent votes
to win the speakership, while the Demo-
Gratis would need five.
On the other hand, should the Dem
ocrats win the vcontested seats the
ent votes while the Democrats could
win three votes. There is no question
about the Democrats voting solidly
for Speaker Clark. but there are some
signs of strife among the Republicans
Representative Gardner already has
announced his opposition to Rep.
Mann. Every effort will be made by
leaders. however. to have the solid
support of Republicans assured in con-
ference before voting starts.
Statement by Mann
Representative Gardner, who an
nounced yesterday that he would seek
to obtain a Republican conference to
formulate policies" for the future ac-
tivity Of the party in the House, did
not visit the Capitol today Mr. Mann
was there however, and tonight he ex-
pressed the view that the Republicans
would stand united at least in the or
ganization Of the House. have moth
Ing to say about the speakership mat
ter or the Gardner episode" he said,
except that still hope that the Pres
ident. in some way through Gods prov
idence, may aid In origining a peace
which shall be lasting and permanent
ana provide for disarmament and the
removal Of the heavy burdens of mil
lty and naval preparedness and if I
can in the slightest way bring about
|, such result l would rather do that
than be speaker
The charge Of Mr.. Gardner that I
am Tor Prussia and Prussianism is of
course utterly untrue. am for Amer
Na rst, last and all the time and do
not take sides In the European war; In
tense.
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