The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1916-12-28
INDEPENDENTS
ARE IN CONTROL
Neither of Great Parties Has
a Majority in the
House
DISSENSION IN
REPUBLICAN RANKS
Democrats, However, Viii
Vote Solidly for Champ
Clark

Washington, Dec, Zo'--Nelth'i b'hi'
Gratis nor Republicans will have a ma
iority of the next House necessary to
elect speaker. Revised figures on re-
turns of the last election show that
handful of independents will determine
which side will control the organization
Conceding seats to candidates in pos
session of certificates of election because
they are certain TO participate IN the or,
panization of the House, the personnel
now stands: Republicans, PA; Demo
Gratis, 2l3; independents, 2; Progressives,
q Prohibitionist, /; Socialist, /; con
tested, ?. A majority is 2ls; hence
should either Democrats or Republicans
win both Of the contests they still would
be short of majority.
On the speakership Kelly OF Pennsyi-
vania. Progressive formerly Demo-
cratic member of the House, is listed as a
Democratic probability. So are Randall,
Prohibitionist of California, who voted
for Speaker Clark the last time, and
London of New York Socialist, who sits
on the Democratic side now and has been
shown favors by Democratic leaders.
Schall of Minnesota, Progressive, the
leaders agree, probably would lean to,
ward Republican candidate 1t convinced
of his progressivism. He campaigned
for the national Republican ticket during
the last campaign, although opposed by
the regular organization in his state.
Fuller. independent, of Massachusetts,,
also is classed as Republican hope.
Martin of Louisiana, Progressive,
comes from large sugar district IN
Louisiana, and has Indicated that assur-
ance of protection of the sugar interests
will be his first concern in voting ON the
organization. He formerly was Demo-
crat, 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 Representative Barch-
field. Republican, is contesting the cleo
tion of GUY z. Campbell, Democrat, who
nm the face of the returns won by al
votes. and the third New Jersey district
where Representative Scully, Democrat
is opposing the election OF Robert car,
son. Republican. Scully now is reported
TO have lead of l25 votes on the re-
count, but there still are about SON
votes to be passed upon by the courts
AT least 90 seats, it is said, will be con
tested in the House after it has organ
lied
Democrats Solid for Clark.
Should the Republicans seat both OF
+beir contestants and hold their member
shin solid for their candidate they woule
need only two Independent votes to WIZ
the speakership while the Democrat;
would need FIVE On the other hand
should the Democrats win the contested
seats. the Republicans would need foul
independent votes while the Democrat
could win three votes.
There is no question about the Demo
Gratis voting solidly for Speaker Clark
hut there are some signs of strife amont
the Republicans. Representative oaro
ner already has announced his oppoai
ton to Representative Mann.
Il have nothing to say about I'M
speakership matter or the Gardner epl
sode." said Representative Mann Tues
dav. except that ! still hope that tn'
nresident in some way through Goa
providence may aid in bringing about
ncace which shall be lasting and perma
nent and provide for disarmament an'
tbe removal of the heavy burdens OF mn
tarv and naval preparedness and II cal
in the slightest degree assist to brin'
about such a result | would rather d.
that than to be speaker.
1.-THE charge of Mr.. Gardner that an
for Prussia and Prussanism is, OF COURSE
utterly untrue. / am for America hrs'
last and all the time and do not tax
sides in the European war In MI
Gardeners opinion that is my offense'
81 suppose it is inevitable that IN tn
present situation in regard to polltlca
control of the House every man who get
a crouch will be tempted to 6luste
around and say that he will not play ur
less he can have his own way. That
always one of the results OF very MAI
row margin of votes. But in the end
think the Republicans will have the goo
sense to all get together and act as
united party at least in thesorganizatlo
of the House"
Representative Lenroot of Wisconsin
whom Gardner will support for speake
had no comment.