Omaha daily bee., 1916-12-29
Nebraska
OPPOSITION LOOMS
AGAINST JACKSON
Oils and Trumble Most Active
in Lists for Speaker of
House.
PHIL KOHL IN THE SENATE

FTom StaN correspondent
Lincoln, Dec. 2S,-(Special)-Al-
though members of the state legisla-
ture have been slow in coming in,
due doubtless to the fact that so
far there has been little interest taken
in organizing both branches. because
of lack of candidates, it begins to look
today as if there might be session
after all. ..
Among the few here at noon today
were Representatives Greenwalt and
Taylor Of Custer, Reisner of Thomas,
Oils Of Valley, Howard OF Douglas,
Trumble of Sherman and Senators
Beal of Custer and Bushee of Kim
ball. -.. r D.
On the speakership there appears
to be much uncertainty. While
former Speaker George Jackson has
many friends among the old mem
bers, it is understood feeling exists
among some that the honor should
be passed around.
Oils Of Vallel, former member
Of the lower body and twice Of the
upper chamber, will accept the Office
if it is thrust Upon him, although he
admits that the thrust may not have
to be very hard, mere touch being
sufficient. II am not just now an
active candidate for the place." said
Mr.. Oils to The Bee this noon, "but
if the members feel that / am the
man shall not undertake to thwart
them in the matter"
Trumble in Lead.
Representative Trumble of Sher-
man county looks like the most
formidable candidate against the for
mer speaker. 1t is understood that
the Douglas county delegation will
be for Mr.. Trumble or at least most
of them and if so he will go into the
fight with strong backing. Trumble
has reputation for saying exactly
what he means and for that reason
even. his opponents for the position
are willing to admit he will find plenty
of support.
Another candidate for the speaker
ship is John H. Reifenrath of Crofton.
1t is understood that he is an active
candidate for the place and has writ
ten letters to the members asking
support.
For the chief clerkship the situation
remains unchanged. George w.
Potts, who was chief clerk at the last
session, is candidate and has host
of friends, while ]. w. Jones of Lin
coin has many times qualified in the
modest Roman of them all" class.
Either man will make good chief
clerk.
Kohl Is Willing.
In the senate the scramble is very,
very digni6ed. Former President Pro
Tenn Phil Kohl will take the honor
for another term if his brother demo-
cratic senators SO will, while Beal OF
Custer, who arrived the first of the
week, feels a sort of "hankering" to
sit up in the big chair when Lieuten-
ant Governor Edgar Howard is not
holding down the job. Rumors that
Senator Ed Howell of Douglas will
contest for the place are only just
rumors, so far as anyone now on the
ground will disclose.
The appearance Of F. A. Reisner on
the scene brings out the rumor that
he will be candidate for the position
of floor leader for the minority party
in the house. Mr.. Reisner admits
that he would like the place and be-
lieves that the short-grass country is
entitled to a little honor along this
line. Mr.. Reisnerj is debater from
the ground up. He has been a
preacher and an evangelist, although
not a "has-been." He still retains
the fire Of oratory which brought sin
ners to repentance and it is possible
that if made floor leader for the re-
publican minority he will be able to
bring the democratic majority to the
political altar in a repentent condi-
ton.
There appears to be no opposition
so far to E. A. Walrath for secre-
tary of the senate.