Smyrna times., 1917-01-10
HERVEY P HALL, SMYRNA
WINS SPEAEERSHIP FIGHT
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AT
DOVER HONOR HIM BY ELECTION
He Takes the Chair With the Good
Wishes of Friends and Promises
Square Deal Other Officers

Democrat. of Smyrna. with the solid
support of the Democratic members,
was elected speaker Of the House of
Representatives late last Wednesday
afternoon, after The Times had gone
to press. for the ninety-sixth session.
Mr.. Hall, who is connected with the
j. Fl. Hoffecker Canning Co, at
Smyrna, served in the House two years
ago, and also about ten years ago.
He has ser ed as a member of the
Revenue and Taxation Commission
some years ago. Mr.. Hall is looked
on as an out-and-out "dry" man.
Eighteen Democrats voted for Mr..
Hall, thereby electing him. He did
not vote himself. The sixteen Repub-
licans voted for Henry C. Downward,
of Wilmington, for speaker. After
the election of Speaker Hall, TIVE fol-
lowing House officers, who were named
in the caucus held by Ia Democratic
members on Monday night, Jan. 4,
were elected:
Chief William H. Poore, of
Hartley.
Reading gcleTk-William G. Janvier,
of st. Georges.
Sergeant-at-arms-T. Roseby Nc
Mullen, of Newark.
Bill clerk-Jesse M. Wainwright,
of Seaford.
Chaplain-The Rev. John T. Bailey,
of Dover.
Page William Allen, Of Dover.
Telephone messenger-Arthur B.
Cordrey, of Laurel.
The entire nineteen Democratic
members voted for these officers. The
sixteen Republicans supported the fol-
lowing candidates for the offices;
Chief clerk-E. C. Pierce; reading
clerk, Harry W. Mousley; sergeant
alarms, Harry H. Williams; bill
clerk, Robert S. Wood; chaplain, the
Rev. Walter E. Gunby; page, Charles
S. Davidson; telephone messenger,
Wilkins Cranston.
How the Deadlock Was Broken
Much of the credit for the breaking
of the deadlock in the House is due to
the efforts of Democratic State Chair
man Harry T. Graham of Wilmington.
Mr.. Graham went to Dover at moor
Wednesday and Immediately talked
with Mr.. Hall and the four hold-out
members-Representatives Connolly
and McNabb of Wilmington, and WelcF
and Marvel of Sussex county. He
stated afterWards that he found then
all to be in a receptive mood. After
Mr.. Graham got the four men into 1
conference with Representative Hal
it took but comparatively short tim'
to reach an agreement which resulted
in the organization of the House few
minutes later. 1t is understood tina
under the agreement reached IN tn,
conference and which resulted in tn
election of Mr.. Hall as speaker, tn
latter will name Hewson E. Lannan
Jr., of the Tenth ward, Wilmington
as speakers clerk. Mr.. Connolly ha
been supporting Mr.. Lannon for chic
clerk of the House. John Walls O
Wilmington, who Mr.. McNabb wa
supporting for sergeant at arms, vii
get position as telephone messenger
Mr.. Welch one of the Sussex count
"hold-outs, will name the chic
stenographer, who it is said, will b
a young woman now in the Office G
Attorney James Nj. Tunnell Of George
town, and Representative Marvel G
Sussex county, was allotted the auditC
to be named later by the House. N
agreement was reached as to the az
pointment Of an attorney. E. 1
Cochran, Jr.. of Wilmington, is
candidate for the position. 1t ws
believed by many persons that th
threat of Representative Burris, Ri
publican, to change his vote if
speaker was not soon elected hurrie
the agreement among the Democrats
- Speaker Hall Escorted to the Chail
After the ballot was taken electin
Mr.. Hall, Temporary Speaker Boyt
appointed Representatives naly ar
Downward to escort the new speak'
to his chair. Speaker Hall made
few remarks of thanks for the hont
conferred on him. He asked for, I'll
cooperation of all members in :ol
Quoting the business of the House al
promised "fair deal to all. - TT
House got down to business at ono,
Speaker Hall swore in the new chi
clerk and reading clerk. A resolutit
offered by Mr.. DAILY, that the clel
notify the Senate that the House W
organized and resdy for business, W
adopted. The Senate, however, hi
adjourned at that time. Represent
tive Connolly offered a rsolution tn
the speaker appoint a committee
a.. 90 I'LL