The Washington herald., 1917-12-26

MAY SUCCEED
MR.. NEWLANDS
Pomerene Is Suggested as
Logical Head Of Interstate
Commerce Committee.

The sudden death Of Senator Fran
cts q. ,Newlands Monday night has
stimulated speculation ~ to who will
he his successor as ehairmn Of the
Senate Interstate Commerce Com
mittee.
Senator Z. D. Smith, Of South Caro-
lima. is the ranking Democratic mem
Der Of the COMMITTEES. But Senator
Smith Is also chairman Of the i'm
portant immigration COMMITTEE and
Is q most prominent member Of the
Agricultural Committee. He belongs
to six other committees.
The South Carolinian has devoted
most OF his time to subjects bearing
upon agriculture. and while he 10 en-
tirely in touch with the railroad stu
alton, he has not made the deep
study Of the problem that has Sen
ator Atlee Pomerene. of Ohio. who
ranks next to Mr.. Smith.
It was rumored last night that
while Senator Smith may be made
the titular head Of the Interstate
Commerce Committee. he will agree
to allow Senator Pomerens to take
charge Of the work.
Takes Interest In Work.
Mr.. Pomerene has always been in
tensely interested in railroad legis-
lation. He Is q member Of the Joint
Congressional or "Newlands'' COM
mittee now investigating American
railroads and was also very prom
inent in the legislation enacted for
the bTotherhoods IN the historic
''near-strike' of August, 1915.
1t is expected that the Interstate
Commerce Committee viii hold .
meeting Immediately to reorganize.
This Is considered necessary because,
upon motion Of Senator Cummins, of
Iowa, the committee has already
started consideration Of the recon-
mendations made by the Interstate
Commerce Commission upon unit con-
troll OF the railways.
Besides the question Of who will con-
duct the destiny of the senate COM
mittee. two other questions are imme-
diately suggested by the death of Sem
Rtor Newlands.
The first is. who will assist President
Wilson with railroad legislation in
place of the Nevada senator. Up to
TINS time Mr.. Newlands. Judge W. c.
Adamson, chairman OF the house COM
Inittee on interstate commerce, and
Judge w. l.. Chambers. Of the board
OF mediation and Cancellation, have
acted for the President in the way OF
ascertaining necessary information
Now Senator Newlands is dead, and
Judge Adsnlson has become collector
Of internal revenue at New York
Judge Chambers is the only one Of the
trio left, and he has no close associa-
ton with congress. 1t is supposed
Senator Pomerene will take the place
OF Mr.. Newlands In this semi-officiaI
capacity. although the names Of Sem
ators Robinson Of Arkansas, Sauls-
bury. Of Delaware, Lewis, of Illinois,
and Underwood, Of Alabama, are also
suggested.
The second question Is, who Will MI
the Democratic vacancy upon the COM
mittee. This position. will be one Of
great importance now tfaS the failroad
question is looming 30 large In Amer
lean life and law.
In order to make final ARRANGEMENTS
for the funeral. the family Of Senator
Newlands were endeavoring tonight to
ind his daughter, Mrs. Edith N. john
son. who Is believed to be near Santa
Barbara, Calf. It Is thought now that
the funeral services will be held at st.
Adams Cathedral. Washington, on
Thursday, December n.
The cause Of Senator Neyland's
death was a eliot OF blood at his heart
Senator Phelan OF California, who was
with Senator Eewlands six hours be-
fore death occurred, was much shock |
ed when he heard the news