The Bridgeport evening farmer. [volume] (Bridgeport, Conn.) 1866-1917, 1917-03-10
COALITION PLAN
FOR ORGANIZING
! HOUSE FAVORED

Washington, March 10-Un1ess the
Democratic vacancy caused by the
death Of Representative Michael F.
Conry Of New York is filled before the
extra session of Congress convenes, on
April 16, the Democrats will be at a
disadvantage in the organization Of
the House. The possibility that
Speaker Champ Clark will be elected
to succeed himself while the Republic
cans control the more important COM
mittees is. under serious discussion
here by members Of both parties. Such
a situation would be unique. but
complications within both tho Demo-
cratic and Republican ranks tend to
encourage belief that it may come to
exist.
With the Conry vacancy unified the
membership Of the next Touse now
stands: Democrats PA, Republicans
215, Independents 5, vacancy 1. 1t is
thought that the Democrats may
safely count upon the votes Of two
Independents, London, Socialist Of
list, Of California.
The Republicans, it is believed. have
gained the votes Of the remaining
~,
Ter Of Massachusetts,, who ran as an
independent; Whit Martin of Louis
lana, Progressive, and Schall Of Min.
nesota, Progressive.
This apparently gives the Republi.
cans a vote of 218. Or two more than
is necessary to control if the Conry
vacancy is unified.
Prior to the announcement late yes.
terday that the President had called
an extra session there was under-sur.
face talk at the Capitol of organiza-
ton along the following lines:
Speaker-Champ Clark, Democrat
Democratic Floor Leader-Kitchin
Of North Carolina
Republican Floor Leader-Mann OF
Illinois
Chairman of Rules Committee
Lenroot of Wisconsin, Republican.
Chairman Of Foreign Affairs
Flood Of Virginia, Democrat.
Ways and Means and Appropriations
ttees-Even1y divided between
Democrats and Republicans.
1t is also suggested that the Demo-
Gratis shall retain certain House pat
ronage and the Republicans have the
remainder. 1t is tentatively proposed,
for instance, that the Democrats shall
name the doorkeeper and sergeant at
arms, while the Republicans shall des-
ignate the clerk and the postmaster.
Admittedly these suggestions are un-
precedented, but one of the Democratic
leaders is authority for the statement
that they are being informally con.
sidered by the rank and file of the two
parties.
Owing to discussions in ting Repub-
1ican ranks there is doubt of the abili-
ty to elect the present minority leader,
Mr.. Mann, as Speaker. The Democrats
will vote solidly for Clark, but assur-
ances are yet to be obtained thai all
the Republicans will vote for Mr..
Mann, although the ability of MI. Mann
as parliamentarian is undisputed.
Under such circumstances, it is said, a
who is personally popular on the Re-
publican side, may be reelected pre-
siding officer.
Seniority Rule May Go
Republicans are also troubled over
the seniority rule. 1t is privately adj
mitted that there are at least three or
four ranking Republicans on commit
tees who are regarded by their party
leaders as temperamentally unfit for
committee chairmanships.
Should the Republicans control the
House by the narrow margin Of one or
two votes it would be exceedingly diff
1icult to abolish the seniority rule in
specific instances without raising a
dangerous disturbance within party
ranks. This situation lends force to
the suggestion that the Democrats
shall retain control of certain COM
mittees, while the Republicans shall
assume control Of others. Such an
arrangement, it is argued, might be
defended on the ground of expediency,
compromise and prompt organization
It might straighten out tangles in both
parties and particularly among the
Republicans.
With a majority against them the
Democrats may be expected to ac-
quiesce, on the theory that half a
loaf is better than none. Each party