The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1917-01-05
NEITHER
Has Enough 90 Elect SpealSer-Re-
publicans and Democrats Must
Look 10 Independents

Washington, Dec. 26.-Revised fig-
ures on returns of the latest election
show definitely that neither Demo-
Gratis nor Republicans will have a ma
iority of the next house, necessary to
elect speaker, and that a handful
/ OF Independents will determine which
side Will control the organization.
Conceding seats to candidates In
possession OF certificates of election,
because they are certain to partici-
pate In the organization OF the house,
/ the personnel now stands Republi-
cans, 2l4; Democrats. 213; Indepen-
dents, 2; Progressive; Prohibitionist,
/; Socialist / contested, 2. A ma
iority Is 2lS, hence should either the
Democrats or Republicans win both
OF the contests they still would be
short of a majority.
All of the Independents are main
tanning strict silence regarding their
attitude on the speakership, but the
Democratic and Republican leaders
are agreed on how most of them will
vote. provided caucuses are held and
solidarity maintained by the two old
parties.
Kelley, Of Pennsylvania, a Pro-
gressiye, who formerly was a Demo
cratic member of the house, is listed
as a Democratic probability. So are
Randall, Prohibitionist, of Californ-
Ia, who voted for Speaker Clark the
last time, and London of New York, |
sits on the Democratic side and has |
been shown favors by Democratic |
leaders.
ClaSsed as Republicans
Schall OF Minnesota, Progressive. |
the leaders agree, probably would |
lean toward a Republican candidate |
il convinced of his progressivism. He
campaigned for the national Repub-
lican ticket during the last campaign,
although opposed by the regular or
ganization in his state. Fuller, In
dependent, of Massachusetts,, also is
classed as a Republican hope.
Martin of louisiana, Progressive,
comes from a large sugar district in
Louisiana and has indicated that as
surance of protection of the sugar in
terests will be his first concern in vot-
ing on the organization. He former
ly was Democrat, however, and De-
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 on in the Thirty-sec-
Dnd Pennsylvania district, where
representative Barchfeld, Republican
Is cOntesting the election of Guy E.
Democrat, who on the face
Of the returns won by 46 votes, and
The Third New Jersey district where
Scull, Democrat, is
the election of Robert Car
son, Republican. Scully now is re-
ported to have a lead of 1875 votes on
he recount, but there still are about
5000 votes to be passed upon by the
courts. At least 20 seats, it is said,
will be contested in the house after it
las organized.
Strife Among Republicans
Should the Republicans seat both !
If their contestants and hold their !
solid for their candidate
hey would need only two indepen- |
lent votes to win the speakership, Y
While the Democrats would need five.
IN the other hand, should the Demo-
rats win the contested seats, the Re- \
Dublicans would need four indepen- {
lent votes while the Democrats would {
vim by three votes.
There is no question about the {
Democrats voting sOlidly for Speaker |
lark, but there are some signs of 7
trife among the Republicans. Rep
Gardner already has an
Iounced his opposition to Represen-
ative Mann. Every effort will be ;
made by leaders, however, to have a
he solid support of Republicans as =
ured in conference before voting 7
tarts. 4