The Washington times., 1917-03-30
CLARK NOMINATED
FOR SPEAKERSHIP
Is Unanimous Choice of Demo-
Gratis at Party Caucus
Today.
CONTINUED from First Page.)


Of a few of his sympathizers. can
cause a lot Of trouble II he adhere'
to his committee program. He may
vote for Speaker Clark and then In
sist upon dethroning certain COM
mittee chairmen in retribution foi
the 'dry" legislation.
Mr.. Gallivan bases his Insurgency
on the theory that Northern Demo
Gratis have been Disseminated against
In committee assignments, but the
prohibition issue Is believed also to
be a controlling factor.
Congressman Whit Martin, Protec'
ZIONIST. of Louisiana, has also reached
washington. He issued a statement
saying that no one had authority to
say for whom he would vote. that he
had made no announcement and
would make none. That Congress
man Randall, Prohibitionist, was not
speaking for Martin when he pre-
dicted the independents would vote
Democratic was asserted by Mr..
Martin.
Republicans. Too. Have Troubles.
The situation on the Republican
side likewise remains unsettled In
some quarters Lenroot, of Wisconsin.
Is regarded as a passive candidate
for the speakership in opposition to
Mr.. Mann
Fractional differences are cropping
out in both parties and the organiza'
tion fight promises to be spiritedJ al
though II may be brief. 1t Is now
conceded the Republicans Will present
a full ticket, despite the suggestion
Of Minority Leader Mann for q bi-
partisan organization. There Is still
no assurance, however, that all of the
Republicans will vote for Mr.. Mann.
and the first ballot may result in no
choice by majority because of the re-
ported intention of some Of the Re
publicans to vote present" and give
neither candidate a majority.
Compromise Considered.
Whether. these recalcitrants would
be willing to accept Mann in the
Speakers chair, with the understand
Ing that Lenroot would be the floor
leader OF the Republicans, regardless
of the outcome of Mann's candidacy.
is open to speculation. There are
several New Englanders who do not
look with favor upon Lenroots can
didacy for the leadership, DESPITE
Gardner's espousal OF the Wisconsin
member. These men think Lenroot
has not taken q sufficiently strong
stand on preparedness and inter
national questions. However. as be-
tween Mann and Lenroot, they admit
the Wisconsin. member represents the
greater qualification from their point
of view.
Every effort will be made at the
conference OF the Republicans. Satur-
day afternoon, to insure action upon
the election of the floor leader follow
ing the Endorsement of the party's
choice for Speaker. Any attempt tn
bind members. of the party attending
the conference to vote its didtum on
the Speakership or anything else NAV
result In several members walking
out Ia advance OF any action
Sad News for Republicans.
Republican chances for organizing
the House were lessened today when
a telegram was received from Con-
gressman John H. Capstick of New
Jersey. saying that he would be un-
able to attend the session of the
House Monday because OF serious Ill
ness. In the event there are no other
absentees this leaves the Republican
strength at 213, while the Democrats
are PA, and both sides have an equal
chance at the five independent votes.
The Capstick telegram caused gloom
N Republican circles.