The Washington times., 1917-04-02
CLARK ELECTED
SPEAKER OF HOUSE
Placed in Nomination by Con-
gresham SchalI, an lnde-
pendent Member.
Continued from First Pag4.)

CONTINUED from First Page.)
of the late Congressman Conry, OF
New York, and Slloway, of New
Hampshire, being empty.
As soon as the preliminary roll call
was completed Clerk Trfmble recog-
nized Congressman Schall, the blind
member from Minnesota. Mr.. Schall
belongs TO the, independent group OF
FIVE and was elected as a Progressive
Republican.
Takes House BY Surprise.
He took the House by surprise by
placing in nomination. the Democratic
candidate for Speaker, Champ Clark
of Missouri. The Minnesota member
dramatically exclaimed that with his
sightless eyes he could be of no bene-
fit to his country on the battlefield,
but that ne could aid in giving the
President a Democratic House in the
present national emergency.
Congressman Cooper of Ohio, former
railroad engineer, was the only Re-
publican who applauded Schall. He
clapped feebly.
The unexpected, action of Mr.. Schall
made it unnecessary for any Demo
crat to place Speaker Clark in nomina-
tion. Congressman Saunders of Vir-
ginia arose with the evident purpose
of nominating Mr.. Clark, but when
Mr.. Schall, at the conclusion OF his
patriotic speech, said he gladly nomi-
mated the Missouri Democrat, Mr..
Saunders gave way.
Green Names Mann.
Mr.. Mann was placed in nomination
by Congressman Green OF Massachu-
setts, chairman OF the Republican
caucus. Mr.. Green paid a brief trib-
ute to the ability OF Mr.. Mann and the
patriotism of the Republican party.
The balloting for Speaker then be-
gan.
Many Wear Peace Badges.
While the war spirit grew as the
national legislators assembled in the
House chamber, the corridors were
dotted with visitors bearing peace
badges. Two hours before the ses-
sion convened little groups of pa
cifsts stood about the entrance ways
and corridors. All of them carried
or wore small American flags, but on
the arm was pinned white badges
reading:
Keep us out Of war"
The pro-war patriots were about,
too, but they were less conspicuous,
and not so generously bedecked with
flags and placards.
Comparatively few OF the pacifists
and the antis gained admission to
the galleries proper. Their vigil was
one of standing on the outside look
ing in" Admission to the galleries
was by card only. and few of the
visitors had a card, nor were they
obtainable.
Despite the fact that a hot organi-
zation fight was in prospect members
did not begin>t to show Hp around the
House until nearly ndbn. At 11:3O
less than a dozen members were
about the chamber and Speakers
lobby. Prom that time on, however,
they began to drift in by twos and
threes until the chamber was filled
as the organization fight got under
way.
Rumors About Capitol
There were rumors about the Capt.
tol all morning that the President
might come to the Capitol as soon
as the House organization was ef-
fected. House leaders did not en-
courage sucn plan because Oh lne
physical difficulties in the way.
Although many members doubt the
wisdom OF the Presidents appear
ance before Congress after the event
shall have been advertised in ed
vance, there were difficulties in the
way OF an unexpected visit this aft
ernoon. - was explained by House
leaders that possibly q dozen roll
calls might be necessary assuming
that there will be a contest over all
the House offices. These calls would
necessarily prolong the session and
delay the visit of the President.
Furthermore, not especially strict
police precautions were taken today.
The Capitol was filled early with all
sorts and conditions of visitors, and
while admission to the galleries, was
by card, no Secret Service regula-
tions, such as are planned for to-
morrow, are in effect today. Under
all the circumstances. House leaders
suggested at noon, II would be IN