Evening journal., 1917-01-03

served notice that if there is no chang
on the iirst ballot set for o'clock TIM
afternoon. he will feel called on *
change his vote.
Later on he modified his statement
and said he would not change his vote
this afternoon. but might later.
II would require three Republican
votes. IN addition 20 the fifteen
Democrats supporting Hall, TO elect
Hall sneaker. Mr.. Burris promised
his Republican colleagues not to
change his vote this afternoon, but
would consider himself free 10
change after today.
AIr Burris is a Republican ana ma
hecn voting for Henry G. Downward o
Wilmington, the Republican caucus Sc
lection for speaker.
Joseph c. Hutchinson, Republican, o
Appoouinimink hundred, followed MI
Burris by making the same announce
mcnt.
Persons who heard their statement
wondered whether these two Republl
cans and others will support Hervey I
Hall. Democrat, for speaker, n there J
no election on the first ballot TINS al
ternoon. Mr.. Burris when asked u
under the circumstances rs he outlined
r. was his intention TO support MI
Hall declined TO make any direct reply
The House convened at IL O'Clock
with Representative Boyer as tenn
porary speaker In the chair. the
balloting for speaker was started al
once. Three ballots we're taken witt
this result Hall. Democrat. 10
Downward. Republican. 10; Weich
Democrat. 2.
Representative McNabb was no
present. he being detained in vii
mington until the noon train. MT
Welch did not vote.
After the three ballots had beer
taken Representative Hall moved
that recess be taken until o'clock
Before the motion was put Mr.. Bur
rls arose and said he would like e
say a word to the members OF thu
House. He said:
while I recognize the right OF the
other side TO organize the House an'
want them 10 do II. think Il fair L
say 20 you now that II you don't cleo
a speaker on the first ballot this az
ternoon I will feel called on 20 chang
my vote"
Il heartily endorse what Mr.. Bur
ris has said and shall act accord
ingly," Mr.. Hutchinson announced
These two announcements cause
sensation IN the House, although
was not entirely unexpected. tn
House Immediately took a recess unit
o'clock.
The Republicans at once went int
conference in the Governors parlors.
When the Legislators arrived in Dc
yer this morning TO renew their ei
forts TO organize the two Houses @
the General Assembly, there was
persistent rumor around the stat
House that there was possibility Q
Representative Hervey p. Hall, @
Smyrna receiving sufficient Republi
can support 10 elect him Speaker.
Fifteen Democrats have been sup
porting Mr.. Hall for speaker and
REQUIRES eighteen votes to elect. MI
!, Hall, when seen. stated that he an
Eabis friends have not and will not SO
licit Republican support.
IF get any support from the othe
side II positively must come unsol
cited" Mr.. Hall stated.
Representative Connolly stated b
had conference with Representativ
McNabb a. the station In WHINING
ton this morning and that they hal d.
cided TO stand pat' on their claim
for the appointment OF their sele'
tons for officers of the House
Mr.. Connolly also said he had talke
with many OF the voters In his distri'
and that they upheld him In his STAN
Representative Welch, of SUISSE
county. also a candidate for Speake
stated that the four "holdouts"-hin
self. Representatives Marvel, of SUI
sex. and Connolly and Mr.. McNabb,
Wilmington-had decided not TO civ
out any more personal interviews, b'
whatever they give out in the futul
will be signed by the four. The foi
are to hold a conference early tn
afternoon.
The situation in the Senate IS NUT
different from that IN the House,
there Is no sign OF an early adjus
ment that would insure organizatio
The three ballots taken at noon tod
showed no change IN the voting art
which a recess was taken until
o'clock Representative Connel
and McNabb were together al dim
at the Capitol Hotel after the Hou
recessed They stated that the 70
hold-outs" would probably avn
events this afternoon before MAXI
statement.
Representative Connolly state
"If this statement OF Mr.. Burris bea
a warning to US. il did not reach
mark. The wireless was not wor
ing"
Representative McNabb stated
was not present when Mr.. Bur-
made his statement. but had been &c
what was said.
I'VE. too" Mr.. McNabb said, "ha
been approached by Republicans
fering US support. but have refused
accent Il. This is a Democratic nc
and should be fought out by Den
Gratis"
Speaking for himself. Mr.. McNa
said he wanted Il understood that
was not an obstructionist and that
II came TO the time when his vote v
needed 10 organize the House he pr
ably would give il, especially II
Senate was organized. He claimed
Is only aghting for a fair deal.
The caucus of the Republican M
hers lasted nearly an hour. AT
conclusion Representative DOWNS
secretary OF the caucus, stated
al the conference IL was decided
while they meant 10 see the Ho
organized, yet they felt it was a ID
ocratic fight and should be fought
nv the Democrats He said II
decided TO allow the balloting TO
on for the present and that If {
later think il necessary to step II
conference will first be held TO de-
on lust what action TO take.
NaN