Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1923-11-22
c. D. P. CAUCUS IS
TOPIC OF GOSSIP
OBJECTION TO "Too MUCH EAST
MAY DEFEAT GILLETT IN
CONTEST FOR SPEAKER.
OTHER PLACES WEST WANTS
BY EDWARD 3. CLARK

BY EDWARD B. CLARK
Neutrality-suspicious. is concerning
itself with the coming Republican
caucus for high places in the house of
representatives Naturally the chief
interest is in the Republican caucus,
because that party is dominant in the
house and the high places are to be its
possessions by the right of majority
rule.
Apparently there is to be some oppo-
sftiOn to the reelection of Frederick
81. Gillett as speaker of the house of
the next congress. The word has it
that too much Massachusetts will be
one of the planks in the platform of
opposition to the reelection of the Bay
state representative.
It also is limited in places that "toO
much East will be one of the planks
of the platform in opposition to Mich
olas LongWorth as Republican leader,
notwithstanding the fact that Mr..
Longworth is from Cincinnati. Some
Of the Republican members in opposi-
ton intimate that Mr.. Longworth
thinks too much like the East
William J. Graham, Republican of
Illinois, is the man who will be pitted
by his friends against Mr.. Longworth
for the post of leadership. Mr.. Ora
ham is able and has made considerable
of a record for himself in congress, but
It is said there are progressives and
Ogressive-radicals who think that he
Is little too conservative to qualify
for representative position as one
Of their Spokesman. However, he is a
Westerner as the geography Of politics
has 1t, and there is likely to be strug-
gle with considerable interest at
tached.
Madden May Oppose GilIett.
The division In the caucus will fur
nish food for speculation as to the
legislative lineups of the future, al
though admittedly it will not serve as
a safe guide for thought on the chance
Of progressive, OF, If you will, radical
measures to secure majority considera-
ton. Seemingly there are Republicans
who prefer Graham to Longworth, but
who are not radicals by long shot.
Occasionally surprises come in
speakership and leadership contests. 1t
has been suggested in Washington that
representative Martin B. Madden of
Chicago might, with entire propriety,
be drafted as candidate to oppose
Representative Gillett for the speaker
ship. Mr. Madden has had great
work to do in connection with appro-
priationS. He is said to have recov-
cred from his recent Illness, but the APP
preparations life is a strenuous life,
while the speakership life since the
days Of the curtailing of the speakers
po,. or is far from strenuous and yet it
cat les with it high honor, for the
speaker Of the house Of representatives
virtually is the third officer of govern
ment.
Representative Theodore e. Burton
OF Ohio, one-time senator of the United
States and one-time candidate OF
strength for the Republican nominal
tion for the presidency, has been sug-
gested as a compromise candidate for
the speakership in case the opposition
to the continuance Of Massachusetts in
power shall prevail. Mr.. Burton is rec
ognized as one of the scholars In poll
tics" Of whom there are not many left.
1t is urged for him that he would carry
strength, knowledge and dignity to the
chief house seat. Everything, how
ever, is speculative in the speakership
matter. Frankly, the chances seem to
be that Mr.. Gillett and Massachusetts
will carry the day.
Ambition of Westerners.
| Western progressives, or radicals, as
their brethren in opposition term them,
would like much to lay possessive
hands on the Craftsmanship of the
house committee on interstate and for
eign commerce. Here, again, the hint
| is that the Westerners look upon 1t as
case of ''too much Massachusetts, |"
for Samuel e. Winslow of the Bay
state has been chairman of this highly
important body for some time.
Those legislators who have made it
business to criticize the railroads
upon every salient occasion would like
to secure the craftsmanship of the In
terstate commerce committee, for
chairman, as a rule, has more influence
| In committee matters than any two
subordinate members. Again the pros
pect seems to be that Mr.. Winslow will
hold his seat, but the developments Of
the campaign against him are certain
to present to public view certain de-
tails of the work of the anti-railroad-
ers which may be of interest to the
country.
Then there is the ways and means
committee, Of which Joseph w. Ford
ney was the chairman in the last
house. Mr.. Fordney has retired to pri-
vate life The Republican who held by
right of seniority the seat next to Mr..
Fordney in the ways and means room
| is William r. Green of Council Bluffs,
la. Mr.. Green was judge of a District
court in Iowa for four terms. He is
said to be conservative minded and this
has brought some opposition to him in
the house from men who, geographical
ly speaking, ought to be his friends.
To Check Liquor Smuggling.
If the senate of the United States
shall ratffy a proposed treaty with
Great Britain, this country's right Of
search of British vessels for contra
band LIQUOR will be extended nine miles