ENGLISH 6.

Debate of January 9, 1896.Question: Resolved, That the present powers of the Speaker of the House of Representatives are a menace to good government."

Brief for the Affirmative.A. M. KALES and G. L. PAINE.

Best general references: Bryce, American Commonwealth, I, 134-138; Smith, Const. Manual and Digest (see "Speaker" in Index) 52 Cong. 1 Sess. 1892; Lalor, Cyclopaedia, III. 91; A. B. Hart, Practical Essays, No. 1, pp. 1-19; J. G. Carlisle in North American Review, Vol. 150, pp. 390-400 (Mch. 1890); Senator Hoar in North American Review, Vol. 128, pp. 113-134 (Feb. 1879).

I. The Speakership should be a judicial position, entailing-(a) Familiarity with the rules.- (b) Strict impartiality: Bryce I. 134, 135; Nation, L, 143.

II. The present powers of the Speaker, as fixed by rule, are excessive.- (a) He practically makes the rules: Practical Essays. 15-17; 19th Century, XXVIII. 870.- (1) Appoints committee on rules.- (2) Is himself chairman of the committee.- (b) He interprets and applies the rules without appeal: Cong. Rec. 53 Cong. 2 Sess. 4667.- (c) He has unqualified veto power over every legislative action and also power to forward any measures: N. A. R. Vol. 150, 399; Nat. XXVI. 226; Practical Essays, p. 14; Cong. Rec. Vol. II. 43 Cong. 1st Sess. Appendix p. 25.- (1) He appoints the standing committees of the House to one of which he refers every bill without debate.- (2) He appoints the chairmen of

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