Evening Republican, Volume 14, Number 44, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 February 1910 — ATTENDED BIG BANQUET WHILE AT WASHINGTON. [ARTICLE]

ATTENDED BIG BANQUET WHILE AT WASHINGTON.

Captain Wasson Guest at Reception to Gen. Van Sant Given by-the Department of the Potomac.

Capt. and Mrs. J. M. Wasson returned Saturday evening from their visit with Hon. and Mrs. Jesse E. Wilson in Washington, D. C. Mr. Wllbou continues to get along nicely with his work as assistant secretary of the interior department and himself and family are all well except that the children had been having the measles.

Captain Wasson found a great deal to do to occupy his time while there and spent part of his time attending the Ballinger investigation, and he.is much of the opinion that Pinchot and Glavis have somewhat the best of the matter up to date, while public sympathy there is very much in their favor.

Mr. Wasson saw more of President Taft than on any previous visit to the nation’s capital and on February 16th he attended the reception and banquet given in honor of Samuel R. Van Sant, commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, which was given at the Arlington hotel by the Department of the Potomac, being the 42d annual encampment of that organization. President Taft attended the reception and in his address referred to the public criticisms of his administration, and said that he would feel them more keenly were it not for the fact that all of his predecessors except Roosevelt, who seemed to be an exception to all rules, had been criticiced more than he.

General Van Sant spoke on the subject “The Grand Army of the Republic,” while there were other speakers of note and the affair was extremely pleasant. The menu was very elaborate.

Mr. Wasson has every confidence in Taft and says he believes the country generally approves his policies, and expects to see his administration en--tirely successful.