Jasper County Democrat, Volume 7, Number 46, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 February 1905 — WASHINGTON LETTER. [ARTICLE]

WASHINGTON LETTER.

Political and General Ooasip pf the National Capitol. Special Correspondence to The Democrat: “If it bad not been for the President there would have bee n no such legislation to be enacted by this House. It is the power of the President, the influence of the President, his firmness and his courage that have brought this question to the imminence of favorable action by the Republican majority'.’’ This statement was made by Representative DeArmond of Missouri when the railway rate bill was under dis cussion in the House, and soon after Mr. DeArmond concluded his remarks the House passed the Townsend-Esch bill with only 17 dissenting votes, six of which, unfortunately, were cast by Democrats. The Democrats signified their preference for the Davy bill by first voting for that, but when it was defeated by a party vote they alligned themselves on the side of some progress in the direction of rate control and voted for the majority measure. ft t

As soon as the bill passed the House it was sent to the Senate and promptly referred to the committee on Interstate Commerce where it will doubtless remain until this Congress expires, which will mean the death of the bill. Two reasons will contribute to this result. In the first place, the Senate is working under pressure to complete the Swayne impeachment case, which is iu full blast, and will doubtless have to hold numerous night sessions to accomplish the routine business before March 4. In the second place Senator Elkins, chairman of the committee on Interstate Commerce, is at heart opposed to any measure involving real reform of railway rates and. while professing to be most friendly, will actually do all in his power to prevent the accomplishment of such enactment. His position renders his opposition powerful and while, with ample time at the disposal of the Senate, Mr. Elkins’ opposition might be overcome, in the rush of the closing hours of a short session such a fight would be impossible. t t t

The President is entirely reconciled to the unavoidable delay in carrying oat his recommendations for the reaeon that he believes that delay will only serve to whet the demand of the public for such legislation and that eventually the country will secure from the Senate a more comprehensive and adequate measure than is the bill just passed by the House. There will be, of course, no trouble in getting the next House to pass a bill in conformity to the public needs, and if popular demand grows as rapidly during the summer recess as it has during the past few weeks the insistence of the people will make itself felt even in the Senate.

The Senate has determined to amend the arbitration treaties recently submitted by the President, despite the open letter of the President declaring that if any amendment were adopted he would withdraw them It is declared on high authority that if the treaties are ratified with an amendment no effort will be made to induce the foreign governments party to the treaties to concur in the change. This is perhaps true, but the highest authorities have been know to change their minds and it is not impossible that calmer consideration of this subject may result in a changed attitude on the part of the authorities in the State Department. The one excutive session during which the treaties were discussed demonstrated the fact that it would be absolutely impossible for the treaties to be ratified unless they were so amended that any subordinate treaties submitting a difference to the Hague Tribunal would have to be approved by the Senate. Senators Morgan, Teller aud Bacon all spoke in favor of the amendment, if the treaties were to be ratified, although Mr. Morgan opposed the principle of arbitration itself and declared that in his estimation it would be far better if the treaties failed entirely. It is not believed, however, that Senator Morgan will insist on this view to the extent of filibustering. It is predicted with every show of confidence that the treaties will be ratified at the next executive session. t t t The fate of the Statehood bill has been practically sealed under the spur of the party whip and lash in the House. Speaker Cannon has had his way and a rule has been adopted in caucus providing that the House shall insist

on its original bill which combined Arizona and ludian Territory in one State. In the opinion of the Senate leaders such a bill has little or no show to pass that body and the prospects are that all of the proposed States will remain without the Union for at least another year and that the tedious fight for a statehood will have to be renewed and fought again in some future session of Congress. In some respects, the decision of the House is a disappointment to members of the Senate, even those who opposed separate statehood for New Mexico, because they hoped to create a State out of Oklahoma and Indian Territory at this session of Congress Iu the caucus there were thirty-three Republicans who opposed the attitude of the Repub licaii leaders but the majority has ceased to rule in the lower branch of Congress which is dominated by a little oligarchy composed of the Speaker, Representative Dalzell, that distinguished and eminent statesman, General Grosveuor, aud a few kiudred spirits. t t t

The Swayne trial, which promises to be replete with unique incidents, has already broken a precedent in the Senate. A woman has ascended the rostrum of the Senate and addressed that venerable and dignified body for the first time in the history of the Nation. The woman who assumed thjs unique roll was the proprietor of a boarding house in Texas at which Judge Swayne staid and she was introduced by the prosecution to prove that his expanses did not amount to $lO a day as he had certified. The woman swore that Swayne staid at her house at a cost of $45 a month during a period of which he had certified that his expenses were S3OO a month and had drawn that amount from the U. S. Treasury on his certificate.

Wanted —Agents to sell “Farmer’s Directory and Account Book.” Two townships to each agent. Jones Bro’s, Remington, Ind. Manager Wanted. —A manufacturing company is about to establish a branch office in Jasper county and desires a good capable man to take entire charge of same. The duties will cousist of calling on the grocerv trade, making collections, appointing salesmen, etc. This position will pay the right man SI2OO to SIBOO per year, and is permanent. Must give bond and have highest bank references. No other need apply. Give us full particulars regarding yourself or no attention will be paid to application. Address The Lindon Co., Benton Harbor, Mibb.