The Press. (Stafford Springs, Conn.) 1883-1935, 1898-02-24
Washington Letter.
washington, Feb. 81, 1898.

Washington Letter.
washington, Feb. 81, 1898.
1t Ia perhaps fortunate for the country
that the power of declaring war is vested
In congress, and not in the yellow journals,
which have since the blowing up and de-
struction OF the battleship Maine and $50
Americans, in the harbor of Havana, been
busily engaged in intlaming the public
mind and adding to the existing excite
ment by publishing sensational manufact-
ured stories for the purpose of showing
that the terrible calamity was the result
of foul play on the part Of the Spainards,
and demanding all sorts of ridiculous
things from this government, not the
least of which was an immediate declara-
ton of war against Spain. They attack
and villify the administration In every
issue because it has assumed that the ex-
plosion was accidental, until 1t Is other
wise proven. There Is grave suspicion
that there was foul play connected with
the blowing up of the Maine, but there is
no proof. The only way that proof can
be had is by investigation. And an in
vestigation by naval officers has been
provided for. 1t is claimed by the ad-
ministration that it has made public every
telegram received or sent since the first
news of the sinking of the Maine was re-
ceived and that it intends to continue this
open policy, and there is not scrap of
evidence showing this claim to be untrue.
That congress, which is on the ground,
has faith in the manner in which the ex-
ecutive branch of the government is hand
ling this delicate and trying case was
shown by the manner in which Senator
Mason's resolution, providing for con-
gressional investigation, was received.
Senator Allen was the only man who
publicly indorsed the idea. That the presi-
dent is alertly guarding our rights was
shown by his refusal to allow the Spanish
authorities at Havana to take part in the
investigation to be conducted by our
naval officers; he says he desires the
finding to be such that it will carry con-
viction to our people, and consequently
will not allow foreigners to have any
thing to do with ii, the situation being It'll
cal enough without adding sensational
lies. 1t may result in war. II foul play
Is shown, it certainly will. Therefore all
good citizens should join in trying to keep
down excitement until the truth is known.
1t has always been the proud boast of
Americans that in the face of foreign
complications, partisanship was forgotten
and every American stood shoulder to
shoulder in support Of the government,
and the yellow journals, which have no
higher mission than increasing their cir
culation and making money, should not
be allowed to change that condition now.
Aquestion that may eventually grow to
national proportions Is whether it would
be proper or advisable for congress to
regulate the hours of labor in all the
states. Representative Lowering of Mass,
Is the author of a joint resolution, pro-
posing an amendment to the q. S. consti-
tuition, authorizing congress to regulate
the hours of labor in the states. This
resolution is before the house judiciary
committee, which has been hearing argu-
ments for and against it. The cottOr
mills of the South, against which the
resolution is aimed, or rather against the
long hours worked in them, which 1t Is
claimed has enabled them to drive the
New England mills out of many profitable
markets, sent a large delegation of in.
f1uential men to protest against the reso.
luton. Representatives Lowering, and
Walker, of Mass, spoke for the resolu-
ton, as did a representative of the New
England mill operatives.
Canada's attention has been called by
this government to the injustice of q
number OF regulations 1t has adopted
governing entrance to the Klondike coun
try by U. S. citizens, and abrogation o.
some of them have been politely asked
for. 1t Is expected that Canada will
grant this request, but If 1t doesn't, Its
own citizens will be made to suffer
as congress is fully determined to take 6
hand, If diplomacy fails to obtain jus
and fair treatment TO our clIlAons VINO III
tend going to the Klondike.
The house passed a substitute for the
Nelson bankruptcy bill, which was pass
ed by the senate at the extra session, ant
the bill will now go to conference.
Senator'S Pritchard, Lodge, and Elkins
of the senate civil service committee, hat
q conference with President Mckinley
at the latter's request, for the purpose o
discussing the evidence taken by tina
committee during its civil service investi
CATION, and the nature of the report thai
will be made to the senate. 1t Is under
stood that the president will hold bach
the order he intends issuing for thu
modification of the civil service rules unit
after the report of the senatecommittee hal
been made, in order that he may include
RECOMMENDATIONS in that report which
he may consider desirable.