The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-11-25
Circulation Statement.
Gathering for the Fen.t.


gala appearance that it always assumes
as the time for a session of Congress
approaches. The hotel corridors and the
Avenue are again graced by the presence
of those opulent looking strangers. whose
presence always means SO mssii TO the
young and struggling Congressman, and
who this year, may be counted on to
break all records for sumptucus entertain
ment and prodigal liberality. Everybody
feels in the air what is, in fact. a COM
monplace truth. that the winter session
of 1901. the fin de steele meeting of
the National Legislature. is to be feast
of campaign liquidation, of a richness
never dreamed of before.
Neither trouble nor expense is being
spared to make the season both delight
some and profitable to Senators, Mem
bers, and their families. If we may judge
from the unusually magnificent display of
furs. diamonds, rubies. sapphires, emer-
aids. and pearls in our shop windows.
our leading tradesmen have received
hint that nothing will be too good for the
wives, daughters, and lady friends Of Re-
publican statesmen between now and the
Fourth of March.
All visible signs point cheerily to sup
ply OF arguments. both metallic and paper.
in the hands of the various lobby man
ayers who have measures to pass. The
Panama combination is reputed to be
ready to fairly rain golden arguments
in the hope Of killing the Nicaragua Canal
-, r,t,t,
opposed to the same proposed legislation.
it is thought, will be even more lavish in
its entertaining and convincing branches
than it was last winter. 1t is almost SUI
perduous to speak of the ship. subsidy
lobby. The ninety million dollars Of
Treasury loot in that Job. which about a
dozen transportation magnates expect to
capture and divide among themselves, is
sufficient to excite degree of liberality
which is seldom exhibited by men nor
mally greedy and grasping. But. this time.
they are out for votes, and even that Of
Pettigrew. whose gentle voice will soon
be heard no more in the national market
place. will have its attractions for those
who pursue sound business methods in
preparing and, promoting legislation de-
manded by the highest interests OF our
common country.
Just to stay the stomachs of the several
hundred head of Congressman who will
want something quick. and want it badly,
there will be the River and Harbor Inn
provement bill. In some cases it may
be possible that the bell wethers in the
two houses. who generally try to get
double lions share Of everything in sight.
will try to satisfy the younger members
with crumbs from this loaf. The latter
should be on their guard, and also on
their mettle. Their votes are exactly as
important as those of Mr.. Henderson CT
Mr.. Serene E. Payne. They have only
to remember and stand upon this truth,
and. if need be. combine for mutual sup
port and protection-as is done in the
California Legislature-in order to re-
ceive not only their fair share in the
river. harbor. and Government building
division, but more of other things than
hitherto they ever hoped to have ia this
world of fierce competition and indiffer-
ence to modest merit. The statesman who
does not get what he wants during the
ensuing session will have nobody but him
self to blame for the disappointment.
Some people say that the trusts have
shut off opportunity in this country: but
the statement, if true, cannot be made to
include Senators and Representatives in
Congress. The trusts have simply widened
their chances from the proportions of a
peanut rooster TO those of Alad1in's
palace They should be too grateful 10
sin away the opening. 1t offers the spec
tacie. which Is no illusion, of a Cock of
rainbows with a sure enough pot of gold
at the stem and stern of each and every
one of them.