The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1900-01-12
Washington Letter.
From our regular Correspondent

washington ID. o., Jan. I I9OU.
TO the close observer who had been
present at many New Year receptions,
the most notable thing about today's
reception was the attitude of the Eu-
ropean members of the Diplomatic
Corps towards the President. In
stead OF the perfunctory and supercll-
lous politeness with which these men
used to greet our Presidents, which
has made more than one Americans
blood boil with indignation and his
foot ache with a desire to kick some
body, these diplomats tried to outdo
each other in the cordiality with
which they greeted President McKin-
ley, showing very plainly their desire
to stand well with him. There is
meaning in this changed attitude-a
meaning that makes a good Ameri-
cans heart expand with pride. In
former days, diplomatic representa-
tives OF the great European powers re-
garded the U. S. as a second or third
rate nation, not worth cultivating, or
actually dangerous to lose. AS a deep
student of politics and human nature,
President Mckinley is fully aware of
this change, and doubtless proud of
the part he played in bringing it
about. More than once while he lis
tened to the expressions of good wishes
for himself and the nation, by the
diplomats, merry twinkle was seen
II his eyes by those who were in
position to see, and it is quite certain
that he saw humor as we'll as the
honor OF the situation, and that he
enjoyed it.
The yellow newspapers which had
arranging war with England because
OF the seizure OF American flour, con-
signed to south Africa, and a new
Fenian invasion OF Canada, made the
decision of the President and his Cab
met to send more troops to Alaska, to
keep order and protect the interests of
thousands of American gold-seekers
who will flock there in the Spring,
the basis for new batch of sensation
al stories quite as ridiculous as those
which preceded them. If certain
newspapers are seriously taken by the
outside world as representing Ameri-
can sentiment, we shall soon be known
as a nation the most colossal liars on
earth.
Comic papers aud a few Senators
and Representative who play instead
of working when Congress is in ses-
sion, are responsible for much public
misinformation as to the life of the
average Senator or Representative.
Everybody in Washington who has
ever taken the trouble to ascertain the
facts, knows that many men in both
branches OF Congress break down their
health and often die from the effect of
their hard work during a session of
Congress. One who has been a care
full observer of Congressional life said,
speaking especially of the illness of
Represen ntative Boutelle, of Maine,
Chairman of the House Naval Com
mittee: "Hard work and consequent
in eating and sleeping are
responsible for the breaking down of
Mr.. Boutelle's health, just as the same
things caused the death of Mr.. Ding
ley. Some of the members don't care
a rap for their legislative duties; they
have good time and pay no atte@n-
ton to Congress. But the committee
Chairman, the floor leaders, and the
legislative wheelhorses, often sit up
nearly all night going over documents
and figures relating to contemplated
legislation. They get only few hours
rest and then tired, listless and irrita-
BILE. they go go the Capitol for days
work. After hours spent in mental
activity in committee rooms, they
will, in the course of the afternoon, 60
into one of the Capitol restaurants
and eat heavy, indigestible meal.
With that sort sort OF thing going on
daily for months, it is surprising that
there are not more break downs
among the working members. Not
one man in hundred can stand it
for any length of time."
Chairman Taylor, of the Roberts
committee says he thinks the COM
mittee's report will be submitted to
the House by The middle OF this
month. It will, Of course, be adverse
to Roberts