Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1902-01-17
From our regular correspondent.)
WASHINGTON. Jan. 9. 1902

Panama vs.. Nicaragua.
CFrom our regular correspondent.)
WASHINGTON, Jan. 2, 1902.
The beautiful garment of unanim.
ity which clothed the Republican ma
jority at the opening of Congress is
being rent asunder during the holiday
recess, and there is reason to believe
that when Congress re-convenes the
Republican brethren will dwell to-
gether in harmony very similar to
that attributed to the famous cats of
Kilkenny. Already there are the
high protection wing and the modified
protection wing and it is not improba-
bic that there will develop an admin
istration wing in the near future.
The members who composed the first
named faction are, from conviction or
the persuasion of their favored pro.
tegee, committed to the most extreme
protection. They are unwilling to
concede the lowering Of the duty on
the least important schedule, even
though by so doing the pacification of
the Philippines may be extended or
the annexation of Cuba promoted.
The second faction believes in some
notifications of the House Philip
ippines tariff bill because they con-
slider that such concessions will fur
ther the efforts of General Chaffee and
the Taft Commission. They are in
favor of granting some measure Of
reciprocity to Cuba, notwithstanding
the protests of Mr.. Oxnard and the
blandishments Of the beet sugar lobby.
They are, to . slight extent. believers
in the policy OF President Mckinley
laid down at Buffalo. But even they
are not prepared to go to the extent
to insure Cuban prosperity that is ad.
vocated by the President,
If third faction develops it will be
in support of the Presidents views in
regard to Cuban reciprocity, but still
more to sustain Mr.. Roosevelt in the
stand he has taken in regard to the
Schley controversy and his efforts to
uphold Secretary Long. There are
many members OF Congress who be-
lieve that the President has been
guilty OF "bad politics" in not heed
ing the wishes of the people in this
matter. and it 10 anticipated that
when those Congressman who have
spent the holidays in their districts
return TO Washington the sentiment
will take definite form. Any effort to
probe the affairs Of the Navy Depart.
ment will be bitterly opposed by the
President who we'll knows that were .
Congressional investigation under
taken, nothing could save from igno.
minious defeat the Secretary of the
Navy and the entire clique which has
so aseiduously persecuted Admiral
Schley. Mr.. Roosevelt will be sup
ported in both House and Senate by
his personal friends and by number
OF Congressmen who believe that such
course will put them in position TO
influence large share OF Presidential
patronage.
There is little doubt but that the
large majority of the people would be
glad to see Congress 60 to almost any
length to vindicate Admiral Schley
and expose those who have been re.
sponsible for his humiliation. On the
other hand, Mr.. Roosevelt will lend
his influence to prevent even the i'm
piled vindication of Schley which
would result from Congress passing q
bill giving him full play, instead OF
the retired pay which he would other
wise draw. Whether the Republican
members will heed the wishes of their
constituents or the wishes of the
White House, remains to be seen, but
there are many, even among the Re-
publican members, who believe that
public opinion will compel Congress
to act in violation of the Presidents
wishes.
1t has just developed that the stories
of friction between Germany and the
United States and OF German designs
on Venezuelan territory which have
received such widespread publicity
have emanated from the Navy Depart
ment, which sought this extraordinary
method of compelling favorable Con.
gressional action on the recommends.
tions of Secretary Long for an in.
creased navy. Mr.. Roosevelt is very
much disgusted that such bungling
and pernicious methods should have
been adopted and has expressed him.