The Rathdrum tribune. (Rathdrum, Idaho) 1903-1963, 1903-11-27

nounced the ''gag rule,' and after
they were reminded that they had
formerly used the same tactics, they
consOled themselves with threats of
revenge when the House should come
under their control. Most of their
speeches were tariff arguments intend
ed for campaign purposes at home
and as soon as the Printing ONCE can
get them out, they will be distrib buted
to democratic constituents. The bill
will probably meet with slight oppo
sition In the Senate. Two thirds Of
that body are on record as in favor of
the treaty. and after, few explana-
tory speeches the bill will be voted on,
perhaps in time to adjourn the extra
session before Thanksgiving.
Politicians are much surprised by
the news that the Federal Grand Jury
Of Omaha, has brought two indict-
ments against Senator Charles Fl.
Dietrich Of Nebraska, charging him
with conspiracy and bribery In con-
nection with the appointment Of
Jacob Fisher as Postmaster Of Hast
ings. 1t is alleged that he accepted
81 300 in money and property In
return for indorsing Fishers appoint
ment. Nineteen Of the twenty
members Of the Jury favored the
indictment. The Senator and his
friends declare that the charges are
the result of a political conspiracy,
and he says he will waive the lmmu-
nifty granted him by the Constitution
and return at once to Omaha to stand
trial. Declaring that United States
District Attorney is responsible for
these unjust charges against him, he
has been doing everything in his
power to remove him. 1t ls believed
that the Department Of Justice will
refuse to put another attorney in
charge Of the case. From the differ
ent reports received here. it seems
that Senator Dietrich erected a build.
ing in Hastings, and that the town
post Office moved into 1t from a
building owned by the Grand Army,
who had gone to some expense to
provide the fixtures for the postofflce.
The rent paid to the Senator for the
office was less than he expected. A
new postmaster was to be appointed
and Fisher supported his application
by promising, if appointed, to buy
the fixtures from the Grand Army
and to pay Senator Dietrich the diff
erence between the actual rent he
received for the Office and the amount
he asked for it. These payments
were made for several months, until
the Senator, realizing the irregularity
OF such a transaction, refunded the
money to Fisher. Last June the
Grand Jury was about to bring an
| indictmet against Senator Dietrich,
but was prevented from doing SO by
the very District Attorney whom the
Senator Is now trying to dep0se and
who received at that time, repri-
mand from the Attorney General fol
interfering with the course of Justice
even though United States Senator
was involved in the case. The Presi.
dent and all republicans hope that
Senator Dietrich will be vindicated
but it seems that be was at least
guilty Of a serious indiscrctlon.
Public men at the capital are
watching with interest the proceed
ings OF the annual convention of tht
American Federation Of Labor which
is now being held in Boston. Tha,
great organization is passing through
crisis which may eventually end. II
its disruption. 1t has always beer
the policy Of the Federation to avoit
political Affiliations and party dis
cussions, and both republicans anf
democrats are non partisan tn th'
affairs of the Union. But during thu
last few years Socialism has woi
. many converts in the labor unions
and the first principle Of this revolu
tionarv doctrine is that the working
men should unite in a class consciou
body to capture the powers OF govern
ment and shape the laws and institu
tions of the country in the interest
OF the laborers. Every year thei
delegates introduce resolution COM
mitting the Federation to tn
political principles of Socialism ant
as often they call forth a spirite'
debate. after which their resolution
is voted down. The most bitter o
: ,hosa contests has lust been Tough