Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1903-01-23
WASHINGTON LETTER

From our Regular Correspondent
Washington, Jan. 19.-The past weel
In Congress has been one of democratic
rejoicing and many jokes have beef
made at republican expense. The hast,
with which the republicans rushed
through the bill removing th,
duty from coal to relieve the present
emergency demonstrated how correct
is the democratic contention that 3
lowering of the tariff is all that is nee
and defeat the efforts of the trusts te
maintain the cost of necessities fal
above their normal value. By the
same measure was demonstrated the
sOphistry Of the republican claim that
no single schedule of the Dingley bill
could be revised in accordance with the
necessities arising from changed condi-
lions without a general revision of the
entire tariff and the precipitation OF
extended financial depression.
Wearied with the do-nOthing policy
ofhis own party, Judge Jenkins, chair
man of the House committee on Judi
ciary has introduced resolution Dor
rOwed from the public ownership plank
in the New York democratic platform
which, it was claimed, defeated Coler
for Governor of that state. Judge
Jenkins resolution calls upon the Ju-
dietary committee to make an
an examination into the possibility of
seizure by the federal government of
the coal mines of the country and their
operation by the Federal authorities
in such emergencies as exist at the
present time. Had Mr.. Jenkins reso-
luton been introduced by a democrat
it would have been greeted with cries
Of anarchy" socialism," etc., but
coming from a republican, and be the
chairman of one of the most import
ant committees of the House. it is re
;eived with all respect and it is yet pos
'ible that Congress may be forced by
'he strength of public opinion to afford
,he consumers some relief from the in
conditions now prevailing
With regard to coal.
The subcommittee Of the Judiciary
to which was intrusted |
he drafting of an antitrust measure
q accordance with the recommends.
ions of the Attorney General, evil
ently made series of blunders in the |
of their task for they were
ent back to do the work over again.
hey had announced that they would |
e prepared to favorably report their
ill on Friday, but when it was sub
nitted to Mr.. Knox be told the au.
hors it was all wrong and they must
O it all over. They are now working
nder the immediate supervision Of
fr. Knox's subordinates and is hoped
nat eventually they will succeed in
raining a measure which will please
ne people, work no hardship to the
rusts and stand the test of the Courts.
1t is quite obvious that most mem.
ers on the republican side of the Sen
te are delighted with the set back
hieh the Attorney General has ad
to the cause of ANTITRUST
gislation. They have from the first
esired to avoid all anti trust Iegisla.
on. Forced by the determined stand
the President and his announced
1rpose to call the next Congress in
,ecial session if nothing was accom-
ished at this session, the republican
aders consented to give the matter {
STIMULATING, however. |
at any measure which would pass
e Senate must be extremely consery- i
i've. in other words, must prove in r
'cuous to their favOrite corporate IN.
rests. Now that a number of the e
'eSldent's Cabinet has taken occa- b
IN to hold up the measure and post v
ne Its consideration until a laterI S
te, the sentiments growing that it t.
ii be possible to pass the matter over fl
d then say to Mr.. Roosevelt that he v
for the failure to legis. O.
Q on the subject as earlier in the ses- s.
n the Senate was ready to give the p
tier due consideration. h;
That President Roosevelt is fast re-
ranging the members of his own d.
.ty is evident in Washington. There
10 question as to the choice of the -,
late. With the possible exception s,
Senator Lodge, there is no doubt but to
t every repu blican Senator would :
t his ballot for Senator Hanna. n
ere is an alliance between Senators
ma and Fairbanks by which it Is n
eed that if when the convention
ITS Mr.. Hanna desires the nomina.
q all of Mr.. Fairbanks strength -,
be thrown to him but if Mr.. Han. t hr
for any reason. concludes not to bn
er the race his strength will be ey
own to the Indiana Senator. Mr.. ne
)Sevelt knows of this combination sci
is trying to meet it, but his lack lei
familiarity with politics and his m
both stand in his Way e 4,
-. d1e1Ilon ~ ne Will succeeu fuI
Fairbanks. i