Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-02-09
At THE WHITE HOUSE
President in Earnest About
Antitrust Bills.
COL. IRISH A CALLER
EVIDENTLY LOOKING OUT FOR
THE OFFICE HE HOLDS.
Secretary Shaw and Senator Platt Ex-
change Hats-Some Of the
Callers Today.
COL. IRISH A CALLER

With some Of his callers today the'Presi-
dent discussed pending trust legislation in
Congress He reiterated what he has so
long given earnest expression to-that Is,
the hope that legislation Of an effective
character will be placed on the books as to
trust combinations. The publication Of some
telesrams received by senators urging that
no trust legislation be enacted has, the
President believes. made certain the pas
sage of judicious laws as to improper COM
binations of capital. There has never been
at any time this session Of Congress any
matter in which the President was so deep
ly interested as that Of the trusts, and he
has talked more on this subject to con-
gressional callers than any other. He has
often indicated that he would be tempted
to call an extra session should Congress fail
to enact proper legislation on this subject
HIS deep earnestness makes 1t certain, it is
declared that he would carry out his ideas
as to an extra session. He feels that the
American people demand action and not the
mere placing upon the books of orti1less
legislation. He does not propose 20 be a
party, it is said. to any half-hearted propo-
sition-
A prominent member Of the House who
called on the President today gave it as his
opinion that the Senate propositions as to
the controi and management Of the trusts
W,
cilned to express an opinion as to what
tnese laws would accomplish, but said that
they contained many Of the best portions of
tne Lttleneld measure. which has passe d
the House.
Platt and Shaw Swap Hats.
Secretary Shaw and Senator Platt both
wear silk hats. The style and shape are up
to date, too. Both were at the White
House this morning. Senator Platt was the
first to go away. He picked up a silk hat
and put 1t on his head. 1t felt all right to
him and so he got into his carriage and
was driven to the Senate. A few minutes
later Secretary Shaw saw the President and
started away. He looked for his hat, and,
Deng little more critical than the New
york senator noticed that his own piece of
headgear had disappeared. He picked up
the hat that looked most like his own and
FOUND that 1t had the initials 1T. c. P" in
gilt letters. He didn't hesitate long about
what to do. AS governor of a state and
Secretary of the Treasury he had learned
TO act promptly on any matter arising He
put on the hat and walked away with it.
Later in the day there was an exchange Of
telephone talk, followed by an exchange Of
hats.
You know. Platt.' said Secretary Shaw
to the senior New York senator, when they
began to talk about what had happened,
this looks like Wall street game, and
m suspicious. I may have the best end
of the deal. but can never be made to be-
l1eve 1t. You have been accused of making
a good many trades in life, but I didn't
think you would begin to work them off on
your friends
Senator Platt declared that he had got
ten into "fim-fam" game and being
well done The only thing he could see
about it was that Secretary Shaw had the
nerve to put this deal into execution right
in the offices of the President. But for the
famous section g. providing for publicity of
all suspicious enterprises. suppose never
would have gotten my hat back" charged
Senator Piatt. Now. didn't the newspaper
men at the White House threaten to give
this whole thing away if you didn't give
me my hat back?"
Irish Will Make q Fight.
Col. John P. Irish, naval officer of the
port of San Francisco, whose position is
being sought by the San Francisco dele
cation in Congress for Representative
Woods, who will soon retire, ds in Wash
ington and called at the White House to-
day. He will see the President some time
this week.
Il am here on private business" said Col
Irish, land not in connection with the fight
being made for my position. I am doing
nothing in this matter. In fact, I never
did attempt to prevent some one else get
ting a place If 1t could be DONE"
The fact that Col. Irish arrived IN town
on private business mighty soon after
the California senators and representatives
had asked the President to give his place
to some one else Is almost sure to cause a
belief that Col Irish is looking after his
own interests. Col. Irish Is said to feel
that President Roosevelt Will act in this
instance the same as did President McKin-
ley when an attempt was made to bring
about a change In the position of naval
officer of the port of San Francisco.
President Roosevelt had a batch of sem
atOrS and representatives as callers today
but there were no conferences of party
leaders or long talks with any of those who
called. Representative Feeley Of Illinois
introduced State Senator Maher and State
Representatives Corrigan and Doyle of the
Illinois legislature. Representative Nc
Cleary presented Gen. G. Widell of Mari
kato. Mimi, and ]. d. Carroll of ST. Paul
Representative Calderhead Of Kansas pre-
sented friend.
A New York Appointment.
Senator Platt had a talk with the Presi-
dent today about some New York appoint
ments. The resignation Of Mr. Dickey as
shipping commissioner Of the port of New
York gives the President good position to
fill. Senator Platt is in deep earnest In
wanting to see Representative Harry Han
bury of Brooklyn appointed to tine place,
and has urged the President to make this
appointment. Mr.. Hanbury will retire from
Congress at the close Of this session A. w.
Warden of Albany is likewise candidate.
The President may have some one In mind
he desires. Mr. Dickey has been appointed
insurance commissioner of New York state
Ex-senator Wolcott of Colorado Is in the
city and called on the President TODAY