The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-11-05
Interview with Mr.. Hemenway. the
Committee on Appropriations.
MR.. WATSON AT THE CAPITAL
HE WISHES A PLACE ON THE WAYS
AND MEANS COMMITTEE.
Dir. Robinson of Opinion Congress
Will Be Lively, and that Democrats
VIII Make Political Capital.
peclal to the Indianapolis Journal.

Special TO the Indianapolis Journal.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 4.--The attitude OF
the Republicans toward possible action by
the Democratic minority for congressional
investigation. of the Postofice Department
formed the subject of conference at the
White House to-day. President Roosevelt,
Postmaster General Payne, Attorney Gen.
eraI Knox. Representative Cannon. speak
er-to-be. and Representative Hemenway. of
Indiana. were parties TO the conference
The question was canvassed in all its
phases and definite programme mapped
lowed II the Democrats insist on making
the postal scandal an issue during the ap-
preaching session.
The administration on the advice of At
torney General Knox. will not favor con-
gressional investigation. The President and
his advisers do not fear any embarrassing
development, but 1t is pointed out by At
torney General Knox that If an inquiry is
made by congressional committee a
commission created by Congress the gov
ernment will be compelled to divulge all the
evidence now in possession OF the legal
authorities and thus make 1T almost i'm
possible to convict the conspirators.
If the Democrats press the inquiry the
Republican position will be outlined in a
carefully prepared speech 10 be delivered
by some prominent representative in whom
the people have confidence. 1t will be made
clear that to summon witnesses and give
publicity to the testimony that would be
adduced By a congressional investigation
would minimize the prospects of conyicting
the score or more former officials and con-
tractors who are now under Indictment.
This IL understood to be the policy out
lined In the conference to-day, and it will
be adhered to unless future developments
make a change necessary.
XXX
"I anticipate an interesting session of
Congress, although the outlook does not
promise the enactment of any legislation
of an important character" This remark
was made by Representative James A.
Hemenway. OF the First Indiana district,
who arrived here to-day. 81 do not see the
necessity for financial legislation. and do
not hesitate to say that 1 am opposed to
II at this time. Appropriations will be held
down TO those that are actually necessary.
do not believe the party will permit any
extravagances. A river and harbor bill
may be passed. but from present indica-
tons no serious effort will be made to press
forward an omnibus public building bill.
There Is a demand for shipping subsidy
legislation, but measure must be onered
the lasf session of Congress before such
legislation will be approved / am OF opin-
ion that this subject will not be considered
Mr.. Hemeaway does not believe the COM
mittee on -ules will be enlarged. He re-
fused TO discuss the probability of change
for a place on the rules committee" he
said. ''aad would not accept the assign
ment IL IL were offered me-" The Indiana
rules OF the House will not be amended.
THE rules are enforced in accordance with
the will Of the majority" said Mr. Hemen-
way. "rhe majority may modify them
whenever X II 80 inclined. With Mr.. Can
non In the chair the rules will be admin
istered with fairness and impartiality."
Representative Hemenway arrived here
this morning, and spent most OF the time
with Representative Cannon. They made
q trip to the White House and Capitol and
TO several Of the departments. Mr.. Hemen-
way was cordially congratulated by many
public men to-day on the prospect OF his
elevation To the Craftsmanship OF the COM
mittee on appropriations. Mr.. Hemenway's =
assignment to this important chairmanship
IL one OF the few that can be safely fore
easted at this time.
Representative Watson arrived here to-
day and joined Representative Hemenway
gagged quarters which they will occupy
Jointly dur ng the session. Mr. Watson has
made engagement TO confer with Rep
resentative Cannon concerning committee
assignments. II am a candidate for the
committee on ways and means. as is well
known" said Mr.. Watson. Two or three
other members OF the delegation are also
after this assignment. The contest is a
friendly one, and nothing has been done
that win IN any way endanger the State
losing representation this important
committee The race between Representa-
Crumpacksr for this committee is an inter-
esting one, and Speaker Cannon will have
some trouble IN arriving at conclusion.
There Is an impression In congressional
circles that this committee plum will fall
either TO Dir. Overstreet or Mr.. Watson.
Friends OF c. H. Terry the postal clerk
recently dismissed. are making every EFFORT
10 induce the officials 10 give him a hear
ing. Terry formerly lived In Mt Vernon.
Ind. but 1t is understood he has not resid-
ed there for many years. Terry alleges
that John III. Masten. of Loogootee Ind,
assistant superintendent OF the railway
mail service. Is responsible for all his
troubles Masten made charges against
Terry some months ago. and counter
charges We're nled by the latter In "A per-
-onal interview held In the Office OF Fourth
Assistant postmaster General Bristow the
two men aearly came TO blows Some of
the officials In the department urge that
Terry should be given hearing. and that
II ne must go Masten should accompany
him. II appears that this is not the first
trouble bftween-- Terry and Masten. on
the accommodation OF the latter Terry
was dismissed few years ago, and after
wards resnstated by order OF the Presi-
dent Mrs. Terry to-day called on First
Assistant Postmaster- General Wynne and
made a plea that sonethlng ee done for her
CONTINUED on PAGE {. COL. 81