The Republican journal., 1903-11-12
Letter from Washington.
The Extra Session of Congress. The Maine
Delegation all Present Governor Bur
leigh's Work and influence at the Nation
al CaDital

WASHINGTON, D. c., Nov. 9th. This
day marks the beginning Of long pc
Rod of Congressional action. 1t began
under the brightest of auspices, with as
beautiful weather as ever blessed the
South in this vicinity prevailing, and
with everybody in the best of spirits.
There have been many conferences
about legislation in the last few days,
which almost invariably happens just
as a session is about to open. Ex-Gov.
Burleigh, the representative from the
third Maine district, arrived Saturday,
and before the Republican caucus Sat
urday evening had opportunity to meet
several of the leaders. His views OF
the few questions of live interest here
were eagerly sought by prominent Re
publicans, including President Roose
welt, with whom he had quite an ex
tended consultation this morning al
the White House.
Since he returned to Maine from the
session of last winter good many mat
ters in which his constituents are inter
ested have accumulated. This morning
the governor was out bright and early
irving to clear up these accumulated
tasks. He is a familiar figure on the
thoroughfares leading to and from the
different departments, which, by the
way, are scattered nearly all over town
Very often he walks when attending td
these errands, swinging along at rape
gait which would put many younger
men out of breath. Sometimes, whe1
he is in special hurry the governo7
rides. To-day he was accompanied b!
Senator Hale, for the two had severa
errands in common. They work to
gether more than any other two mem
beers of the Maine delegation, having
full confidence in each other and com
plete respect for each others judgment
of affairs.
Gov. Burleigh has talked to-day with
Fourth Assistant Postmaster Genera
Bristow, in charge of rural free de
livery, about more routes in Waldo
county. The appropriations are well
nigh exhausted, but Gov. Burleigh ha:
consulted with Speaker Cannon, Presi
dent Roosevelt and others about the
ACCESSIBILITY Of special appropriation
for the further extension of this popu
lar service.
The governor was cordially welcomed
by his associates in the House. Mr.
Cannon, who was formally elected
Speaker of the House today, sent fol
him, wishing especially to talk about
the wisest way Of disposing of some OF
the important committee places fol
New England members. The COVER
nor is seeking no new committee places
himself, being we'll satisfied with those
he already has, and Mr.. Cannon often
relies upon his good judgment as tc
what is best to do. Since he came to
Congress Gov. Burleigh has been grow
ing in strength and in the estimation
of the House constantly. He has al
ready attained an influence of which
Maine has every reason to be proud.
1t would have been improper for Gov.
Burleigh to discuss matters talked
about by himself and Mr.. Cannon, but
he spoke today about the work of the
extra session as it appeared him. Eve
rybody seems agreed said he, ''as fal
as house Republicans are concerned
that we ought at once to pass the legis-
lation to put the Cuban treaty into eff
feet. That is carrying out the express
purpose of the President. l am not ex-
pecting the announcement of House
committees till sometime in December,
although the Ways and Means Commit
tee and one or two others will be an
nounced this week. There are really
but a few committee places to be be-
slowed, but Mr.. Cannon is visited ex
tensively by both Democrat and Re-
publican members, who are almost as
eager and as numerous in their requests
as though all the committees were to be
REQ rganized. All the Maine delegation
fortunately, are we'll provided for, con
sidering their length of service in the
House. Our caucus Saturday evening
promptly transacted the business before
it, but that, Of course, is Republican
characteristic at Washington"
Senator Frye and Representatives
Allen, Powers and L.itlefield were all
here today and in their seats when the
gavels fell at noon. 1t would be un-
usual for session of Congress to begin
without all the Maine members being
in their seats. No other Congressional
delegation in the country has been
more noted for the regularity with
which they attend to their duties
Were all others rs punctual there would
be no need Of Republican whip to see
that members were on hand vewhener
their votes are needed.
Returning members from many
States are discussing their prospects
for denomination. Several States, how.
ever, have already followed the lead OF
Maine and keep their members here as
long as they will stay. That accounts
in large part for the increasing lnfiu