Middletown transcript., 1904-04-23
WASHINGTON LETTER
WAsnrNaroN D. C. April. 1904.

/
The week has been very interesting
one in Washington, politically, socially
and sorrowfully. Many interesting
speeches have been made in both houses
of Congress, concerning important ques-
tions. Senators and Representatives who
talk largely for political effect have had
ample opportunity for doing SO by pre-
senting amendments to pending bills, de-
nouncing the bills, and then voting for
them with astonishing unanimity. This
is very satisfactory to the Republicans,
who have but to content themselves with
patience, remain good natured and see
the opposition discreetly come to terms.
Just now favorite form OF Democratic
diversion Is to keel haul Grover Cleve-
land for all the misfortunes which have
come to the Democratic party. He is
denounced as the noblest Republican of
them all. There must be a scapegoat, and
the reviled ex-President is as good as any.
Perhaps all this irritation is but natural,
since, as Congressman Hamilton OF
Michigan saysi Protection makes good
times" And the happy and prosperous
people are turning, almost to man, to
President Roosevelt as their leader for
four more years. All the political news
from the State which comes to the White
House is reassuring and the President
can well consider himself relieved of
anxiety regarding his nomination and
election. This gives him and his advisers
time for the consideration of important
and pressing questions.
~
The explosion on the Missouri, with
the appalling resulting loss of life, caused
great sorrow and perplexity among the
officials of the government. 1t was very
unfortunate in all of its aspects, especially
so for Capt. Oowles who has Just been
severely criticised for the collision of his
ship with the Illinois. While the navy de-
partment was profoundly impressed with
the news of the Russian war ship horror,
and congratulating itself that such acct
dents never OCCUR in the American navy,
there came upon the heels Of this news
the account Of the Missouri explosion.
The effect was stunning. The President
at once started subscription "to be used
for the dependent kinsfolk of the enlisted
men, who perished. The exact cause
of the disaster may never be known. It
is thought the affair was an unavoidable
accident. There are those who suggest
that the use of smokeless powder may
have had something to do with the ex-
plosion. Its nature is not yet very well
understood.
49,
The Chinese question looms large and
yellow on the international horizon, and
Secy. Hay and Attorney Gen. Knox are
giving it careful attention. The Chinese
minister has plucked up courage enough
to inform the President if present harsh
laws against the Chinese are continued
and enforced, reprisals upon the part of
the least favored nation may be expected.
So long as this state of things continues
it is foolish to expect any considerable
trade relations with China, and the open
door will be closed. On the other hand
Congressman Livernash of California,
who represents labor, wants the exclusion
act maintained, and so does the Fedora
ton of Labor. 1t is difficult to eat ones
cake and keep it too. The government
cannot please everybody, but in the last
analysis must do justly and await the
evolution of events.
~
Senator Morgan has again begun to
discuss the whole Panama canal question
and at this writing is in the midst of the
third day of his speech making. The
opportunity was afforded by the con-
sideration of the Canal Zone Govern
ment Bill, The proposition is to give
the gone a civil government and confer
upon the commissioners the pardoning
power. Mr.. Morgan argues that a mill
tary government would be much better
and more in harmony with the eternal
fitness of things. He takes tine ground
that the zone is a military reservation,
policed by United States soldiers, and that
the Commissioners should devote their
best energies to the construction of the
canal, relieved of all callateral matters.
There is much good sense in this view of
the matter. But will men be willing to
work under military law? Can civilians
be compelled to do thisH Why not get
enlisted men to work upon the canal? :
~
The proposal to investigate the Post
Office is still under consideration. Sem
ator Aldrich is in favor of the scheme
as he thinks the results would be favor
able to the Republican party. The Sem
ate leaders are carefully discussing the
whole matter. The fact appears that
Messrs Conrad and Bonaparte are still
pushing their investigations, and that
the Post Office in New York is being
overhauled. Whether new investiga-
ton will be ordered by Senate COM
mittee is now largely question Of policy.
Probably not,
~
The Sundry Civil Appropriation bill is
before the House. 1t carries the SUN of
$50, 10S, 400. One of the new professions
is for new office building for the Senate,
to correspond to the building in course of
erection for the House. The structure is
to cost So, ,25O, 900 and the site will cost
$3.50, 900. The new building is to stand
at the nothern end of Capitol park, be-
tween B. and G. streets, N. E. 1t will
be great addition to the beauty and
dignity of Capitol hill, and will balance
the new building at the southern end of
the Capital. The bill SO strenuously
advocated by Senator Fairbanks for a