Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1904-05-04
DOES
GREAT WORK
Montana Congressman Worked Hard
and Almost Single Handed for
Montana Interests.
EAST SOLID FOR ROOSEVELT
H.. r. Watson Finds Many Evidences
of the Presidents Popularity
Political Gossip.

In a personal letter to the city edi-
tor of the Argus. Halsey r. Watson
who is now in the east, makes the
following interesting comments anent
the political situation as he observed
1t:
But to reurn to our Washington
visit. While there Governor Hunt OF
Porto Rico arrived and | have no
doubt that his appointment to the
district bench OF Montana has been
received with the same degree of ap.
probation at home as by those with
whom the matter was discussed at
Washington. 1t appears to have been
a personal selection of the presi-
dents but Congressman Dixon is well
pleased, as is Colonel Botkin. Ispent
an hour with Colonel Botkin, who Is
still engaged on the work of codify-
ing the national laws. He is looking
well, says he is In good health and
believes the work will last for an
other year at least. Colonel Botkin
told me that he expects to be in
Montana this fall and will try and Wis
1t Lewistown during the campaign.
OF course our visit to the presi-
dent vas the leading event. Accom-
panying Congressman Dixon, we
went to the executive offices at $3.50
In the morning and were ushered in.
to the cabinet o where around the
center table were grouped a dozen
who were also waiting, among them
several senators and congressman.
After a short wait the president ap-
peared, and, passing around the room,
greeted us pleasantly and without an
appearance of being hurried. Re-
spending to my comment upon his
popularity in Montana, President
Roosevelt thanked me and placing his
hand on the shoulder of Congress-
man Dixon, added: Yes, and you
must take good care of him; he is do
ing well here"
on | consider very handsome, and
certainly most deserving. Dixon is
working very hard, and quite single
handed, in Washington for Montana's
interests. He is not only looking af-
ter Montana business in the house
OF representatives, which he Is ac-
credited-and before the departments.
but In the senate as well.
Senator Clark has been in Wash.
ington very little this winter and Sen
ator Gibson has been quite unwell
| and o1n,nct antiralu 1nuotnI 20 kso
pet idea of the repeal OF all the
land laws, except the homestead act,
which will not pass this session and
If sentiment counts for anything, not
for several sessions to come. While
the senate might favorably consider
the bill, even that Is doubtful, the
western senators are much divided
on the question and the house is ov.
erwhelmingly opposed to repeal at
this time. Senator Gibson left Wash
ington for Montana last Monday
tana legislation is accomplished, he
certainly a claim no share in its
enactment.
The passing of the bill opening a
portion of the Flathead reservation,
was due almost solely to Congress
man Dixon's personal influence with
senate leaders. He had delayed in
Difference to Montana's senators but
realizing that they were either not
disposed or unable to accomplish any
thing, he called upon the leaders per,
sonally and after much hard work.
secured their consent TO permit the
bill to pass. He then made a thor
ough canvass of the senate-both Re
publicans and Democrats, and In
these personal interviews met the OBJ
jections advanced and cleared the
way for favorable action. The day the
Fathead bill passed, Senator Allison
In charge of the Sundry Civil Appro
priation bill, yielded time and while
Senator Gibson sat with his hands
folded, Congressman Dixon paced the
floor and talked frequently with the
senator's who would materially assisl
or who were disposed to defeat thu
bills. Had Senator Gibson managed
the bills correctly, the bill opening
the Crow reservation would also hav'
passed that afternoon, but at a cru
cial moment, Senotor Gibson permit
ted another senator to take the foo
and before the business had been con
cluded the time granted by Senate
Allison had expired. If another OF
portunity can be made. the Crow bill
will also pass and TO that end Con
gresham Dixon vas striving when
left Washington. Adjournment wa
nearly In sight and time much lin
tied.
Montana's congressman is Away
working and Is on excellent term
with the house and senate leaders
with the president and with the head
of departments.
After u visit to the White HOUSE
Congressman Dixon took me to tn