The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-01-20
FREE-HAND COMMENT
ON MEN AND MANNERS
Meddesomeness of Representatives IN the Carriage Riding
Government Officials Indicates Unworthy Views
and AntecedentS.

the day of the public speaker is over
forever. is a mistaken idea. as any
body can see for himself. who will spend
an afternoon at the Capitol. listening
to the spirited contest that is going on
there among the skilled gladiators who
are now engaged-such men as Spooner,
German. Depew, Lodge, Teller. The
man who cob rise to his feet and ex-
press his convictions skinfully and
forcefully has a decided adven tage in
the battle of life over the one who has
rot this gilt. which is. like all other
desirable accomplishments, largely a
matter Of training and practice.
The subject discussed on Monday night
by the Vaughn Glass Club was the
vital one of the negro suffrage amend
ment" and the contest was given espe-
cial interest by the fact that the speak
ers for tho abolition of the amendments
We're chosen from the South, while the
young men in favor Of the amendments
hailed from the North Other subjects
of equal interest will be discussed in the
course OF the winter.
1t is very likely that the painting, en-
titled Peace" b. Walter L. Dean,
which Senator Lodge would have adedd
to those already hanging in the Capitol
building, is a work OF art. for the Sena-
tor is generally believed to be a compe-
tent judge in such matters. If so. it will
assist in raising the general average of
the art exhibit now upon the Capitol
walls. which includes a number OF mon
strosities, lurid and awkward compost
tons which it would be cruel TO hang IN
"A farmers barn for the torture of in
offensive cows. The picture in question
represents the collection. of war yes
sells known IS the Squadron of Evolu-
ton" and the price asked therefor is
$4,000. 1t is quite certain, at any rate.
judging from the subject. that it will not
contain any six-toed Indians.
General Reyes. in his letter to Mr.. Hay
on the Panama affair, declares that the
isthmus formed the most important
part OF the wealth Of Colombia Doubt
less, IL the Colonbians had not been too
conscious Of this fact, and overanxious
to realize on the isthmus in their own
peculiar way. they might be in more
fortunate position today than they are.
II the Commissioners succeed In get
ting the old Mcmillan bill through. they
will certainly have In their hands a
practical goad for compelling the cit-
zens OF the District to clean off the
snow and ice from before their proper
ties That bill provides for a fine OF
s. In case Of delinquency or imprison-
ment in the workhouse for not less than
five days. The bill also gives the Com
missioners the privilege OF cleaning on
the snow from in front Of unimproved
lots and Of possessing the expense against
the owiisrs The fear Of a fve-doIlar
fine seems a sufficient incentive TO be
effectual. That the present 81 penalty
Is too ios has been clearly proved by
the experience OF the past few days. II
we are "a have a North Dakota climate
here IN Washington, as present condi-
tons seem 10 indicate, we need some
legal provisions that will prevent the
city from again being transformed into
a skating rink. In the meantime the
list Of accidents is swelling every day.
and a small army Of people with broken
arms and legs and cracked sk2ils Win
remember this cold spell for many a
long day.
The announcement Of the Postal Tele-
graph Company that It intends to put
its wires underground will give satlsfac-
ton 20 all lovers Of our beautiful city
We already have no overhead trolley
wires, that so dishgure the streets OF
other towns. while the underground cleo
trio wires and the disappearance from
view OF the telephone wires have al
ready rendered our streets more slightly.
The fire in the J. NJ. c. A. Building,
seriously interfering with the work
there for some time TO come calls atten>
ton TO the fact that only $4,000 Is
needed to complete the fund OF 500. coo
necessary for the new structure