The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-09-17
Wide Divergence Of Opinion
Among Leading Republicans
GOING AFTER Mr. WILLIAMS
Campaign VIII Probably BE Made
Against the University Leader.
Yesterday Was Judge Par
ker's Day to Laugh.
BY wArTERsoN sTEALEY.

Washington, September 16.-(Special)-
The recent interviews with Senator Elkins
of West Virginia and Senator Dollver
of Iowa, both members of the interstate
commerce committee, on the subject OF
railroad rate legislation, indicate rather
wide divergence of opinion as to just
what legislation if any should be en-
acted at the approaching session. SEN
ator Elkins is reported to favor the ere
alton of an Interstate commerce court,
while certain western senators on the
committee hardly agree with the sug-
gestion, and in all probability minority
report will be forthcoming.
There are five democrats and eight re-
publicans on the committee, and there Is
said to be enough to convert the five
democrats into majority.
Such a committee report, however,
would have no particular influence on the
Senate, as 1t Is reported that Senator
Elkins himself : willing to sign most
any report, depe4ding upon his colleagues
to talk upon the measure in the session
indefinitely.
Protect Small Office Holders.
President Roosevelt is said to be be-
hind bill which will be introduced IN
the Senate and House in December, maxi
ing 1t a violation of the United states
statutes for any person, whether FED
eral employees or not, to make assess
ments for political purposes. At present
outsiders only are covered by the civil
service regulations. Should such a bill
pass small officeholders throughout the
country who are persistently harried py
state and country chairmen during CAM
paigns, will breath sigh of relief Tor
the political managers will then have no
hold on them.
Several well-known civil service reform
ers recently held conference with the
President at Oyster Bay, and assured
him that the cause of civil service would
be immeasurably advanced II the prac-
tlce of collecting money from federal Of
fice-holders could be broken up. The
President may have something to say in
direct recommendation In his annual ms
sage, but at any rate he Will use hG
personal influence with members to Sc
cure the passage of such bill
Campaign Against Williams.
Democratic members of the next House
are aware of a campaign which Is Deing
at present conducted on the gum shoe
order having for it's object the defeat OF
Representatives williams of Mississippi for
the House leadership. 1t Is not expected
to develop any strength, though some or
Mr.. williams friends fear that he VIII
be sensitive enough not to stand for re-
election on the ground that he mas not
the full support of the democratic MEM
bers, DeArmond of Missouri and May
of Virginia are among those mentioned
as aspiring to the House leadership.
n tfxra Do 90 M
who is in the city today, says; Il have
doubt that Mr. Williams Will be chosen
leader at the coming session. So far as
| know there is little opposition to him.
Mr. williams Is in every way equipped
for this position and | am satisfied that
a large majority of the democrats are en-
Enthusiastically for his selection He is the
logical choice and by far the best equip
per man on the democratic side"
Judge Parker's Day to Laugh.
Just about this time last year Presiden-
tian Candidate Roosevelt In defense on
National Chairman Cortelyou was char
acterizing as monstrous the charge OF
Candidate Parker that the big combina-
tions were contributing money to the re-
publican national committee. The Presi-
dent was highly indignant over the mat
ter but Chairman Cortelyou, to his cred
1t, preserved a discreet silence.
Now, according to the testimony or
George w. Perkins, vice president of the
New York Life Insurance company, that
concern turned over to Mr.. Cortelyou,
through J. P. Morgan. nearly fifty thous-
and dollars for the use of the republi-
cans. Judge Parker made the charge, but
could not make good on the proof. Mr..
Perkins was put on the stand one year
too late. This is Judge Parkers day to
laugh. but a very bitter laugh 1t must be.