The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-03-03
Mr.. Cannon at the Twelfth Hour.

The Washington correspondent OF tho
NoU York Herald reports that on Wednes-
day a member OF the Administration
called upon Speaker CANNON and in
formed him that 1T would be agreeable
to the President if Congress saw fit to
increase the compensation of his Office
prior to March 4.
We have no doubt that il would be
agreeable to the President, as it would to
his friends, and to the people of the coun-
try generally. Few there are who will
declare that Mr.. ROOSEVELT Is not fairly
entitled to receive a salary of 100000 a
year for his services.
But that the alleged member OF the
Administration was instructed or au-
thorized by Mr.. ROOSEVELT to appeal to
Speaker CANNON we do not for a moment
believe. The Presidents attitude with
regard to the question OF his salary has
been marked by all the propriety and
delicacy which selt-respect suggests
under the circumstances When we
consider his great power 10 influence
legislation, and TO produce results in
Congress according to his own desires
there is sufficient evidence of his reserve
in the mere fact that the movement for
additional compensation was not spurred
from the White House long ago. and
that it was left 10 THE Sun, in the last
days OF the session, TO point out the
brevity of the opportunity.
again, We can scarcely believe that
Speaker CANNoN. in replying 10 the al
legged member OF the Administration,
used the language attributed 70 him by
the Hcrdid's reporter:
Why. In heavens name didn't you tell me this
long ago' How can we do It now Here we arc.
hrh,ing every bin that approprates money. and
under rules that cannot change unless we are
ready 70 let In the deluge. am willing 10 give the
President $4,000 year because any President
earns IT, but It Is now too late. What makes me
mad Is TINT It should be kept back until the twelfth
hour is about to strike
If Mr.. CANNON said that, we say, with
all respect, Cannon! The Maynard bill
increasing the Presidents salary was
introduced and referred to the Commit
tee on Appropriations nearly two months
ago, and it has never been reported by
that committee. Did Speaker CANNON. or
Mr.. HEMENwAY. or Mr. DALZELL, or Gen.
GRosvENoR expect that Mr. ROOSEVELT
was coming 10 the Capitol TO lobby for
measure by which he would benefit per-
sonally? Mr.. CANNoNs wrath ought TO
be turned upon himself and his assistants
in the leadership of the majority for
neglecting the business until the twelfth
hour. Nobody else is to blame.
Equally absurd is the Speakers excuse
that the requirements OF rigid economy
made it impossible for him and his as
sociates on the Committee on Rules TO
permit this measure OF justice and decent
treatment Of the President to pass in the
last hours Of the session. On that same
day the House voted into an appropria-
ton bill an unearned gratuty to its
own members and the members Of
the Senate, amounting 10 $40 900. or
within $4,000 OF the sum required TO
pay Mr. ROOSEVELT an additional $50, 900
n year for the whole term OF four years
for which he has been elected. Moreover.
one Of Mr.. CANNoN's colleagues on tho
Committee on Rules, Gen. CHARLES II.
GRosvENoR of Ohio, was recorded AZ
voting for that constituencies grab OF
the peoples money.
The Stewart bill in the Senate remains.
One day, or perhaps one day and half,
is left of opportunity. Will the Senate
send the measure over 10 the House in
such form that il will be beyond the power
Of single objector like BAKER Of Brook