The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1905-03-04
snecial nisnatnh % the Raltimore sum.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26.-With President
Roosevelt and the Republican war horses in
Congress pulling in different directions, the
inauguration on next Saturday will lack the
essentials of party lovefeast. 1t is not ex-
aggerating the situation to say that the Presi
dent on the eve of his Inauguration, and less
than four months after polling an unprece.
dented plurality, finds his leadership disputed
and the whole question of the orignation and
execution of policies to be fought out during
the next four years.
What is regarded as a significant incident is
being related here about Mr.. Roosevelt, and
it has created painful impression among the
members of Congress who have grown to re-
gard party as the controlling force in national
affairs The Pres dent attended dinner re-
Gently, at which Senator Cockrell, of Missouri,
was present. Mr.. Roosevelt arose at Stage
of the dinner aud announced that he was going
TO do an unusual thing, which might cause
much comment. He was about to propose
the health of a political opponent. He there
fore offered toast to Senator Cockrell, and
in his remarks which followed announced
with the utmost candor that he would not
necessarily be bound by party during the four
wears of his term His words were taken as
a sort of declaration of independence of the
Republican party and have been a subject of
much comment by Senators.
Events of the last two weeks show that the
Senate and the House are both accepting the
challenge of the President, and party lines
are being drawn against him. 1t is regarded
as inevitable that The next Congress will wit
ness a struggle between the President and
Congress in which he may be beaten if the
Democrats do not come to his assistance.
Men who have sat in Congress and followed
the course of national politics for the last %
years say that the drift which has set in means
that the next Congress viii witness the rapid
progress of one Of the greatest contests be
tween President aud the Senate and House
that have occurred in several decades. II will
be over the two great questionable control OF
transportation and the exercise Of the powers
ofthe President. They expect it to involve the
selection of Presidential candidates IN 1908.
Some men in the Republican party even now
are seriously discussing the formation of
conservative" wing Of the Republican party
for the purpose of fighting the President and
his measures.
The Navy bill furnished many Republicans
in the House with opportunity Of showing IN.
dependence of the President The bill with
its authorization of Two battleships was passed
only with the aid of Democratic votes. The
NAVY bill is furnishing the same opportunity
10 the Republicans Of the Senate. Senator
Hales speech Of yesterday in advocating 1--WE
battleships and ar increase Of marine corps
was almost an open attack on Mr.. Roosevelt
for following the tactics OF Great Britain and
bulldozing smaller. nations.
President Roosevelt lost no opportunity TO
thank Democratic callers at the White House
for the 40 minority votes Ia favor of the Naval
bill, and this has not served to apPease the
wrath of Republican Senators. which has been
growing instead Of decreasing as the session
nears the end.
@anators Halafs sarcasm on t.fha navy as a
bully has created establishment in both
parties. For many years be has been chair
man Of the Naval Committee Of the Senate,
and up 10 the time of the Spanish War was an
important factor in keeping down naval aP-
preparations. His influence was eNerted not
only in the Senate, but on the House and the
House committee. Since the war with Spain
he has been unable to stem the popular side
in favor of a greater navy. His influence on
the House committee has weakened, and the
House bills in favor Of substantial increases in
the last two Congresses especially have pre-
vailed
The day on which the Naval bill came TO a
final vote in the House the President SUN
moned to the White Honse a score 81 Repah
licans who were opposed 10 the two batlieshiFs
and with the aid Of Speaker Cannon succeed
ed in obtaining their support. Similar White
House pressure is needed 10 save the bill To-
morrow.
Another opportunity will be furnished the
Senate when II rieeis IN extra session by the
Santo Domingo treaty.
Signs are that The President will be com
PEELED 10 veto the Rivers and Hsrbors bill,
and this will increase the antagonism. The
Senate has already added $40. 900, 600 70 S82-
600, 900 which thai bin carries for the next
two fiscal years, and it is still growing.