The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1906-02-09
WASHINGTON LETTER.

Sagacity and patience were alone res
ponsible for the General Staff Bill recent.
ly passed by Congress, and by which our
army was recognized and put on plane
with the modern armies of Europe. The
sagacity and patience by which it was
accomplished however. we're displayed
not by Congress but by Secretary
Root, then the head of the Department
of War. The army at that tune was in
its organization eossilized institution
dating back TO the Revolution. For
many years Congress had been implored
to institute the General Staff aud bring
the organization up to the standard set
by the great modern armies of other
countries and the recalcirance of Con-
gress to any changes or reform was final
ly overcome only by the wisdom and
energy of Secretary Root. Those who
despaired the other day when the Senate
passed an emasculated and farcial Con-
sular Bill, which was introduced in its
original strength for the purpose OF i'm
proving the Consular Service and Of
bringing it up to the efficiency of the
Consular Services of England and Ger
MANY, have at least the consolation OF
knowing that the reform is one IN
which Secretary Root (now Secretary of
State) is interested and remember his sue
cess with the army reorganization. The
Bill passed by the Senate provided for no
reforms of any importance in the Con-
sular Service and in its present form acts
as a mere obstruction to the introduction
of one that might have some effective
provisions. Before its passage in the
Senate Secretary Root appeared in person
before the Committee i'll charge of the
bill and explained at length the demon.
allied condition of the service at present
and the need for the benefit of the trade
and commerce aud standing of this
country abroad that men especially fitted
by education should be appointed to the
Offices, instead of these offices being used
as now as ''asylums for worn out poll
ticiaus." But the Senate which considers
above its duty to the country its obliga-
lions to its constituents rejected the adj
vice of the Secretary of State and passed
bill which contains but one important
provision and that one for the creation OF
board of Consular inspection by which
Eve more important offices are placed at
the disposition OF Congress to be further
filled by political hacks and unpaid
constituents. Those interested in the
ultimate success of effort to make the
needed reforms in the service though
temporarily discouraged have confidence
that Secretary Root may yet by wisdom
and patience rescue the work as he did
that for the army.
~
Rumors that the Presidents popularity
in the country and influence with Con-
gress had waned have not been verified
by the facts. His popularity is undimin-
ished and nothing could better demon
strate his influence in Congress than the
present condition of the issues before that
body. Every pending measure with the
possible exception of the Statehood and
PHILIPPINE tariff bills, which he has approx,
ed seems certain of enactment into law
The approval of his Moroccan policy and
the adoption of his recommendation with
with regard to Santo Domingo are
practically sure to go through and it is
in the important railroad rate reform that
he will probably achieve his greatest sue
cess. For more than year and in the
face of apparently insurmountable oppo-
sition he has unfalteringly advocated rate
reform. In spite of all that has been said
of his willingness to compromise with
the Senate" or of his "wavering" on the
question it is evident that he has not
yielded an inch of the position he took
year ago. There is scarcely doubt that
the House will pass the rate reform
measure known as the Hepburn Bill"
and the opposition expected from the
Senate is melting away SO rapidly that its
success in that body is foregone con-
clusion. Meanwhile the railroads stand
aghast at what has been accomplished.
~
Another important measure before
Congress which has not had sufficient
publicity is due to the efforts of cattle
men TO have the time in which cattle are
in transit without food or water extended
from twenty-eight to thirty-six hours.
Persons unfamiliar with Congress or the
beef trade would be amazed to know the
amount of influence and money that can
and has been brought to bear upon that
body to effect the passage of this bill.
Humane people throughout the country
are sending letters to their representatives
IN Congress urging them to vote against
the measure, and the societies for the
0revenfi0n of crue1tv to animals are