Los Angeles herald., 1906-07-03
PRESIDENTIAL TAFrY

The presidents fulsome eulogy Of
congress concerning the work Of the
session just closed indicates that the
big stick has been split into kindling
wood. The llon-like aggressiveness
that characterized the president at GER
tain stages Of the session is changed to
lamb-like meekness. Points at issue
In which he showed Characteristic
strenuousness are worked down to vel
vety smoothness in the final blessing.
ignoring his insistence on vital ques-
tions of legislation, he now extols acts
that he opposed to the utmost in their
main features, and lauds the men who
defeated his purposes.
Il would not be afraid" saws the
president, "to compare its record with
that of any previous congress in our
history. not alone for the wisdom. but
for the disinterested highmindedness
which has controlled its action q.
No influence of any kind has availed -
prevent the enactment of laws most
vitality necessary to the nation at this
time"
Three measures, of most vital concern
to the American people were enacted
with provisions in direct opposition to
all the influence and power that the
president could exert. They are the
railway rate bill, the meat inspection
bill and the pure food measure. In de-
fiance of the president, the rate bill
was emasculated by giving subordinate
courts power over DEGREES of the inter-
state commerce commission. In the
matter of the meat inspection bill and
also of the pure food measure, the
wishes of the president were ignored on
points of primary importance.
But all the sharp friction that ap-
peared at times during the session. in
regard to various measures. is allayed
now by the oily words poured cut at
parting. The stubborn majority that
balked the executive in the senate and
the fractions kickers that were wont to
show their heels i'm the house, are all
depart for their several homes. That
eulogy was handed out with the grace
of a dispenser of college diplomas.
Whether it was received with the icy
characteristic of graduates is some
thing known only to the recipients.
Why was this remarkable and un-
usual panegyric bestowed by the presi-
dent upon congress, particularly in
view of circumstances during the ses-
sion with which the American people
are well acquainted? 1t is in the nature
of an apology for the presidents sharp
antagonism of Republican leaders at
certain stages of legislation. 1t is a
hand-proffer with the suggestion to
'let bygones be bygones." But it is
not. by any means. what might be ex-
pected from president having the in
dependence, self will and horror of re-
straint that have been regarded as
leading characteristics of Theodore
Roosevelt.
Can it be-is it possible-that the
presidents hosting of the white flag
instead of raising of the big stick"
is a symptom that recent events have
caused a faint buzzing of the dormant
bee in his bonnet? Perish the thought!
Has he not declared that his party
will have to vote for some other Re-
publican next time?" And yet, is it not
the paramount duty of an American
citizen, however eminent to respond to
the call of his country? and if his coun-
try demands that he shall sacrifice him
self on its altar by making a race for
the presidency, shall ne not disregard
everything that conflicts with duty?
We shall know later how that senti-
ment fits the feelings and the con-
science of our distinguished president