The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1906-01-04
ABOUT CONGRESS,
Holiday Letters from our Spec.
ial Correspondent.
THE CAPITAL IN GALA DRESS,
Congress Takes a Breathing Spell
Before Confronting the Enormous
Number of Bills Introduced.
Washington, D. c. %, 1905.


terest, and the demoralizing effect of
the approaching vacation, it was
thought best to permit those who had
speeches to make, which might not be
admissible later in the session, the
privilege of making their campaign
contributions during the closing days
OF the pre-holiday portion of this ses-
sion. This concession was especially
made, apparently, to crafty new
members, and in order to give them
an opportunity to become initiated in
to the duties of full membership in all
its phases. A number of maiden
speeches were delivered in consequence,
and while they were up to the aver
age grade of that class they lacked
the pertinence and vigor of the ma
turer product. Some of the 'kid"
members, however, astonished their
older colleagues, and gave promise
that the future will not want for tai
ent in the affairs OF state if these men
are kept in Office. Fred Lands, a
brother of Charles B. Lands, we'll
known congressman of Indiana, dis
tinguished himself, and sustained the
dignity of his family, number of
whose members have attained promin-
ence in public life. He discussed the
insurance question, and handled it with
the vigor and originality of a vete-
ran.
Many of the members have depart
ed from the capitol to spend the hoti-
days at their respective homes. Judge
Conner and Judge Smith are among
this number. The subsistence of pol
itical interest, however, is counter
balanced by the hustle and activity in
cident to holiday festivities, which in
this particular portion of the country
assume considerable proportions
In the Senate various subjects,
more or less imminent, have been de-
bated. Senator Tillman, the famous
denunciator, of South Carolina, has
taken occasion to criticise the Presi-
dent, and others concerned in the San
to Domingoan treaty with the United
States, which failed of ratification at
the last session. Being member of
the minority, he would naturally seek
apretext for adverse comment on re-
publican politics and measures, and
being Benjamin R. Tillman he would
just as naturally find or create one.
His frequent diatribes against republi-
can plans and principles are unique
and picturesque. His career is inter
esting. The first office which he hello
was that of governor of his state. He
was then about forty years of age. Al
that time he was engaged in the oc-
cupation of farming, pursuit which
he still follows when at leisure from
his official duties. In 1886 he led 6
movement for the establishment oil
technical and industrial schools, which
landed him in the governors chair
and started him toward the Senate
In his campaign for the latter office
he was opposed by that aristocratie
old soldier and southern patrician, Gen
Butler, whose followers regarded hi:
defeat by the plebeian Tillman, as con.
elusive evidence of the utter degener
alton of their states politics. Will
all his shortcomings, and his tendenc,
to go to extremes, those who know hin
we'll declare that he is entirely homes
and sincere, however cratic, he may
be.
On Monday evening Senator Dollivel
had conference with the Presiden
concerning the rate question, which
possessed added interest because of tn,
presence of Secretaries Root an,
Moody. On Tuesday he introduced ;
bill designed to amplify the measure
proposed by the Interstate Commerce
Commission. This bill provides TO
an impartial public tribunal, consist
ing of seven members. The shipper
and the carrier may appear before thi
commission and make such representa-
ton as they see fit, supporting it will
such evidence as they choose to submit
and the finding of the commission i
to go into effect within thirty days
provided the Circuit Court does not va
cate or suspend it in the meantime
The bill also provides for a thoroug
inspection of railway accounts, thu
bringing to light all Irregularities 0
treatment accorded to shippers.
The committee on Ways and Mean
reported the Philippine Tariff bill o
Tuesday. According to it's terms a
products from the Philippines are t
be admitted into this country free
except coffee and sugar, upon which
duty of twenty per cent of tn
Dingley Schedules is to be collected
American products shipped to tn
Philippines are subject to the tart
rates imposed by the insular govern
ment upon importations generally, eS