The Washington times., 1906-06-08
SENATE'S POWER
IN HANDS OF FEW
Move TO Readjust System Of
Committee Selections.
FAIRNESS TO YOUNGER MEN
Burden of Work Put on Veterans by
Seniority Appointment
Plan.
FAIRNESS TO YOUNGER MEN

1t has been said. and demonstrated as
true. that group of about a dozen Sen
ators are able. by reason of their com
mittee assignments, TO dominate the
important legislation of the upper cham
Der. This is a condition which has be
come traditional. and is based on the
method of assigning committee posi-
tions in order of seniority in service.
The condition is likely TO be brought to
an end in the near future and a more
democratic practice substituted for it.
The death of Senator German. who
was one of the three Democratic Sena-
tors who benefited by this arrange
ment. is expected TO be followed by re-
newed effort 10 bring about a more
equitable distribution of powers in the
Senate. In the reassignment of com
mittee places among the Democrats a
new plan viii probably be adopted and
it will be a long step toward reform.
There is a strong sentiment among Re
publican Senators who do not enjoy the
monopoly of power by the small group
OF elder statesmen to encourage like
movement among the Republicans the
next time committees are made up.
Great Power of a Few Men.
To understand the power which a few
@AANA NANAA ~ - tlllg itNtoSdtg 70 dlldl &c
the makeup of a few leading committees.
Take the appropriations, finance. foreign
relations. interstate commerce and rules
These are, with the judiciary. the com
mittees which handle "A great bU4K Of
general legislation and which govern the
procedure of the Senate. To control them
is 10 have the strings on eevrything of
the first Importance accept in excep-
Iional cases.
Now take a group Of Senators com
posed OF Allison, Hale, Frye, CullOm,
Aldrich, Elkins Spooner. Platt. Repub-
licans. and Daniel, Teller and German,
Democrats
or this group Of Senators, Allison.
1-ale. Cullom and Elkins are four Of the
eight Republicans on appropriations;
Teller Daniel and German are three Of
the five Democrats in the present list
The purse strings are thus seen 10 be Sc
curely controlled by this committee the
most potent In either branch Of Con-
gress.
Next take finance. the great business
committee. At its head is Aldrich, who
has been called general manager of the
United States. Allison. SpOOner and Hale
are others OF the elect who occupy seats
at this committees board.
Small But Potent Committee.
Rules is a small and select commit
tee with great deal of power Here the
elder statesmen are at their best. Its
members are Spooner. Aldrich. EIklns
and Lodge, Republicans; Teller. Bacon
and Bailey. Democrats.
This Illustration of the power Of
small group of men could be carried fur
ther, but ii is not necessary. There are
numerous Senators who have served for
lons periods who have no place on
committee Of the first class The vet
Grams with the big committees work
themselves to death. and deny the privi-
lege Of helping to others who would
b. only too well pleased with the op-
portunity.
The history Of the development OF
this system. which gives the places of
real power TO a few men is briefly told
It Is easier 10 retain a tradition than
10 overtuTn il. Assignment by seniority
at least is less calculated to offend SEN