The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-11-22
TOILETTE IS
HEARD FROM IN
UPPER HOUSE

uring his first four months in the
tied States Senate Robert M la Fol-
e exposed and stopped the sale and
sing OF coal and asphalt lands in In
Territory.
led the fight which kept the records
n until there can be a full investiga-
OF alleged gratis in Indian Terri
delivered the most exhaustive
ech that was made on the railway
bill
forced the passage Of an employ
liability act. He forced the passage
resolution authorizing the Interstate
nmerce Commission TO investigate
way and elevator companies for the
pose of discovering whether COM
alton exists between them by which
farmer is robbed.
g forced the senate 10 consider his
olution reducing the hours OF labor
railroads in the interest of public
ETY..
e introduced bills providing for the
ck system on all railways OF the coun-
enator La Toilette is true embodi-
Mt OF the popular spirit of disapproval
ich has been aroused against the BODY
which he is a new member.
~ on Ile Udllkh OF IllS
rs and watches for opportunities To
a He surprises the enemy and catches
m in awkward situations.
hat is what happened in the case OF
employers liability bill. The sena-
al army was sweating through the
row and dangerous defile or the nve-
nute-rule debate on the railway rate
when la Toilette flashed upon the
nks and offered the liability bill as an
endment. 1t was Earmaine, In order,
Il had been knocking for considera-
n for exactly % years The eyes or the
intry were on the senate chamber.
a Toilette demanded roll-call vote.
said he would not argue. He wanted
a vote. They could vote for or
3inst II as they pleased, but vote they
uld or they should not advance an
ler step. =.
.ldrich, Elkins and Kesn members OF
interstate commerce committee
ere the bill was being smothered),
abbed white flag and rushed out 70
Ike terms. They promised anything
thdrew the amendment. and they
uld report the liability bill next FRI
y-any old timel
heir promises were recorded In the
ecord' and La Toilette had won his
hit. The 20 years campaign was ended,
ID a bill hardly less important than the
. bill had been added 10 the national
tutes.
Again in the closing hours of the
ssion La Toilette fell on the CO.
rts of the regulars. He demanded
nsideration for the bill 10 limit the
urs OF railway employees. In the
ngestlon of business, when little
uld go forward without unanimous
nsent. he stationed himself In the
ddle OF the legislative road ana
ew his oratorical sword Vote,
demanded. ''Vote TO take up this
II and make II the unfinished bust
SIS. otherwise l obstructV. The
natorial army halted. There were
ne roll-calls. Each new call on the
btion showed the absence Of quo
m; but each call for quorum
owed a quorum present.
what did this mean? Simply that
nators were skulking. They were
Hing to respond to their names
| hen the roll was called. for the reas-
that they did NOT dare vote against
@ motion OF La Follette--and their
Ifniatiops with the railway and other
sted interests were such that they
. a not dare vote for the motion.
mere sat Burrows of Michigan and
ever peeped. There was the good Mr..
odge disappearing into the cloak
mere were a dozen senators pretend
q that the issue was a partisan one,
Id taking refuge in the plea that
ey were paired" with an absent col
Iague.
But La Toilette held the pass, and
fused 10 be moved. They gathered
|und his desk and fed him with
Lneyed words. They breathed threat
|lings OF dire consequences IL he per-
|sted. But II was OF no use Finally
|ale arose and announced surrender.
a told his colleagues who were
|sulking behind pairs" TO come out
nd vote.
third time La Toilette fell upon
he enemy. On this occasion the
|,natorial soldiers were gathered to-
|ether i'm a quiet place for a divi-
on of the loot. The public building
In otherwise known as the pork
arrel." was under consideration. La
|ollette's unfinished business"-the
Inn to limit the hours of railway
.ainmen, etc.-became the regular or
ar.
scott OF West Virginia. manager Of
ne pork barrel" asked La Toilette
b let his bill wait.
81 demand the regular order" was
he calm and firm announcement or
a Toilette. A delegation--a nom
artt t-an pro pork 6elegation-hurried
yer 10 La Follette's desk and began
/, resticulate. His face was like a
lask.
Hale saw that the raid must be
,pelled at any cost, and he sounded
lis forces to arms.
VERY we'll" he declared, then
an move TO lay aside the unfinished
nslness. and we will have a roll call
n that
This was steel against steel. and La
Gillette parried.
"Of course. my bill merely AFFECTS
no public safety" said La Toilette,
18th gentle sarcasm. II know IL
.ould be voted down az against bill
{ the character OF the one under con-
Iteration"
La Toilette is demonstrating-wha
as long been matter admitted In
one man may be most
! the senate, II only he be willing
, nav the price. and TO play the game
is p bold game. But he has plucken
ne tail feathers from several magnl-
cent gentlemen. The game is stih
oung His enemies will remember.
ut the people will not forget.
From Golfers.
DON CARLOS GOES To ROME