Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1906-04-14
WASHINGTON LETTER

Washington, D. c., April TO-
Congressman Davidson last week
introduced a resolution to constitute
committee Of house members to
sit during recess and hear testimony
upon the tariff question. This step
meets with the approval of revision
lists who advocate a change in the
schedules now in force and is rep
resentative in part of the constantly
growing sentiment favorable to
tariff reduction. The stand pat
tariff men, under the organization
and control of Speaker Cannon, his
committee on rules and the ways
and means committee, will, it is as
serted make short work Of the
Davidson resolution by refusing to
give the question consideration.
Notwithstanding this,fact, however,
practically all the Wisconsin mem
bers are united upon the PROPOSE
ton that there is immediate nee
essity for action along tariff reyis-
ion lines.
Congressman Babcock during this
and other sessions, has never failed
to impress his views favorable to a
revision of schedules upon his col
leagues of the ways and means
committee, and because Of this ac-
tivity, came under the ban Of Speak
er Cannon, who in recognizing
the committee along stand pat lines,
placed Congressman McCleary up
on the committee instead of Con-
gresham Tawney, and gave him
rank over the leads of men who
had been upon the committee for
some years. At the time it was
done, this action caused no end of
comment in Washington, and it was
generally regarded as high-handed
proceeding made necessary in order
to preserve the committee from tax
ing action upon the tariff question
From Jime to time, Speaker Can
non has gone on record as discoun-
tenancing any move towards revi-
sion, but Notwithstanding this, there
is a revolt among republicans which
will for, e recognition of their CLAIMS
These men cssuTG That the attitude
of Cannon leaves no chance for re-
vision at this session, but that early
IN the next house, the republican
members will organize and force
the republicans to accede. Upon
this question, Wisconsin stands at
the front, and it is altogether likely
that some of the delegation will
drop shells into the camp of the
stand patters before the session
ends, in outlining what they be
lieve the policy of the party should
be. Congressman Babcock is Co
operating with Congressman David
son to sesure the reporting of the
resolution to the floor so that the
proposition can be debated. II
Speaker Cannon's antagonism can
be beaten down and this move
made, there will be a lively discus
sion of the tariff question before the
close of the session.
~
There is many a battle between
intellectual giants in the senate
these days over the rate bill, and as
one listens to the debate, the con-
clus1on is forced that the senators
constitute a legislative body in
which is uniformly shown the high
est possible regard for the interests
of the people. AS every possible
phase of the rate legislation is con-
sidered and arguments Astounding
in legal acumen and research are
made and demonstrations given of
the wide practical knowledge of the
transportation question which sena-
tors possess, one can not help but
discredlt the preJudiced reports be-
ing sent out by an organized band
of detractOrs. 1t seems to be the
effort of sensational magazine and
yellow newspaper writers to dis
parage the senate and to charge
that body with corrupt motives and
actions. Too frequently is the
statement made that the senate is
controlled by special interests and
that the interests Of the people are
sacrificed. The contrary is true for
no legislative body ever convened is
more careful or conscientious in
the discharge of duty.
When any Of the big men, those
with regulations national in char
acter and standing, get into the de-
bate, the senators have a way of
getting at the meat Of things which
denies subterfuge and concealment.
Take Spooner and Bailey, foI in
stance, when it comes to a differ
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