Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1906-02-07

Dominican treaty. Calling attention 10
Rlcpn's contentious as to the duty OF
senators to advise the Executive, he
asked the Georgia senator Whether ne
thought that party caucus ought 10
be permitted TO stand in the Way OF a
senator's performing his duty.
Bacon replied sharply that he did not
know OF any senator in better position
than Foraker to reply to such Il question
himself. but lie modified the stat ment so
as 10 deprive it Of its personal appl-
cation and said that on account Of rca-
sons satisfactory to themselves and be-
cause Of forcetul influences brought to
bear upon them many senator's had bc"n
brought to give their adhesion to meas
urcs which they did not approve
Foraker replied that the Republican
senators had no binding caucuses but only
conferences for the exchange of viowa
and that he had never known of treaty
being considered in caucus or conference
by either party until last Saturday.
Bacon said that if the Republican par
ty had no binding caucuses it was be-
cause they were controlled by 4 more po-
tent influence.
ItdCOu SolittHtcu tllit t-OUE1tSH h''S IA
far greater danger of encroachment from
the Executive than was the Executive
from the Congress. "Who doesn't know.
he said, that the most influential part
of the legislative power is at the other
end of Pennsylvania avenue in the White
House? / don't refer to the present oc-
cupant," he added, "but to all the occu-
pants of the past generation" He added
however. that the tendency haG ncv"r
been more pronounced than it was today.
that the present Executive was as much
inclined to assert himself as had been
any of his predecessors and that he haa
recently read in the newspapers that Inc
stock market had gone either up or down
in consequence of the announced position
of the President on n particular measure.
Bacon contended that if the United
States should establish the precedent Of
taking charge of the fiscal affairs OF SAN
to Domingo conditions were such in other
South and Central American countries ~:
to render it probable that this country
would assume similar duties there IL"
instanceG the condition of affairs in
Costa Rica, saying they We're similar I"
those in Santo Domingo.
Bacon declared that not only had IT,"
Senate the right to participate in negotia-
tons of Il treaty but it was perfectly
competent for the Senate to formulate
treaty and send it to the President. Re
turning to the Algeciras conference, h9
said: I'VE are there in n powder house
which may explode at any timc-in Il
house with parties who may at any time
fly at each others Threats.
Bacon declared that all Europe was
aligned between France and Germany II
anticipation of a war over the MoroccaH
question, and concluded by saying tina!
the limited States itself to its own affairs.
Spconer followed Bacon, declaring hi
conviction that it was the duty or N
President to send delegates to AigeciraS.
lie stated that he knew it to be q fac.
that Austria and Italy had refused to at
tend the conference if all the signator?
powers, including the United States. di'
not attend Now" he added. 'if any
thing on earth prevents war between tw"
great powers. both friendly to us, it VIII
be the assembling and elaboration OF
this conference at AlSeciras.'
During a colloquy between ,Spooner and
Bacon concerning the resolution VINO
the latter introduced asking for inform7'
ton concerning Morocco, much heat wai
displayed by both senators. Srooner slia
the request for information should nave
been made in secret session ard there
would have been no opposition
Spooner-1eclared that in the exercise ~
his duty the President 'is unc"ntrolled
and uncomfortable and not answ'rah'e
lis or the other house He said that =:
resolution demanding information iron
the President would be an insult.
Bacon complained of the use OF th'
word insult" lie said that SiooncrS
frecuent resort to this expression was
confession of the weakness Of his arSu-
mcnt.
THAT" replied Spooner. would be the
tawdriest and cheapest of resources, and
Bacon said he agreed with him.
Snooner concluded at 80 j.. NJ. ana
after Lodge had given notice Of Il apeeci
on the railroad rate question Tor next
Monday, the Senate went into executive
session, adjourning at 5.25 i. N.