The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1906-02-11
B. & O. HOLDING THE STAGE
Legislature at Annapolis Would Like
to Push Investigation, But
Don't Know How"


ties, and unless an understanding is
reached by the Democrats in the near
future the movement started so -four
ishinsiy may never come 70 a head.
Not in the recollection OF the oldest
politician has there been such a lack
Of leadership az at this session. In the
senate, where the Democrats have a
clear majority Of eight, they are una
bic 10 control party legislation. the So
called War1eld or anti-organization
Democrats. with the assistance OF the
Republicans. having up 10 this time
blocked every move Senator German in
spired- In the house, where the Demo-
Gratis have a seant majority of four
the organization crowd is in a hopeless
minority for there are at least half
a dozen Independents who viii not be
bound by caucus on matters of legisla-
ton.
The Republicans might profit from the
discord in the ranks of the opposition
If they were not themselves at odds
Chairman Hanna and other leaders
there are endeavoring TO obtain unanlm-
ity of action, but there is so much jeal-
ousy and envy that they despair of get
ting the factions together. The senate
Republicans are more harmonious than
those in the house. where all the trOu-
bic lies.
Mr.. Fenton. the floor leader. is pulling
one way and the southern Maryland
contingent another, while the city dele
cation, foot loose. is looking on.
Chairman Hanna Blamed.
Chairman Hanna is being roasted 20
turn by the leaders for lining up the
gs1 n
more and Ohio by prevailing upon Sem
atoT Baker and Delegate Fenton TO in
troduee undigestcd resolutions, both
OF which were declared unconstitu-
tionaI Men like Mudd threw up both
hands when they heard Of what had
been done. They hold it would have
been good politics for the Republicans
to have let the Democrats do all the
fighting against the corporation. be-
lieying as they do il Will end in smoke
and thereby curry the favor Of the
company. whose financial assistance
may come IN handy next fall, when
campaign funds Will be scarce. Now
that the Republicans have placed them
solves in the position Of attacking the
ro8d they need not expect any con
sidA-ation. Besides nothing was &C
comI> he'd The Baker resolution. now
in committee in the senate. is acknowl-
edged by it's author TO be unconstitu-
tional. because it carries an appTo-
priatiOn which should be made BY bill
and that of Mr.. Fenton vas declared
out Of order because il contained the
names OF the committee, which the
rules Of the house provide the speaker
should appoint
There was to have been 4 conference
Thursday at which the Republicans
were to decide upon a course OF proceed
ure. but this was abandoned.
The strongest and best card thus
far played by them. and. in fact, the
only one which could inure to their
political advantage, promises TO re-
suit in naught, because a city man
turned the trick. This was the reso1u-
ton to investigate the sale of the
Chesapeake and Ohio canal stock by. the
board of public works.
James F. Goodwin was the author of
the resolution, which sets forth in the
preamble that Democratic admins
tratiOn disposed of a property for S155.-
geo, for which a Republican predeces-
sor had declined s450. 0O0 The charge
is also indirectly made that the BaIti-
more and Ohio and Wabash railroad
companies acted in collision and that
must have known of it.
From a Republican point of view this
investigation will furnish plenty of cam
paign material but as above stated. 1t
is doubtful whether the other Repub-
licans will give il necessarv support
There is a likelihood that ne Demo-
Gratis opposed TO the Warfield admin
fstration may boost the resolution. but
their course has not yet been deter
mined.
Big Democratic Defeat.
The worst defeat sustained by the
Democratic organization since the be
ginning of the session was the recon-
initial of the resolutions framed by SEN
ator German and reported by his COM
mittee. Action had been taken without
consulting any of the Warffeld senators.
who resented being snubbed Besides.
there were two other resolutions in
bearing on the same subject
which were ignored. Young German ex-
planned that his resolution covered the
situation and took the place of the
others. but his colleagues did not see
1t In that light. So the seven insurgents
lined up with the Republicans and sent
his resolutions back with instructions
to report all of the resolutions at the
same time. when the senate could take
its choice
Mr. German was exceedingly. angry
over The summary treatment accorded
him. but had TO take his medicine. The
next day he went to Washington to
appear before the House Committee on
Elections on bahalf of COupreSsy<.an