East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1907-03-14
WaShingtonLetter

Washington, D. c., March 1S.-
The resignation of Senator Spooner,
of Wisconsin, calls attention to how
few men sever their connection with
that body during their terms. 1t is
nothing unusual for a senator to de-
cline a reelection, but seldom do
they retire with any part of their
term to their credit There have been
a number of such instances, how
ever, in the past, probably more be-
fore the civil war than since. This
of a senator is growing more and
more attractive from the standpoint
of prestige and influence. Its men,
bership increases very slowly, while
the population of the country, its
wealth and business are increasing
by leaps and bounds. The two sem
ators from New York, for example,
represent about as many people as
the entire senate at its organization.
The designations at the outbreak
of the civil war were the most dra-
matte. Next IN public interest were
those of conkling and Platt. Since
then only few senators have resigned
except to assume other political Of
fices. Sherman, Blaine, Carlisle and
others resigned to enter cabinets:
Fairbanks resigned to become vice.
president. Ex-senator Clark, of
Montana once resigned, but as he was
serving under an appointment, the
legality of which was questioned,
that scarcely counts. Ex-senator
Burton, of Kansas, resigned, but he
was under indictment It is prob
able the late Senator Mitchell of Ore
gon, would also have resigned, but
death claimed him first. OF all the
motives by which senators have been
actuated in resigning, It is not now
recalled that any save Spooner, have
bluntly stated that they did so to in
crease their income.
On the house side it will be re-
memhered that both Speaker Reed
and Speaker Henderson resigned to
return to the practice of law. Reed
was not losing much IL anything as
speaker. but he was accumulating
n nothing. During Hendersons four
years as speaker he spent probably
$4,000 a year more than his salary,
which made large inroads on his
modest fortune. Both Of them died
within a few years after their retire.
ment and neither left much of an
estate.
Government and Dividends.
The recent activities of Mr.. E. H.
Hartman in this city and elsewhere,
particularly in the line of making
statements to the newspapers, has
caused much speculation as to the
future relations between the govern
mept and the railroads. Some years
ago Senator Newlands of Nevada,
championed the proposition that II
the government undertook to regu-
late rates IT should also regulate div
idends.
It is evident that the railroad
question has not been settled. In
fact 1t IS simply opening up. The
safety of the country demands few
er grade crossings and the extension
and perfection of the block signal
system. The business interests de-
mnad riore engines and cars. more
tracks AMI increased terminal facili-
ties Legislatures are passing two
cent rate laws and the railroads are
rctaliating by cutting off excursion
and computation tickets, Wall
street investors generally are looking
fer increased dividends. The rail-
roads themselves, meaning the men
actually engaged in operating the
roads. are caught between the two
conflicting interests, and In addition
are met with demands from their
employees for more pay and reduced
hours.
Altogether 1t would seem that II
congress is to regulate rates and
hours cf employees, compel improve
ments In block signals and other fa-
cilities, II ought to take cognizance of
dividends. Certainly improvements
can be made only II new stocks or
bonds are issued, which means in
creased fixed charges, or from the
current earnings. It seems unfair
for congress to regulate that source
of income and then permit the stock
jobhers to determine what should be
done with it. Senator Newlands ad-
vocated that the dividends should be
limited to a fixed and fair amount
and the remainder expended in i'm
provoments. When the income be-
came more than was necessary, rates
were to be reduced.
Apparently Mr.. Hartman, II one
can read between the lines, has be-
come convinced that unless closer
and more friendly relations exist be-
tween the government and the rail-
roads the latter will eventually be
swallowed by the former. And II
seems that az long as the finances of
the roads are to he juggled about nv