The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1907-08-29

man Theodore Il. Burton, OF Ohio, has
resigned flom the craftsmanship OF the
Rivers and Harhors Committee Of the
House. Pressure brought to bear upon
him, ever since his announcement a
week or so ago, has failed to move him,
He offers as his reason that he must
have more time for the consideration OF
general legislation, something he found
impossible while acting as the head OF
the rivers and harbors committee.
Congressman Burton has made q re.
cord as chairman OF that important com
mittee that viii live long after he leaves
Congress. There was time when the
rivers and harbors bill was the great
pork bar'l," at which public men were
wont to obtain supplies that kept life
Nickering in their political bodies. Mil
lions were wasted ON streams that scarce
rose above the dignity OF creeks, but
these millions were distributed not for
the general welfare but TO retain the do.
minant party in power by the return OF
those Congressman whose hold upon the
political affections of their people seem.
ed to need stimulant,
Mr.. Burton changed that speedily af'
ter he assumed power. There was
roar from all sides and the storm Nged
fiercely. But the tempest found in the
0hioan a man ii could neither bend nor
break. He refused to show any trepl.
iation over threats, and honeyed words
failed to fool him. At once the change
was seen, The millions appropriated by
the government for waterway improve
ments were being distributed on busi-
ness principles.
Although he was intoierant Of advis-
ers, outside the membership OF his com.
mittee, Mr.. Burton always turned will
ling ear to those who commanded his
associations. He was particularly
friendly in his attitude to the National
Rivers & Harbors Congress, the presi.
dent of which is Congressman Joseph Z.
Ramsdell, of Louisiana, a member of the
Rivers and Harbors committee. He
commended in the highest terms the
work of this organization. In addres.
sing its convention here in December, be
said:
"It gives me the greatest encourage
ment to recognize the growth Of the
movement which is exemplifed by this
Congress. The first convention in 1901.
in Baltimore, although an influential
body. was small in number. The next
meeting. less than a year ago in this
room, though showing considerable in
crease. did not compare with this. This
gathering, so representative in his ma
ture, including men in all walks OF life,
all localities, shows that the
people Of the United States are alive
to their advocacy Of more liberal appro.
priations for rivers and harbors."
The National Rivers & Harbors Con-
gress refuses to advocate any individual
scheme of betterment, but treats the
question on broad national grounds. Its
membership extends throughout the
country, but it is launched on cru
5ade, through its secretary, Captain j.
F. Ellison of Cincinnati, to increase still
further this membership in contempla'
lion of vigorous crusade with the Six
,ieth Congress.
To return to Mr.. Burton, he is not to
sever all connection with the public pol
cy of waterway development. Only re-
emily he was appointed by the Presi'
lent to be chairman Of the Inland Wat
'rways Commission, board of public
men named by Mr. Roosevelt to consider
he problem and make recommendations
Is to the best and most effective means
or solving it. As head of this Com
mission, Mr.. Burton will be in a posi-.
ion to stamp his powerful personality
N all betterment schemes undertaken
" the government, and in addition the
administration still will benefit by his
borough knowledge of the subject. y