The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-12-02
EX-SENATOR WETMORE
EARLY ON DECK

Washington, Dec. e--Former Senator
George Peabody Wetmore has arrived I'm
Washington. AZ Mr.. Wetmore's family
would undoubtedly spend a large part OF
the social season here whether ho were
reelected or not, his coming TO the capt.
tai at this time has no special signifi-
Cance.
The Wetmores have a permanent resi-
dence here and divide their time between
Washington and New York except I'm the
summer months, when they are at New
port. They have not arrived an. the for
mer senator Is at the Arlington. where
Senator Aldrich lives. Mr. Wetmore IL.
however. very much interested In the
question OF what disposition will be made
OF the important committee places which
ne held in the senate.
Mr.. Wetmore has at present no status
IN the senate. The places that knew him
once know him no more officially. His
name is not on the roll call. nor is Il on
the printed lists of committees as they
would stand IL congress were now in ses-
zion. Senatorial courtesy, tradition and
precedent go great ways in helping
senator to hold what he has and to add
little bit more. and the element of per-
sonal influence and friendship does a
great deal more In the same direction.
How far these weapons. powerful In the
hands OF strong men. can be used to re-
store Mr Wetmoro to the places that he
held III he II elected remains 10 be seen
Senator Aldrich can, OF course do much
60 help his old colleague. II he IL 20 be
his colleague again. because. as an ac-
knowledged leader of the senate. his de-
sires and opinions naturally have great
weight. But In the matter OF getting
committee places for "A man who is not
In the senate at the time the committees
are made UP. his influence is problemati-
cal.
Mr.. Aldrich, II can be stated authori-
tatively. is disposed 20 assist Mr.. Wet
more TO obtain the object of his desires,
with regard 10 the restoration OF his com
contest that ended in the failure &c Of f'tbe ths
general assembly to elect a senator Mr.
Aldrich occupied a neutral attitude. Now
that there Is but one Republican candi-
date. he regards IL as entirely fitting
he thinks he will be.
Nobody took Mr. Wetmores place, and
the senate has not been I'm session since
his term expired Therefore, his claim
10 the committee places that he formerly
held. IL he is reelected will undoubtedly
be regarded as In "A measure. justified,
but whether they VIII prevail depends en-
tirely on how strong Will be the pressure
OF other senator's who will outrank him
IN seniority OF service. their terms hav-
Ing been actually. as well as theoretical
~, continuous.
In addition to the good will as we'll as
such actual aid as he will be able TO rem
der Mr. Wetmoe may have the assist
ance OF another powerful senator leader.
Mr.. Allison. The Iowa senator In chair
man OF the committee on appropriations,
or which Mr.. Wetmorc was tho sixth
ranking Republican member out OF "A to-
tai OF eight
Appropriations is tho committee for
which Mr. Wetmore will make strenu-
Gus hight. ~ he Is reelected. and as has
already been said his success depends al.
together upon the amount OF personal in.
fuence that he can command and how
strongly other senator's may assert their