The Washington herald., 1907-05-19
Senator.elcct Stephenson.

Ever since 1T peCafNe KNOWN tnat isaac
Stephenson was 10 he John Colt Spooner' $
successor in the Senate from Wisconsin.
numerous newspapers and individuals
have evinced a tendency to contrast the
new and the old official, to the obvious
disadvantage Of the former. This pro-
cedure compliments Mr.. Spooner de-
servedly. for he is one Of the sblest men
who ever sat In the upper House; but il
is quite possible that Il is unjust 10 Mr.
Stephenson. Mr. Stephenson Is old. and
is not generally credited with unusual
ability. unless it be in the direction Of
amassing riches His wealth has fur
nished an excuse for sneers from some
quarters. and 1t is quite possible that
they. too. were unjust, since it does not
necessarily follow that because a national
legislator is rich he cannot be a useful
public servant.
OF course. it is not likely that Mr.
Stephenson will shine in the Senate as
Mr.. Spooner did. II IS generally as
sumed that the new Senator will be sat
isfed to serve only the remaining two
years Of his predecessor 6 term, and oh
vi0Usly. even q man of unusual brlliance
would md it difficult to establish a nota-
bic record for craftsmanship in that time
But there is still no particularly con-
vincing evidence that Senator La Fol-
ettes new colleague may not render
meritorious service during his short in
cumbency Indeed, if he supports with
any degree Of ability the platform which
he has announced at Madison. We venture
the opinion. even thus far in advance,
that he will give some other Senators
cause for shame. The planks Of the SEN
ator-elect's platform are as follows:
"First-Prompt and thorough revision Of all tariff
schedules, reducing duties wherever possible with
out reducing wages Of labor.
Second Strengthening the interstate commerce
law, giving the commission full power to regulate
rates and services.
"Third-Legislation authorizing and equipping the
Interstate Commerce Conn 'ssion 20 ascertain the
true valve Of railroad property: the newest cost Of
operating the railways, and the amount paid there.
for.
Fourth Legislation requiring the adoption Of
strict regulation iu the operation Of trains in con
nection Herewith
Fifth Strengthening the sherman antitrust Law
and imposing such additional penalties as will deter
property interests from clmhining in violation
thereof
"sizth-A constitutional amendment for the cleo
ton Of United States Senators by direct vote Of
the people,
"ScTcnth A Federal tax upon incomes
"Eighth-A Federal tax upon inheritsnces. the
same not 10 interfere with the taxation Of in
heritanoes undsr the Wisconsin State Law"
We respectfully submit that a law
maker who honestly believes in the pol
icies here set forth, and who has the cour-
age Of his convictions, and even average
ability with which to uphold them, can
not be other than a real friend of the
people. In any event, Il would seem to
be only fair TO await Mr.. Stephenson's
formal entry into the Senate before con-
demning him as a rich incompetent. If
he shall persistently advocate the tenets
above outlined. he may give his colleagues
on the majority side cause for grief and
disappointment, but not the public at
large or the people Of Wisconsin. He
has had the support Of Robert NJ. La
Toilette. and that. in itself. would seem
to be a considerable recommendation.
even if we do not eliminate the ele
ment Of politics which, Of course. figures
in the relations between the Senator-elect
and the man whose associate he is 10 be.