The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1908-06-25
WASHINGTON


Washington, ID. C., June "a, 1908.
Washington vacated the centre
of the official stage in favor of Chi
cago last week, with Denver still
ahead as the centre of political ac-
tivties. Most of the officials high
up in administration circles who
did not go to the convention are
gradually departing for their vari-
Gus summer homes. President
Roosevelt left on Saturday last for
Oyster Bay, but Secretary Taft has
not yet completed his plans for the
summer and it is not known Just
when he will be able to get away
from the city. 1t is known, of
course, tha; he now expects to go
to his home in Cincinnati some
time in July.
#m*
Complaints come from Chicago
that the national convention was
dull" and a prominent membe:
of the national committee is report
ed as saying that national conven-
tions have lost their interest. Too
much is predetermined, he lameuts.
the voters having taken the nomi.
nation of a President into their
own hands and left only the minor
details of the gathering to be work
ed out by the leaders.
.S..#
Secretary Straus Of the Depart.
ment of Commerce and Labor and
Commissioner General Sergeant at
tended a conference at Ellis Island
last week of commissioners at At
lantic ports where immigrants are
landed. A specific understanding
was reached in the diagnosing of
infectious diseases to obviate oppor-
tunity for aliens refused admission
at one port to enter at another,
scheme which had been possible by
Sight difference in the medical
examination at the various ports.
Hs.w
1t is expected that early in Aug
ust, at Fort Myer, Virginia, just
over the Potomac from Washington
tests will be begun of dirigible bal
looms and airships by the United
States in connection with the work
of the signal corps of the army.
Contracts have been let for two
heavier than air" machines and
one dirigible balloon, from which
army officers expect to obtain re-
suits ol great Importance.
#,.T
President Roosevelt, in conjunc.
tion with Clifford Pinchot, has tax
Ell steps to complete the organiza-
ton of the national conservation
commission last week. Already
work has begun in the collection of
information upon which the pre-
liminary report of the commission
will be based in January next.
~4;*
Officials in Washington realize
that the political situation in Cuba
is serious, but they place no Gre
dence whatever in the reports that
the foreign element there is foment-
ing a revolution for the purpose of
compelling the United States to
maintain all army in Cuba beyond
February next, which is the date
set by President Roosevelt for the
evacuation of the island Secretary
Taft stated, last week, that no re-
ports of a revolutionary movement
had been received from Governor
Magoon. The municipal provincial
elections have been set for August
next, and while the election may
be attended by disorders in some
parts of the island, there is little
likelihood that there will be any
serious trouble.
ws,m
The information has leaked ont
recently from one who got it from
member of the Bryan family di-
rect, that Mrs. William J. Bryan
has confded to her husband her
choice for the Vice Presidency on
the Democratic ticket, and it is
none oiher than Woodrow Wilson,
| president of Princeton University
1t is said that Mr.. Bryan agrees
with his wife and that he declared
privately he would like nothing
better than to have the distinguish
ed educator and historian for a run
ming mate. According to this same
authority, the original choice of
Mr.. Bryan was Brand Whitlock,
the Socialist-Democratic mayor of