The Wisconsin tobacco reporter. (Edgerton, Wis.) 1877-1950, 1908-12-18
PRESIDENT IN AN
AWKWARD PLACE
Committee to Deal with Sc
cret Service Clause.
NONE AGAINST RESOLUTION

Representative Perkins of New YORK.;
Has Audience of Colleagues and a
Gallery That Pays Attention to
Every Word He Utters-He De-
cIares In Effect That Statement In
Message Is One That Cannot Be
Overlooked.
The text of tie resolution intro
duced in the house by Representa-
tive James Brock Perkins and which
provides for the appointment of COM
mittee to deal with the secret service
section of the presidents message,
reads as follows:
Whereas, in the message it was
stated in reference to a provision re-
garding the secret service that 1t is not
too much to say that this amendment
has been of benefit only, and could be
OF benefit only to the criminal classes
and it was further stated: The chief
argument in favor of the provision was
that the congressman did not them
selves desire to be investigated by Sc
cret service men, and it was further
stated, But if this is not considered
desiraDle special exception could be
made in the law prohibiting the use
of the secret service force in investigat-
ing members of congress. 1t would be
far better to do this, than to do what
was actually done, and strive to pre-
vent, or at least to hamper, effective ac-
ton against criminals by the executive
branch of the government
Now, therefore, be it resolved that
committee of five members of con-
gress of this house be appointed by the
speaker to consider the statements
contained in the message of the presl-
dent and report to the house what ac-
ton, il any, should be taken in refer
ence thereto"
Mr.. Perkins said:
.HThe statements made by the presi
dent cannot be lightly disregarded.
They may be SO construed by the pub
lie as to lessen the dignity and there
by impair the usefulness Of the con-
gress of the United States 1t can be
justly said, think, that these express
sions were unfortunate. Whether it is
enough to say this, or whether some
more formal action should be taken it
will be for congress exercising a wise
and discreet judgment to decide
The resolution was adopted unani-
mously
While speaking Mr.. Perkins was ac-
corded rapt attention by the entire
membership. Even the occupants of the
galleries. who usually keep up an in
cessant din of conversation, maintain
ed silence. At the conclusion OF his re-
marks he was universally applauded.
President Is After scaips.
The house of representatives has
brought trouble upon itself in appoint.
ing a committee to retaliate against
President Roosevelt for his assertion
in his message that congressman
feared investigation by secret service
men.
i The president is preparing to send
statement to the lawmakers, exposing
many prominent members, whom he
will charge with defrauding the gov.
eminent of public lands and other mis-
deeds.
Chief Wilkie of the secret service
called on the president after the house
had selected it's committee and re-
served it's debate until the committee
could report. He would not talk about
the matter, nor would the president.
After he had loft tho White House
it was reported that the president had
in preparation blistering set of rec
ords' which he will find way of get
ting before congress should that body
start any belligerent warfare.
The senate program for getting back
at the president is still more or less
tentative Action will undoubtedly be
taken, but the precise procedure re-
mains indefinite.