Los Angeles herald., 1908-12-21

WITH SOLONS
STIRS GOSSIP
WASHINGT0NIANS ON 0UI VIvE
OVER ROOSEVELT
CONGRESS- LAST SESSION ONE
OF sNAPPY EVENTS
Political Casualties Forecasted-Chief
Executives Attack on Senate
May Lead to Much
Trouble
Especial to The IIerald.l

7" ASHINGTON, Dec. 20-With the
wv adjournment of congress until
w after the holidays Washington
ians are busily gossiping of the series
of events which already has character
lied the short but snappy sessions OF
the second half of the siXtieth congress.
Not the least important of these
events" was that portion of the presi-
dents message criticising the higher
law makers in connection with civil
service details. 1t was like a bomb
hurled into their midst for it created
havoc not only in the Democratic ranks
but in the Republican ranks as well.
MANY senators declare that in sub
stance and by inference the president
has denounced them as so many ras-
calls. and the resolution appointing
special committee to investigate the
presidents language portends poht1cal
casualties which old-time prophets
hesitate to forecast.
Leading solons say the president has
stirred a hornets nest with which ne
is not yet through.
Aside from the fight between the SEN
ate and the chief executive, TO say
nothing Of the hubbub of gossip Wnlch
is circulating relative to the presidents
actions at the close of what had gen
orally been considered a triumphant ad-
ministration, there is great deal OF
speculation as to what will ensue from
the presidents attack on several of the
large newspapers of the east, whose
enmitv he has created because of their
demands for an investigation of the
Panama canal bonds deal.
May Resent Attack
These newspapers, the Indianapolis
News. the New York World and the ST:
Louis Post Dispatch, it is believed VIII
bitterly resent the presidents attack
which is considered more or less dam
aging to them because it came IN an
exceptionaIly forceful document-hts
message to congress. The presidents
messages it is maintained, should con-
tain no reference to political or per-
sonal feuds.
for criminal libel President Roosevelt
practically demands at the hands of the
governments department of justice in
connection with published statements
relative to the S40,000,000 Panama canal
purchase. is editor and proprietor Of the
New York World and st. Louis POST
Dispatch. While bitterly opposing the
nomination of William j. Bryan for the
presidency in the last campaign, the
World was the leading newspaper in
the support Of the Democratic ticket in
the east.
Douglas Robinson, whom the pres1-
dent defends in his message, and whom
he declares was viciously maligned in
the Worlds Panama canal articles. Is
Mr. Roosevelt's brother-in-law, and
wealthy and prominent real estate
dealer in New York. Poultney BigeloW,
who throws down the gauntlet to the
president, practically daring Mr. Roose-
welt to proceed against him in court for
his statements relative to the canal, is
a writer of international prominence.
and a personal friend of the German
emperor AT present he is in New York.
These men, 1t is prophesied, will carry
the controversy now begun to definite
decision.
Congress has other interesting affairs
awaiting its next conVen1ng. There
are several changes to occur.
Congressman Reelected
While the terms of thirty-one sena-
tors, more than one-third of the entire
body. expire on March next, eighteen
of this number already have been re-
elected, or assured of reelection, either
through successes in primary contests
or pledges of a majority of the MEM
bership of the several state legislatures
charged with the duty of electing sena-
tors before the beginning of the next
congress.
In addition to the vacancies occur
ring by reason of a provision of the
constitution there will be a vacancy in
PENNSYLVANIA on account of the forth
coming resignation of Senator Knox to
(Contiuued on Page Two)