Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1908-05-05
CAPITAL CHAT.
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made that will contribute to the navi-
gability of rivers, there will be
numerous other projects of like nature
for the consideration of Congress. The
whole matter will fit into the great
scheme just now in infancy, for the
conservation OF the natural resources
Of the United States.
The benefit to Maine from the White
Mountain project will not be as much
as the benefit will be to Massachu-
sets and Connecticut. For the Ken
nebec Is about the only navigable
river in Maine which draws much of
it's water supply from the White
Mountain region and that is only a
comparatively. small part. The An
droscOggin, which turns many water
wheel on it's way to the sea, will in
directly receive some benefit from
the efforts to develop the navigability
OF New England rivers.
The friends Of the White Mountain
project owe much to Mr.. Littlefield's
course on that committee beyond his
solution of the troublesome constitu-
tionality question. He had bill
ahead of the forest reservation bills
the bill to subject liquors in inter-
state commerce to local laws as soon
as they cross the borders of states
that have prohibitory laws. He has
made a long and gallant fight for that
legislation. but has encountered in
Vulnerable obstacles. However, his
bill had the right of way in the Ju-
dietary Committee and he could have
held the committee to its considera-
In, fhA finp
bills. Had he done so. however, it
would have been to little purpose.
He probably could not have gotten
favorable report on his bill, as the
House, leaders are against it and do
not intend that it shall pass.
Mr.. Littlefield has relinquished eff
forts in behalf Of his pilotage bill to
relieve owners of sailing vessels from
the exactions of unfair pilotage laws
in Southern ports. There Is no pros
pect that 1t will become law before
the second district man retires from
Congress. But several Southern
states have repealed the obnoxious
laws. Compulsory pilotage for sail
Ing vessels is no longer in force for
Norfolk, Va, and Wilmington, N G..
and it is believed that In the course of
n few years the Southern states of
their own volition win abolish the fees.
Therefore the necessity for the Little
fleld pilotagc bill is gradually disap-
pearing. But the long and forceful
agitation that Mr.. Littlefield has cor
Quoted III Congress has served to call
attention to abuses. The opposition
has been strong enough to prevent the
enactment of Mr.. Littlefield's bill into
law but IN the meantime it has taken
note Of the sentiment aroused in be-
half Of the legislation and FASTENED to
provide remedy of its own. which in
the long run is likely to prove quite as
satisfactory. ....
In leaving Congress Mr.. Littlefield
Yields two good committee places
either of which eventually would have
led to n chairmanship. provided Con-
gress continues Republican. He be-
gan at the foot of the Republican list
In the Merchant Marine and Fish
cries Committee few years ago, but
now sits next to the chairman. He
Is only few seats from the head Of
the Judiciary Committee table. The
chairmanship Of that Committee is one
Or tle most desirable in the House but
in the natural course OF events it
would have been a number of years
before Mr.. Littlefield could have hoped