New-York tribune., 1908-02-03
THE LATEST MESSAGE.
Some Humorous Comment and Com
wehensiue Inter7le7cs.
TFrom The Tribune Bureau


Washington, Feb. 2.-Rarely has any utter
ance of the President excited such extensive and
at the same time such inaudible comment the
message which he sent to Congress on Friday.
Every member has his own deep rooted opinion
OF it; every member lifts the warning finger Of
silence when asked about it. Strange whisper
ings emanate from the most secluded corners.
yet AT the mere suspicion OF reporters pres
ence only loud reflections about the weather can
be heard
The entire atmosphere about the Capitol is
surcharged with suppressed emotion, so that the
faintest mention OF message" causes a violent
start. Some of those who have a few office
seekers TO place declare it grand" Some who
think that their constituents will approve of it
say it is great. but many unobtrusively quiet
and ask only TO be left in peace.
one energetic and verdant reporter unrehuffed
by constant contact with stony eyed sphinXes,
went into the committee room OF Senator Will
lam Alden Smith, Of Michigan, yesterday after
noon and in his most seductive tone said Sen
ator. / am extremely anxious TO get some ex-
preston frorn you on the Presidents message.
Ny paper particularly specified you in asking
that | secure number of interviews.
Il will be glad 10 give you my opinion of it,"
said the Senator.
For publication" inquired the eager scribe.
For publication answered the Senator.
But in order that L may be correctly quoted
on so delicate matter l must ask you to take
down what i will say" The reporter seized a
pencil. and Senator Smith, after thought.
said: 1t is a remarka bic message as are all the
state papers which have emanated from the
present occupant Of the White House" The
Senator paused and the reporter waited.
Now read that over to me-, said the Senator
On hearing it read he frowned. Better leave
out that last part about all the other docu-
ments."
The reporters pencil reluctantly scratched the
words indicated Now read it to me- The re-
porter read. 1T is remarka bic message"
Having dgested that thoroughly, Senator Smith
was satisfied. That's my expresson-its re-
narkable message"
The reporter rushed away and went in despair
10 Senator Dolliver. To him he told the same
alluring story, and the Senator was glad TO ac-
commodate him. but first inquired what Senator
Smith had said. The reporter hesitated for
moment and then repeated the burning words of
the Michigan Senator. ITS a remarkab BILE mes
sage"
Senator Dolliyer became serious. That's
right" he said That's right. l agree with
Senator Smith, but IN quoting me strike out ife
word remarkable
Another Senator was asked for an expression
He was opposed TO seeing himself in print. but
said that in his opinion the message merely bore
out his conviction of the ability Of the President
to take care of all the people Of the country and
he was straightWay reminded of the following
story:
when the President very small boy,
his father, being about to leave home Tor
somewhat extended trip, said to him:
Theodore l going on long railroad
tourney | expect you to be good boy and
take good of mother
That night. the small boy kneit by his bed
saying his prayers. he concluded with these
words:
And God. take good care Of father, for he is
going on d long journey; but never mind about
mother. I'll look out for her.
MI Roosevelts confidence in himself mas not
diminished since his boyhood days. concluded
the Senator.