The Washington herald., 1908-04-12
AT THE HOTELS.

T. A. fpHelis United States consul 10
Alexandra. Egypt. who is stopping at
the Raleigh, talked last night OF Egypt
and its Development In the past few
years. Mr. Powell is paying both per-
sonal and official visit to Washington for
the FIRST time in a number of years.
1T is wonderful TO view the anna zlng
strides Western civilization IS making in
the Orient, said Sir Powell. only re-
Gently the inaugural Of the first electric
railway in the Ottoman empire took place
ri Damascus.
Damascus, as you know, IS the Oldest
city in the world. The ears run through
the famous Biblical streets. which is
called strait
I talked with the German engineer
who had charge Of the construction Of the
read. He told me 1t was estimated that
at least 400 persons win be killed on the
road during the first year.
This viii be due to the narrow streets
OF the city, many being unworthy the
name thoroHghfares. They are narrow
ana crooked. The natives. unused TO such
Venieles as electric cars. viii assist in
rolling up the total OF fatalities.
with the advent Of the electric line
electrical apparatus Is being installed Ia
all parts Of the country. / am sorry
10 see the American manufacturer Is NOT
holding his own ia securing the trade in
this new held. Germany. France. and
other countries are taking advantage OF
the opportunities and are rcaping the
harvest
The most remarkable railway Of tile
century is being constructed in Hamidich-
HedjaZ. which means 'Suitan's Sacred
Provence" 1t is built by popular sub
scription, and viii run from Damascus
70 Medina, and thence to Mecca, the
sacred city.
The line has been constructed from
Damascus 10 Medina. The second link to
the scored city will be completed within
the year. II viii save the six months
journey across the desert. and viii mean
that the pilgrim can go from Damascus
to Mecca in six or seven days.
1T is called the Holy Railway, yet It
is IN reality a strategic and military un-
dertaking.
The Arabs are always revolting. By
means Of this railway, built By popular
subscription, the Sultan will always con-
troll Mecca, which is necessary Tor his
holding of the Ottoman empire intact
IF you have been following the fight
closely" said J. D. Jefords, Of Boston,
at the Willard last night you VIII find
that while the Republican delegates from
Massachusetts are uninstructed. they are
virtually for Taft
In the resolutions unanimously adopt
ed complimentary reference was made
to Secretary Taft and the work he has
done. Senator Crane is opposed TO Taft
and his policies. and would not consent
10 his being indorsed. Yet the delegation
will undoubtedly be found in the Taft
column when the counting Of noses be-
gins.
There is another reason for this. The
Taft managers know that Massachusetts,
is needed in the Taft stronghold. Hence,
unless signs fail, there is more than
a possibility Of a Bay State man being
named for Vice President And I be-
lieve Gov Guild will Be the man.
With q man from the East as Vice
President, Taft viii be we'll fortified for
the Presidency, according 10 many in my
section. I doubt If the other Eastern
States viii throw their votes 10 one OF
the other Presidential candidates from
the West who does not carry with him an
Eastern man as running mate.
Hence il is that / believe that Taft
will get the Massachusetts, vote, and
especially so il Guild is made his run
ming mate"
R. o. Davidson. attorney general Of
Texas. and the man who is looked upon
by many as the real leader Of the opposi-
ton TO Senator Bailey, is registered at
the Willard.
Mr.. Davidson. is here attending 10 law
matters both before the Supreme Court
and the departments. Political affairs
evidently did not concern Mr. Davidson
last night. for ne refused to discuss the
fight against Senator Bailey.
4 am here on purely personal matters
connected with my law practice, and can
not discuss anything political said MT.
Davidson.
Attorney General Davidson impresses
one as the fighter he is credited 10 be.
Tall. broad-shOuldered. massive OF head,
his strong face shows resourcefulness and
ability. He is looked upon by many as
the man who viii compass the defeat OF
Senator Bailey al the coming convention.
if such thing is possible
Many former residents Of the Lone
Star State greeted the attorney general
last night.
For ten years We have heard OF no
life save the strenuous I sometimes
wonder If We are better of than we we're
in the olden days" remarked David c.
Carr. at the National Hotel last night.
Mr.. Carr Is from Toledo, Ohio, and is
paying a social visit TO Washington.
1T is ten. years since President Roose-
veit uttered his words concerning the
strenuous life, that have since become
classic In many ways there have been
benefits derived from that kind OF a life,
but when one thinks of tie days Of a
few years past when there was not such
great concentration Of all business. when
men had greater chances TO gain a compe-
tence. l wish We did not know the siren
uous
There has been great deal OF good
accomplished In the past ten years. I
believe the evil as shown by exposures
has offset it. The insurance scandals.
watered stocks. juggiings OF railroads.
and like deals have. in a measure. been
due to the strenuousness of the times.
I would that we could go back a few
years IN our advancement ana live the
simpler life. Business would De Just as
brisk, there would be the same competi-
tion but the methods would be different
I feel sure the victor would feel better
with his gains than does the successful
operator to-day. There would be fewer
ruined men. and the high finance Of to
day would be superseded By safe and
sane competition
Hughes Stronger Than Ever.
E,r,s, the cvrs-vssid ps-.,ta;..~