The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1908-05-18
WASHINGTON LETTER.

(special Correspondence.l }


being held here this week. all of
great National Importance. The
American Water Works Association,
the National Drainage Association,
the Civic Association and the CON
vention of Governors. The most
important of these conventions was
the assembling of the governors OF
45 States with practically the
whole of the United States govern
ment, with President Roosevelt as
Chairman and host. Such an array
of the leading men of the nation
has never been seen before, and
the most conspicuous figure at this
gathering was Governor Johnson,
of Minnesota, whom his friends ex-
pect to see nominated for Presi-
dent. If Gov. Johnson were not a
candidate, he would still command
general attention, as he evidently
possesses those two good qualities
common sense and fearlessness,
combined with honesty OF purpose
and the power to express his opin-
ions and impress them upon others.
The Republican leaders are deter
mined on an early adjournment OF
Congress, and have tentatively
agreed upon May %, but the con-
troversy between the President and
Congress over the control of the
~. hag
ate, on the 18th inst. Senator
Payner of Maryland read letter
relating to the punishment inflict-
ed on Col. Stewart, of the regular
army, without a trial, and made a
fierce attack on the President
charging him with usurpation and
the substitution of martial law In
the place of the Constitution and
the laws OF the land. This, Mr.
Rayner characterized as military
despotism. Senator Foraker gave
notice that he would speak again on
the Brownsville affair within a day
or two.
The letter of the President to
Senators Stewart of Vermont and
Smith of Michigan, in which he
declared himself supreme over the
army and navy without regard TO
any law of Congress, will probably
be placed in the Congressional Rec
ord before the debate closes, and
may result in action by the Sen
ate, which would postpone the ad
journment OF Congress.
The much amended currency bill
will be discussed in the House in
a day or two and will probably be
passed practically as agreed upon
at the Republican conference. IL
may be called purely initiation
measure with the government guar
anty of the notes, and will un-
doubtedly involve the treasury in
endless trouble in the future, as
all make1hifts financial measures
do. There are two reasons for pass
ing It at this late day; first, be-
cause this Republican Congress
must show 1t has done something;
and second, because the Wall street
bankers are demanding this infla
ton.
The principal reform legislation
that the Democrats have been
fighting for Is all TO oe neglected,
including the repeal of the tariff
tax ON wood pulp and print paper,
and the bill to prevent political
corruption by the publication or
campaign expenses of all parties.
The measures recommended by
President Roosevelt for the amend
ment 10 the antitrust law, TO limit
lnjuncticns against labor unions,
and allow railroads to'combine and
pool, have not even been reported
from the committee.
The remarkable thing about this
early adjournment Is that, although
the presidents prcIsram of reforms
Is almost entirely rejected, yet 1t
appears that he Is willing to see
Congress adjourn without further
effort to force Congress TO consider
those reform measures.
In consequence of this practical
ly do-nothing Congress, a large
number of Republican Congressman
will wend their way home with but
light at the standpat policy these
constituents, especially those whose
districts are close and doubtful.
Many of these already see their
Democratic opponents looks of de-
light at the standpat policy thsee
Republican members have endors-
ed and voted for; the gag rules
adopted to prevent the Democrats
from discussing and amending
measures. and with all that. the
lack of practical legislation
The Democrats have worked to-
gether as one man under their able
leader. John Sharp Williams. whose
constant victories In debate over all
the Republican leaders has united
the Democrats in their legislative
program. without hitch.
The officials of the National
Prosperity Association have been