Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1908-12-17
SENATE REsENTS 1T.

a sweeping investigation OF the Secret
Service and the use of private detectives
by the federal departments was suthoriz-
ed by the Senste yesterday afternoon,
together with specific directions for con-
siderstion of the action that is 10 be
taken respecting that portion of the presi-
dents message criticising Congress for
restricting the use of secret service men
to treasury Investigations and the pro-
lection of the president.
The resolution calling for this investi-
CATION was offered by Senator Aldrich,
Of Rhode leland, floor leader Of the re-
publicans in the Senate, and was adopt
ed without a dissenting vote. In the
accompanying debate, in which Msssrs.
Aldrich, Hale, Bailey, Culberson, Bacon
sDd McLaurin participated, With Sena-
tor Tilman interfering pungent ques-
tions from time to time, public declara.
ton was made of the deep feeling of re.
sentiment which has perVaded both ends
OF the Capitol ever since the objection
able portion of the presidents message
was read in Congress.
Over aud over again the language
used by the president was characterized
as an insult to Cnngress. Senator
Bailey told the Senate the expressions
from the president constituted "mOst
wanton insult" Senator Oulberson,
Of Texas, floor leader of the minority,
said sit was a deliberate, a studied and
a gratuitous insult to the Congress"
Senator Tillmsn told his colleagues
the president was investigating them
generally" that Mr.. Roosevelt re-
garded them as "a lot of rascals who
need investigation" Then Mr.. Till
man added, "Now, there NAV be men
here who feel that way, but God knows
| do not" And the crowded galleries,
packed to the walls, burst into laughter.
The keenest and most repier-like thrust
was that which came from Senator
Bacon, OF Georgia, member of the for
eign relations committee, when ne de-
clared:
"Mr. President, 1t is my deliberate
judgment that il the king of England
were to send such message 10 the Par
Lament of Great Britain there would be
but one thing which would shield him
from the loss Of his crown-that would
be the appointment of regent"
Through Its action Of yesterday the Sem
ste has, therefore, placed itself in entire
accord with theaction already taken by
the blouse of Representatives. Both
branches Of Congress have now referred
the Objectionable portion Of the presi-
denPs message to committees for consider
alton aud report The House chose to
have the matter handled by the Perkins
select committee, which met yesterday
aud is getting ready to report, while the
Senate places the matter In charge of its
powerful committee on appropriations
with explicit instructions not only to re-
port what action, in its judgment, should
be taken, but With the further command
that the committee embark upon
sweeping investigation Of alleged misuse
of the secret service by the administra-
ton.
When the Gazette report of the Senate
proceeding closed yesterday the Aldrich
resolution and the Oulberson's amend
ment had been laid aside. Later Sens-
tor Kesn again reported the Aldrich res
olution, saying it had been amended by
the committee on audit and control of
the contingent expenses and that Ssus-
tor Oulberson's objection to it lad been
Mr.. Aldrich urged immediate consid-
Grafton, and this brought the whole mat
ter before the Senate. 1t resulted 10 q
debate, in which no republican lifted his
voice in defense Of the president, and IN
which only two republicans Aldrich
aud Hsle-participated. Feeling wss
jos! as strong on the republican IS on the
democratic eide, but the majority con-
tented itself with allowing the demo-
Gratis to do the talking. After an hours
debate the Aldrich resolution was passed. |