New-York tribune., 1908-03-28
DID HE THUMP DESK?
RepresentatiUe Deikemd Denies
Craze accusation Il Against President.

Washington March 27.-The question of whether
or not President Roosevelt is intoerant man
in the House of Representatives, to-day Inc
discussion founded a local newspaper story
covering what purported to be the details OF an IN
terview yesterday between the President and repre-
sentative Deikema of Michigan, in which the Prest-
dent represented humping his desk and De
rating Mr. Deikena for having Joined in the report
Of the subcommittee on judiciary censurlng Juog7
Wilfey, of the United States Court in China
In calling attention the matter John Shafp
Williams said that a part of the fundamental
law that Representative of the people should De
called for any vote, utJerance or report
made in his capacity as a Representative Oul
fathers" declared, inserted that clause because
1t had been the habit of George III TO call 10 the
Kings palace members of Parliament and berate
them on account of their votes in Parliament
Mr.. Deikema said it would have been cowardy.
neglect of his duty and injustice to the Presl-
dent did he make explanation. THE Presi-
dent did not send for me- he said enphaticaIIy-
That statement is an entire mistake" He said he
called to present the Governor of Michigan TO the
President and the Wilfey matter came up Incl
dentaIy. The President, he said. insisted that the
report of the subcommittee would do Judge Wilffey
an injustice and influence opinion unfairly to the
administration of justice, and the prestige of the
American nation in China "On the other hand.
said Mr.. Dekema, Il endeavored to explain TO him
why arrived at these conclusions Of law and OF
fact"
directly at Mr.. Williams, Mr.. Deikema exclaimed:
Not only did he not act George III would have
acted with a spirit of intolerance, but he gave to
me all the time desired to fully present to him
the side of the committee" The President he said.
did not agree with the committees conclusions, nor
did agree with those of the President
He insisted that the President had perfect right
to debate the question with him "A member OF
the House." Mr.. Deikema said, has perfect right
defend his position and in the spirit of the ut
most Hberalty and Of the utmost consideration for
member OF the House. in the spirit of utmost
tolerance, the great President Of the United States
recognized that right Never in the discussion he
said, did the President display the least symptoms
intolerance, but all times the broadest spirit
of American tolerance, such has made our coun-
try great and such as has exempliied the deeds of
this President in the history of his past career
The Republicans applauded this utterance.
Did the President thunp his desk. the article
states?' Mr.. Williams inquired.
Il am glad to say" Mr.. Diekema replied. that the
President did thump his desk, but he added.
amid laughter, in which he himself Joined. the
President in his usual vigorous style, used sest-
ures"
Mr. Deikena answering questions by Mr.. Will
Jams, denied that the President had called him to
account that the President said the gentle
of the subcommittee had right TO go on
and make these reflections upon Judge Wiley
Following this incident the House engaged in a
desultory debate the agricultural appropriation
bill, which, however. had not been materially
amended when it laid aside. At D. m the
House adjourned