Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-03-12
MUCH IRRITATION
AT THE CAPITOL
Rumored Message From Presi-
dent Gliding Congress.
MAY BE SHARP COMMENTS
Not Confined to Democrats in Either
House.
OBJECTION IN THE SENATE
To Discussion of Vital Economic
Questions-As to Tariff
Question.
OBJECTION IN THE SENATE

Considerable irritation exists among
senators and representatives over the re-
iteration in the public press from time
TO time that President Roosevelt con-
templates sending in a message chiding
Congress for not acting promptly upon
his recommendations for legislation. Con-
gressmen resent the suggestion that the
executive intends to jack up Congress
and to treat the respective bodies as If
they were delinquent and subject to re-
proof.
It was said at the Capitol today that
If President Roosevelt does this there
will be some sharp comments both in the
House and Senate and they will not be
confined to democrats. either. Only the
imminence of presidential and congress
sional campaign and hestancy to exhibit
rift in the republican lutte have pre-
vented if is said some remarks upon
this subject before now. But even polit-
ical considerations will not obvate an
outbreak If the President should in ibis
expected message attempt to place blame
upon Congress for not acting to suit him.
There is decided disinclination on the
part of leaders in the House and Senate
to undertake at this stage of the ses-
sion all Of the far-reaching measures of
legislation recommended by the Presi-
dent. Under the rules of the House these
bills could be jammed through in short
order once they were reported from the
the measures. making them conformable
to the Constitution and legally perfect
is serious tash
Objection in the Senate.
Furthermore, 1t is certain that there
will be long and tedious debate in the
Senate, and in that body there is de-
,iJ iJaI oh, ton, 70 a diScIG-
sion of vital economic questions. In both
houses there is desire to adjourn as
soon as the supply bills are out or the
way. Nominating conventions OF rep
great many republicans have troubles
of their own in their districts. There
will be an early campaign this year, ana
from present prospects, IN the opinion
of the wise old politicians in Congress. II
will be vigorous and uncertain cam
paign.
Moreover. there is a strong feeling
among congressman that there mas peeh
about enough legislation IN the past 1our
wears anyhow 1t is said that muir
murs are being heard throughout the
country. and that in many sections peo-
pie are clamoring for rest
Efforts are being made by some OF .ne
ardent tariff provisionists. such as Mi.
Revaridpe i'm the Senate and Mr.. Butler
Ames in the House. to have Congress, De-
fore 1t adjourns. authorize tar1n com.
mission or the appointment OF board OF
experts to draw up recommendations uui- :
ing the recess for revision of the tarin
There is strong opposition TO this sugges-
tion among the republican leaders In the
House.
As to Tariff Revision.
They point out that il should be for the
renuhlfean national convention, which is
The general counsel for the republicans
in and out of Congress. TO recommend
tariff revision. When tariff revision Is
undertaken they say that the inquiries
should be made by the committee on ways
and means and not by any board OF so, So
called .eyperts" An expert may be
posted on one schedule of the tariff and
not on another. The ways and means
committee becomes posted on all scheo-
uIes The committee calls before IL the
manufacturers, importers and merchants
Questions are asked by the stand-patters.
hy the revisionists and by the free
traders Everybody has a chance TO draw
out information along his own particular
line and this information is published.
In other words. the House leaders say.
investigation of the subject should be un-
dertaken by the $3.50 representatives of the
people and not by board OF experts
which might or might not bring out all
the facts.
There is a decided spirit of independence
among members OF the House and re-
volt against the idea of delegaung TO
commissions the powers OF congress.
There have been complaints for two or
three years against the appointment or
commissions TO do things which are said
TO be properly within the sphere of Con-
gress There have been increa sing pro-
tests against the alleged encroachment of
the executive upon the legislative branch
OF the government, but members have
admitted that there are just grounds for
the retort that Congress. in the appoint
nent of these commissions has Volun-
tarily decided away its authority.
There are Indications that The first
stop TO Inc put to the system VIII he in
the refusal To delegate To a board OF
experts investigation OF the tariff ques-
ton.