The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1908-06-18
WASHINGTON
From our Regular Correspondent.

Washington, d. c., June IS, 1908.
Mr.. Bryan's lead in the race for
the Democratic Presidential nomi-
nation increases from week to week
and, apparently, the opposition has
given up all hope of defeating him,
or of even preventing his nomina-
ton on the first ballot. The atten-
ton of Democratic politicians in
Washington is now turned to the
second place on the ticket, and
while there have been many rumors
connecting John Mitchell with this
place, it is now believed that the
labor vote would not be especially
pleased by such a choice. The
claim is made that Mitchell would
be more influential as governor of
the State of Illinois, to which Office
he is said to aspire, than as presid-
ing officer of the Senate.
***
A question which seems to agi-
tate the minds of many politicians,
both Democratic and Republican.
is the platform that the Democracy
will make at Denver, and the claim
is made that if it condemn govern
ment ownership of railroads, it can
not nominate Mr.. Bryan, and if it
indorse government ownership, 1t
will be tantamount to surrender
of the election in advance; again, if
it be silent on that question and
nominate a man in favor of it, the
party will have the burden of the
issue to carry. 1t is generally ad-
mitted to be a knotty problem and
the question is, What will the con-
vention do with it
*4*
1t is understood that much of
the platform is already written and
that it will declare for tariff revis-
ion in the interest of those who ia
vor the revision and against a re-
vision of the tariff by the friends
and benefciaries of that measure.
1t will endorse w. J. Bryan and it
will contain censure of the Repub-
lican party for its reckless and eX-
travagant expenditures; denounce
the action of the lower House of
Congress in passing the Crunpack-
er bill to restrict Southern repre-
sentation in Congress; and declare
for the Improvement of the public
highways.
w4*
A movement has been set on foot
to make Washington the perma-
nent convention city OF the Grand
Army of the Republic and syste-
matte campaign has been instituted,
with this end in view, by the Board
of Directors of the Chamber of
Commerce of this city. At a meet
ing of the board it was decided to
have the secretary of the chamber
communicate with every Grand
Army post in the country, and with
such other organizations and indi-
viduals as may be of benefit in ac-
complishing the desired result.
*.*
Governor Glenn, of North Caro-
lima, called on the President recent
,y, by whom he was most cordially
received, and he told correspond
ent that he was just in receipt of a
letter from Mr.. Bryan asking him
20 second his nomination for the
Presidency.
mA*
Secretary Straus has arranged for
thorough investigation of the op-
erations of the telegraph companies
Of the country, under the provis-
ons of a resolution adopted recent
~ by the Senate. The inquiry will
extend into the receipts and expen-
iitures of the two companies, the
wages they pay, the condition of
their employees, the hours of labor,
md other matters pertaining to the
,peration of the companies. Secre-
.ary Straus has placed the investi-
cation in the hands of the Commits
,ioner OF Labor, DR.. Charles P.
Veill, and the Commissioner of
Corporations, Herbert Knox Smith.
They will cooperate in the work
If the inquiry, Commissioner Neill
looking after the labor end and
Commissioner Smith conducting the
investigation into the financial af-
iairs of the companies. The report
will be ready for submission to the
Senate when it reconvenes in De-
oember next.
m**
The NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. of Wash
ington are planning full Cam
noiot, of education and emilio Inf an