The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1908-05-14
THURSDAY, MAY IA, 1908.

Congress has arrived at the stage
where il must do something, but the
question is to agree on program ana
unite enough members to pass certain
bills that are politically desirable. 80 far
the Republican leaders have managed TO
kill time and yet appear to be busy,
but really have done nothing, but pass
appropriation bills AMI private laws IN
the interest Of favored constituents The
fact is our Republican friends are not
united on program The leaders e1-
pected to be able to carry out this do
nothing program and adjourn early, but
two obstacles have appeared and both
are serious ones to overcome and still
appear to keep faith with the people.
The Democratic program OF insisting on
the regular order under the rules until
certain bills based on the recommends
tions Of President Roosevelt were Ie-
ported from the Committees and voted
upon, has resulted in bringing the at
tention of the voters to such reform leg
islation. This is the first obstacle and
the special rules adopted by the Repub-
licans to tie the hands of the Democrats,
have had the effect OF making the do
nothing policy Of the Republican lead
ers more than ever apparent.
Speaker Cannon and the Republican
leaders have become nervous wrecks
through this prodding Of the Democrats,
but they would not have worried about
it so much if obstacle two in the person
of President Roosevelt, had not rein
forced the Democratic program. There
is no love lost between the Republican
leaders and the President. Every fresh
message sent to Congress instead of
pouring oil on the troubled waters
of the Republican managers has had
the more drastic effect Of rubbing
salt into their political sores The Pres
ident has also threatened to veto the
pork bill, AZ the public building mea-
sure is called, and has had it given ont
on the highest authority" that a spe-
cial session might be expected unless
my policies" are given consideration.
The Republican leaders claim that Pre-
sident Roosevelt agreed to abide by the
program of legislation submitted to
him, and not to stir mp Congress and
the country with any more red hot
messages and has broken his word. The
President policies include currency
legislation; an anti-injunction law; a.
mendments to the Sherman antitrust
law; the tariff on wood pulp and print
paper; an employers liability bill to
cover government employees a child
labor bill for the District of Columbia; a
campaign publicity law. Nearly all
Of these measures are endorsed by the
Democrats
The Republican leaders will concede
to their followers Just as little of the
Presidents recommendations ~ possible
for Speaker Cannon and his dominant
faction in the House and the group of
ruling Senators are averse TO enacting
any of the pending measures for econ
omic and labor legislation But those
Congressman from close and doubtful
districts who fear defeat are constantly
bringing pressure for action, SO they
can be recorded as voting tor the Roose.
welt accommodations and thus prove to
their constituents they are real simon,
pure refoimers,
In the end there will probably be a
compromise, but how much will be con
coded by the Republican leaders to the
President and the scared Congressman
will not De certain until near the close
Of the session, The Republican leaders
are intent on fixing up clean record"
for the Congressman TO appeal to their
voters for re election.