Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1908-04-24
WASHINGTON LETTER.

From Our Regular Correspondent
Washington, ID. G., April 10.-lhe
past week has not been one of UnmiXed
satisfaction to the Democratic politicl-
ans in Washington, many OF whom are
seriously disturbed over the action OF
the New York Democratic convention
which seems not only to have refused
to endorse Mr.. Bryan and thus to have
alienated many staunch Democrats in
the Empire State but, by its treatment
of State Senator McCarren, to have
done much to ALLEVIATE Democratic sup
port in Kings county, which is practi-
cally the city of Brooklyn. Among the
Tammany members from New York,
the work Of Chairman Murphy of
Tammany Hall and of ''Fingay" Con
ners, chairman of the Democratic State |
committee, in forcibly ejeeting Mr..
McCarren from the convention is
heartily approved, but to the Demo
Gratis in Congress from other parts OF
the country this action is seriously con-
demned as unnecessary and as likely
to menace seriously what seemed an
excellent prospect for Democratic vic
tory in the Empire State.
The reports from Michigan, where
the State committee refused to endorse
Mr.. Bryan and where Mr.. Bryan in
dulged in rather severe criticism of the
members who voted against the reso-
luton of endorsement saying money
was being used against him, is also de-
plored. How great was the provoca-
ton which led Mr.. Bryan to make this
statement is not known in Washing
ton, but that ii may have serious eff
feet on his chances Of securing the solid
delegation from Michigan is seriously
feared and it is regarded in some quar-
tiers as making for the success of Gov
ernor johnson, who has received the
hearty endorsement of his own state.
The Democrats generally are greatly
encouraged by the course of the House
in turning down the Presidents re-
commentator for four battleships,
even after he had sent in a special mes
sage urging this programme on the
members Of course the Democrats
voted almost solidly against the White
House programme, but they were as
sisted by large number OF Republi-
can votes as well. One prominent
Democrat who followed Rep. Hobson's
lead in his fight for the larger naval
: programme was Rep. BourlIe Cochran
: but when a speech made by Mr.. Coch-
, ran three years ago, in which he seri
: ously condemned the elaborate nava
. policy of the administration, was rea(
= the distinguished New York orator sa
t down much confused.
S While only two battleships are au
e thorized in the naval bill, the tota
o amount called for by the bill is appro
e ximately S100, 1000. The Army bill
It carries, as it passed the Senate, abou
l. S9S, 900, 900 and the Fortifcations bill
@ about SIS, OO0,0 900. These added togeth
l. er will bring the cost of the militar,
J. establishment up to about $2l3, 900, 90
/, for this year and if to this be added th
70 total cost of pensions, the aggregat
W will reach more than 1868, 900, 900. Il
view OF Rep. Tawney's prediction tina
there will be $150000,000 deficit mex
a. year, and of the further fact that it
Of purposed to put through a S20,0O0,O0
he public building bill, popularity know
y as the pork ''bar'l," the Democrat
lie contend that their Republican brethre
t, will have plenty to answer for at tn
y polls in November.
y A long step in the direction of pro
a tecting states rights has been taken b
n the Senate which has passed the hi
lie introduced by Senator Overman, prov
Id ding that injunctions suspending stat
O. laws shall be issued only by majorit
" OF three federal judges, instead Of b
If only one, as has hitherto been the cas-
lie and requiring that wherever poSsib
d five days notice Of a hearing on an 81
I'd plication for such injunction shall
It. given to the governor and the attorne.
general Of the state affected. 1t
hoped that the Speaker can be prevail
~ ed upon to pass this bill which W.
u urged by the Democrats in terms (
:" forceful that the Republicans heede
- and declined to oppose the measur
y There is little doubt that the bill wi
!! pass the House if Mr.. Cannon will pc
70 NIT it to come to vote.
&C. The bottom has about fallen out
az the opposition to Taft during the pa
lie week. Hardly day passes witho
NC news that several districts have i
iie structed their delegates to vote for hir
and the men in Congress who ha
is sought to prevent the nomination
bv the big Secretary of War are practic;
an lv discouraged. Senator Foraker
at still fighting desperately but his al
he mus is so well understood by this til
he that he is probably doing the Secreta
sci far more good than harm by this OPP
Nd sition.
Speaking of Mr.. Foraker recalls o
of the most remarkable scenes ever W
IN messed in the Senate. When Mr.. F.
on aker spoke in support of the negro
ore who s'shot up" the town of Brown
as Vile, the galleries were packed wi
len negroes. They sat next to and clint
back and forth over white people, til
munched huge seusages and sal
al wiches and generally enjoyed the
VIII selves. When the Senator from Oh
out concluded his remarks with an extra
700 CANT eulogy of the Darkies, they sho
w ed the whites of their eyes apprec
ew lively and applauded him vigorous
on For once the negro owned the Capt.
70 and. as a Southern Senator remark
INln inf