The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1908-02-13

wishes of the War Secretary. who has
always entertained the idea that 1t was
more in fitness with the proprieties that
| he should not be in position where II
could be alleged he was using the Fed
eral patronage in order to promote the
Secretary's political prospects.
This allegation was made few weeks
ago, and created quite a commotion
among politicians North and South.
Representative Robert Cousins, who
was Known during the incumbency of
Speaker Reed as his 'sboy," because Mr..
Cousins was such kid, and so devoted
TO Mr.. Reed, and was withal so bright
aad SO stanch, has announced that he
will not again be candidate for Con-
gress. 1t is stated openly that Gov.
CumminS, of Iowa. is out after the
scalps of all who support Senator Ali
son, and that he has sworn to smash
the Allison slate, and with the smash
ing, of course, must go all the Allison
supporters. Cousins is one of his best
friends, and he says that life is too
short to spend it mitigating the politi-
cal conditions existing in the Repub-
lican ranks In Iowa, so he will just quit.
Representative Cousins is one of the
fine orators in the House. but speaks
infrequenIly. Nobody who heard it,
and the House was packed from floor
to doors of the galleries, will ever for
get his speech on the loss OF the Maine.
1t was a classic.
The Senate Committee on Interstate
and Foreign Commerce has gone square
ly on record against any enlargement
of pass privileges on railroads. Free
transportation may be given to disabled,
pensioned and furloughed employees,
and to no one else. according to the
resolve of the committee.
The Republican House caucus held
meeting last Friday night, which last
ed all of Is minutes, for the purpose of
ratifying the selection of the various
State delegations for membership of
the Republican Congressional Cam
paign Committee. 1t was attended by
80 members. The routine character Of
the caucus was so well understood that
there was no inducement for members
to make the night trip to the Capitol.
The selections of about 80 of the States
were confirmed, and ii was directed
that States and Territories that have
not yet made their selections should do
SO by Feb. -, and notify the proper
officers TO that effect.
A plan ts keep the members of Con-
gress informed of what is going on in
| the House at all times that body is in
session, even tho these members may
be in their offices in the new House Of
| flee Building, will be tried out this
week by Superintendent Woods, Of the
| Capitol If the plan proves success
the system VIII also be installed in far
committee rooms in the Capitol and in
the Government Departments uptown,
SO that the Senators and Representa-
tives who may be visiting these Depart
In WIZ &c in
their absence.
An instrument about the shape and
half the size of a typewriter will be
placed at a convenient point in the new
Office building. On an endless sheet of
paper the machine will print the doings
! in the House and Senate. being oper-
ated at the other end of the wire con-
and Senate. The machine Will be OPP
Grated by electricity from a keyboard
in the basement of the Capitol. Another
machine VIII be placed in the members
lobby in order to demonstrate its feas-
Utility. 1t is understood that this is
only one of number of such devices
that Superintendent Woods intends to
try.
Ex-Secretary Shaw. who is called a
presidential possibility" was in Wash
ington the other day, and he talked very
much as any sensible man would sup
pose so good politician would talk, tho
it has been stated that he was out for
blood and fighting everybody else who
was a presidential possibility" He
said:
"All can say about politics is that
shall support whoever is nominated by
the Republican Party. ! never was a
bolter and never advised boiling. That
the Republican nominee will be elected
We all believe"
There have been many responses, both
from officers and enlisted men, to Sec
rotary Taft's invitation for an express
sion of reasons for the causes of dis
content and unrest in the Army. The
reasons given as contributing TO dis
turbing conditions are the practice
marches, compulsory exercises in the
gymnasium in some cases, inadequacy
of the ration and the cutting off of
extras" in the way of food, and the
character of extra work. The Depart
ment has already taken steps to anne
liorate some of these conditions.
The ration has been increased, and
Congress has been asked TO pass a bill
to create a Service Corps, to cost $400.
600, TO do extra and non-military work,
now required of soldiers.
The monetary value of the increase
authorized i'll the ration Is a little more.
than two cents a ration. There will
also be established a haversack ration.
made of bacon, hard bread, coffee and
sugar and possibly canned beef, to be
used for emergencies.
Ex-United States Senator Stewart al
ways wears boots. Never did wear any
thing else in the shape of outdoor foot
wear, it is said. Wearing boots has
pretty well gone out for dozen rea-
sons. They are still worn as a general
thing in mining camps, COW camps and
on the range. The stylish cowboy still
disdains shoes. He has his boots made
to order. of the finest calf. with heels
much higher than fashionable danes
insist upon, and for which he is taxed
not less than sic per pair. 1t should
be understood. however, that the cow
boys high heels are not alone for van
ity. He has the heels extra high, for
one reason, SO that If off his pony and
holding" a big steer at the end of a
long lariat or rope lasso the steer can
be stopped by the cowpuncher digging
his high heels into the sod. Otherwise
the steer would drag him into kingdom
come unless he drops the rope Roping
steers is a mighty ticklish business at
times, and those same hight eeled boots
play an active part.
II is stated that organized labor will,
make a fight against the reelection to
Congress OF Representative Charles p
LittIcheld. of the Second Congressional
f,.ia Of linz