The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1909-07-23
ALDRICH AS
A LEADER.
He Held His Temper Pretty Well
While Under Fire.
WAS OBJECT OF MANY ATTACKS

He Got Between Two Fires, the Demo-
Gratis and the Insurgents, During the
Discussion of the Tariff Bill In the
Senate-The Predicament of the
Baggng Manufacturers.
Washington, July 16.-[Special.1-It
is universally conceded that, consider
ing the trying circumstances under
which he had to pilot the tariff bill
through the senate, Republican Leader
Aldrich has shown himself to be a
man of wonderful good nature. On
few occasions has he apparently lost
his temper, and then only for mo-
ment. Those who have watched the
progress of the measure through the
senate have been particularly impress
ed with the cool, quiet determination
by Mr.. Aldrich. One not
possessed with such a temperament
would have been in hot water almost
daily, for it is admitted that the Re-
publican insurgents and the Democrats
have fired great many hot shots at
lhC DiS AACpuDllIdh lCduCIs OOhC VI
the criticisms that were heaped upon
him were harsh in the extreme. But
this trained statesman from the small
est state in the Union has held his
own, and only on a few occasions did
the opposition succeed in putting
amendments that were not ac-
ceptable to him and the other Repub-
lican members Of the finance commit
tee. Senator Aldrich accomplished
much also by granting a concession
here and there which tended to weak
en- the forces Of those who tried from
the start to put blowholes in the
armor Of his tariff bill.
Rounding Out His Career.
The present term of Senator Aldrich
in the senate will expire in a little less
than two years. There have been re-
ports to the effect that he probably
will not stand for reelection in the
event he can be instrumental in pass
ing currency reform bill in this con-
gress Senator Aldrich is chairman of
the monetary commission that was
created by the last congress to handle
this complicated question and report
a plan for placing the currency of the
country on a more stable basis. 1t is
a matter very dear to the heart of
the Rhode Island senator, and it has
been no secret among his friends that
If he can be instrumental in bringing
about this legislation he will be per-
fectly willing to retire to private life
and rest upon the laurels he has won.
His intentions in this respect, 1t is
admitted, will depend largely upon
the progress that will be made in the
Inc of currency reform. II 1t looks
rs If no bill can be passed by this
congress the belief is that he will re-
main in the senate until something is
lone.
Bassins Manufacturers Worried.
The men behind the alleged bagging
rust are reported to be In a terrible
stew over the condition I'm which they
ind their interests so far as the tariff |
S concerned. The senate put cotton |
,agging on the free list. Republican
Leader Aldrich agreed to this. and
what rifles the bagging manufacturers |
s that he has practically assured con- |
yressmen from the south that he is |
going to stand by that action when the |
Dill is fought over in conference. More |
han that, the senate placed a duty
IN jute and jute butts. and this is the |
rec raw material OF the bagging man.
ifacturers, and that also was a blow
% their interests. These manufactur-
RS have charged that the mills of
india are running them on account Of
he cheap labor of the orient. 1t has
been alleged lately, however, that our
sharp Yankee bagging combination
bought up three of the five India mills
the biggest ones too. IL cotton bag
ring remains on the free list II will
'esult in a tremendous saving to the
lotion planters of the United States.
But the manufacturers say it will be
-ery rough on them.
Favorable to Tobacco Growers.
No matter what the fate Of other
hings may be when the tariff bin
zones out of conference, ii looks as II
he growers of tobacco were going to
nave the right to sell their unstemmed
eaf product up TO a certain limit with.
tut having to pay the internal revenue
AK. The battle for this privilege has
Jeen in progress for nearly twenty
-ears. The house, almost at the last
moment. put the provision i'm the
Payne bill. but it was left out when
he measure was reported 70 the sen
tie by the finance committee. Finally
Senator Aldrich consented TO restore
he item with several notifications
This legislative favor, it is believed,
will have a tendency to lessen the
Night Rider outrage in the tobacco
producing sections Of several Of the
states.
Watson May Land Job.
Regardless Of the fact that he has
stated repeatedly that he was not ex.
,ecting any office from this administra.
ion. rumor has Il that former Repre-.
sentative James Eli Watson Of In.
Llama probably is slated to be mem
Der Of the customs court II that tri
lunal IS established by pending legis
alton. and IL looks as II Il viii be
These are fine jobs and viii be much
sought after. especially by prominent
who fell outside the
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