New-York tribune., 1909-01-20
ANGER EVAPORATES
THE CONGRESS INQUIRIES.
No Probability of Completing Them
TN M-. Rooserelfs Term.
LFroun The Tribune Bureau.I


Washington, Jan. 19.-There is no proba bty
that the pending Investigations Of the Secret
Service, the disbursement OF funds appropriated
to detect and prosecute violations Of the federal
statutes, etc, will be completed before March 4.
This means. OF course, that the promised "ex-
posure' Of the administration Of President
Roosevelt. the implied II not promised attacks
on the President and the predicted censure OF
the Secret Service have gone glin1mering, that
the courage Of those members Of Congress who
indicated in their speeches and promised in con-
versation an excoriation OF Mr.. Roosevelt has
taken flight and that all the pyrotechnical In
dignation Of certain Republican Representatives
and Democratic Senators has ended in smoke.
Members of the House have been hearing from
their districts. and on sober second thought have
decided once more that discretion is the better
part of valor. They have realized the force of
the Presidents suggestion that when he is pur-
suing lions and leopards in the African junges
they will be asking their constituents for
nomination and re- election. and the character Of
their mail has convinced them that IL they per-
sst in attacking Mr.. Roosevelt they will be ask
ing in vain.
The Senate committee has taken its duties
seriously. has surveyed the situation calmly, and,
following the plans outlined in these dispatches.
when the original Senate resolution was adopted,
has mapped out inquiry 50 broad in its scope
as to render its completion before March 4
physical fmpossibility. But it has also so
planned its work as to insure result of broad
and far-reaching Importance series Of recon-
mendations which will pave the way for highly
| important permanent legislation.
The House committee, of which Representa-
tive Olmsted is chairman. has not met at all. 1t
is true that Mr.. Omsted has been out of the
city. but he has returned. and 1t is probable that
will he hold md blY
information will be called for; but only forty
legislative days remain Of this session, most of
the appropriation bills are to be framed, and
every member has more or less legislation of
importance to his district to be guided through
the pitfalls Of parliamentary procedure. No
steps have been taken for cooperation between
the House and Senate committees, and II does
not probable that any Will be.
Whether or not the House committee will make
a pretence Of conducting an investigation cannot
be foretold, but that If real investigation is
undertaken It will necessarily be protracted be
yond March seems assured.
It is probable that no member Of either in
vestigating committee will as yet admit the
facts stated in this dispatch. But that is not
because they are not recognized facts. but
because il is considered too early TO admit them,
as an admission might result in more or
less criticism on the floor from the few who sim
cerely, II unWlsely, nope 10 see tne freSloenI
subjected 20 sensational verbal Castigation.
The appointment by the House to-day OF
select committee to determine whether the
marks of Representative Wiett should not be
expunged from THE Record" is regarded as
strikingiy significant of the changed attitude
Of the House leaders. as well as Of the rank and
file OF the Republican side OF the chamber. 1t
is perhaps. only just TO the Republicans TO add
that the course of the Democrats and the eager
ness with which they have aided and abetted
hostility to the President have had their share
IN awakening the Republicans 10 the folly Of
their course.
Secretary Cortelyou reported 10 the President
to-day the Cabinet meeting that good prog
ress IS being made in the preparation of the
report to Congress in answer 10 the Foraker
resolution asking for information regarding the
the disposal of the War Department in 1899
from which the detectives in the Brownsville
Investigations paid.
Washington. Jan. IA special committee was
authorized by the House to-day TO consider and
port what action. II any. should be taken with
gard TO the speech delivered yesterday by Repre-
sentative WnIett. of New York. in which he
tackled the President This action is similar that
taken on the Presidents remarks on the Secret
Service. The Speaker appointed the following
committee: Representatives Mann Of Illinois; Per-
kns. OF New York; Foster. Of Vermont: Howard.
of Georgia, and Clayton, of Alabama.
SECRETARY ROOTS PLANS.