New-York tribune., 1909-04-10
SENATE HEARS ROOT
CENSUS BILL DEBATE.
Hepburn and Galinger Clash
Merit System attacked
from The Tribune Bureau. J

Washington April e.-The session Of the Senate
to-day for consideration CT the census bill was
notable for three incidents 1t gave Emu f<oot'
of New York an opportunity to make his first
speech as d Senator: It was the occasion or a
sharp personal controversy between Senators Cal
hnEer and Hepburn. and It developed the IaCt tna'
many Senators still retain decided opposluoh 10
the Civil Service Commission. After 4 discussion
lasting than four hours consideration OF the
bill postponed until tomorrow. when 1t Is be
eved the Senate will pass it.
Senator Roots speech was an impromptu afalr
The Senate considering a committee amend
ment to authorize the Secretary OF the Treasury
10 spend $4,000 for a site and building for the
Office Senators C1app and Galinger sus-
gested that it would be well 10 create a commits
sion pass the site and building, the commits
sion to include besides the Secretary OF the treas
ury. the Director OF the Census and the chalrmen
of the committees on census OF the Senate and
House.
It was at this point that Senator Root took the
floor. He suggested that the erection OF public
building was something than mere census
question We spending great deal Of money
and believe properly, to make Washington beau
tiful.' said Mr Roo. 1T would be a pity TO con-
slider nothing but the comfort OF the clerks in
erecting a census building. We should consider
the relation OF such building 20 the general plan
for increasing the beauty OF Washington. there
fore suggest that the chairmen OF the committees
the library OF the Senate and the House be
added TO the proposed commission. They have
in connection with the erection Of public buildings
and monuments
AS Senator Root did present this suggestion
in the form of motion, vote 1t was taken.
The Senate adopted the amendment proposed by
the committee
The clash between Senators GaInger and Hey
burn greatly amused the galleries These Sena-
occupy adjoining seats, but not intimate
friends. Mr. Hepburn opposing the erection
OF any public building which did not conform 10
81, 1I,n
south OF Pennsylvania avenue. He called attention
to the fact that the government nov valua Bile
property south Of the and said that large
OF money had been voted TO the Pennsylvania
Railroad for the construction of the Union Station
This reference aroused Senator Ganger, who is
chairman Of the Committee the District OF Co
lumbia. He resented 1t a personal arront. and
ntmated that Mr.. Hepburn not competent
critcise legislation which had been enacted before
he 10 sera---
Il apologize for my lateness in coming TO the
Senate" said Nj Hepburn. with a touch Of
sarcasm.
The Senator from Idaho doesn't need to apollo
size. He Is apology in himself replied Nj
Galinger.
When Senator Hepburn demanded with cons der
able spirit, what this reference meant NJ. Gal
linger said he would reply in the language OF Polo
MUS that the Idaho Senator vexed him but slightly.
Then Senator Gallinger said he would apologize
81 he had transgressed the amenities of debate he
paid compliment to the ability and industry OF
Mr.. Hepburn. but suggested that he disposed
go pretty in criticIsing others and ought not
10 feel hurt when nc himself criticised. Friend
II relations were restored when Senator Hepburn
said: Perhaps both OF Us got pretty nearly the
limit In crltcisng measures
The census bill provides foI special eXaminat tous
By the civil Service Commission for practically all
census employees. Tie attack this provision
opened by Senator Scott who insisted that
competent employees would be obtained II
appointed the recommendation Of Senators and
Representatives. without reference 10 the Civl
Service Commission
Senator Bailey approved the criticism Jf Senator
Scott. He said the Civil Service system IA
farce, Soon would be extended to include every
Senator could pass the required examination. said
Mr Bailey. adding: We practise before the cour-
Try as qualified to make the laws but We are not
qualified for a department clerkship."
After Senator Callinger had spoken at some
messengers. assistant messengers. messenger boys
unskilled aCorers and charwomen TO pass an
animation. Senator Smith. Of Michigan. made
speech against the general policy OF Civl Service
reform. He declared that there were more mean.
contemplate petty politics in the Civil Service Of
the United States than under the spos system OF
Andrew Jackson He called II shameless sys-
tenn running riot. denied that merit rules. and
said that clerks forced to bow before petty
chiefs OF divisions II they desire gain promotion
Senator Carter made ? vigorous defence OF the
system. The Senate amended the bill that the
President and not the Director OF the Census shall
appoint assistant director.