The Washington herald., 1909-07-16


eiic Coast and other sections OF the coun-
try 10 which he has been invited was
made the subject Of bitter discussion in
the House Of Representatives by Demo
cratic orators yesterday.
''Wanderlust." show performance"
other terms Of ridicule were applied to
the Presidents peregrinations. while
enc Democrat Representative Rainey, OF
Illinois, Sc,ti3' charged that the Presi-
dents proposed trip 10 the West this fall
was intended solely as a political mis-
sion.
The question Of Mr.. Tafts journey to
the Pacific Coast came up IN connection
with the deficiency bill. which carries an
appropriation Of $4,000 TO defray the cost
Of the Presidents travelling expenses.
This measure was reported by Represent
ative Tawney. OF Minnesota, chairman
Of the Committee on Appropriations.
Minority in Opposition.
The iteR for the Presidents trip was
opposed 81 all of the Democratic speak
ers. including Minority Leader Clark. Of
Missouri; Representatives Fitzgerald. Of
New York, Bowers. Of Mississippi. and
Macon, Of Arkansas. and Livingstone. OF
Georgia The Democratic complaint was
that Chairman Tawney was guilty OF
bad faith" in the face Of promises al
legged 10 have been made at the last
session when the Presidents salary was
increased from $1,000 10 $1,000 a year.
At this time, IL is alleged by Democrats,
tacit agreement was reached that no
effort would be made lateh 20 get an ap-
preparation This was refuted by Mr.
Tawney and other Republican leaders.
Representative Rainey was particularly
bitter in his reference TO the travels Of
the President he declared that Mr.. Taft
had been generously treated by Congress.
and that no good argument could be Of
fered IN justification OF the proposed ap-
preparation. Mr.. Rainey directed at
tention 10 the fact that a few weeks be-
fore Mr. Taft entered the White HOCse
the sum Of $1,000 was made available
for the maintenance OF the Presidents
stables. In addition. he said, $4,000 had
been appropriated 10 purchase autono-
biles for the new President Then Con-
gress increased the Presidents salary.
Furthermore, Mr.. Rainey alleged. there
was on hand from the previous admins
tration $1,000 OF $1,000 that President
Roosevelt had failed 70 spend on his
travelling account, as authorized to do by
Congress.
NOW" said the Illinoisan. I'VE are
asked 10 appropriate $4,000 more TO en-
able Mr.. Taft 10 move from place 10
place about the country" Before Mr.
Taft became President. Mr. Rainey said,
he showed a disposition 10 travel a
navy vessel was remOdeled. said Mr.
Rainey. 'and Mr.. Taft sailed IN luxurious
style over easy tropical seas 10 the dis
tant Isthmus OF Panama all at the ex-
pense Of the government"
President Welcome.
Representative Scott, OF Kansas. asked
Mr.. Rainey If It were not true that Dem
ocrats were crowding the White House
asking the President to visit their States
or districts.
"oh. yes; that's So returned Mr..
Rainey.
''The President is a welcome visitor
everywhere" he continued. Its a big
event when he comes to town. He is
usually accompanied by a star speaker.
Ike John Hays Hammond, for example.
Beside his coach, attired In high hats.
putting and steaming with the heat at
times. run Secret Service agents.
"Out at Seattle they have had nearly
everything from Washington but the
President. He is a headliner. and they
want him"
Mr.. Rainey read a letter written by
Jefferson 100 years ago. IN which he said:
7 am not reconclled TO a Chief Magis-
trate parading himself as an object OF
public gaze and in quest OF applause"
Representative Scott read a table show
ing that the allowances made the heads
Of state IN Europe were greatly in excess
Of those granted by Congress to the
President. This got a rise out Of Minority
Leader Clark.
The mistake the gentleman from Kan
sas makes said Mr.. Clark, 'fs that he
does not mark the discrimination between
what we pay the President for and the
reasons that actuate the large allowances
paid European mOnarchs.
Representative Tawney concluded the
debate He deprecated the attack that
had been made on the item allowing
money for the Presidents travelling ex- I
penses. He said the President could not
affore out Of his own pocket to visit the 1
various cities.
The provision was carried by a vote OF