New-York tribune., 1909-12-11

"1hefs VINO accepted MS view and voted
for the bill. and his defence OF them op-
Grated somewhat TO obscure his own posi-
tion.
senator Hale. as was to have been ex-
pected IS highly indignant at the liberal
Interpretation placed by the administration
on the statute creating the Tariff Board
Mr. Hale believes the administration is far
exceeding its authority in instructing the
board 20 ascertain costs OF production at
home and abroad. and has expressed him
self emphatieally in favor Of abolishing. or
al least greatly curtailing. the appropria-
ton FOR the support Of that board The
other leaders in Congress. however. feel
that the Tariff Board is the one safety valve
which can relieve the pressure for radical
and Immediate revision. and the indications
are by no means favorable 10 any exten-
sive acquiescence in the plan of the Sena-
tor from Maine
The Senate Finance Committee. after
favorably reporting a number OF nomina-
tions. referred those OF James F. Curtis for
Assistant Secretary OF the Treasury and
Royal T. CabeIl for Commissioner Of In
ternal Revenue To a subcommittee. Its
course gave rise 10 report that Opposi-
Secretary MacVeagh led TO this action
That report, however. is not we'll founded.
the committees only purpose being thor
oughly 10 satisfy itself of the character
and ability of the nominees for these high
ly important places.
Speaker Cannon took occasion to-day 20
issue a formal statement confirming the
assertion made in this column in The Trib-
une Of this morning 10 the effect that ne
is not marshalling his forces in opposition
10 the Presidents legislative programme.
and especially 10 the recommendations Of
the Executive for amendments 10 the inter
state CONNIE 'ce law Mr. Cannon says he
is not familiar with the amendments to
that law which the President purposes TO
recommend. and that he assuredly will not
antagonize them in advance.
The members OF both houses Of Congress
are already anticipating the Christmas re-
cess TO such an extent that it is predicted
there Will not be a quorum OF the Senate
present when that body meets on Monday.
II Is not purpOsed formally 10 adjourn for
the holidays until December %. but ii is ex-
pected that merely formal meetings Of the
two houses will be held next week, with
final meeting on Monday, that quorums will
not be present and practically no business
will be transacted. A large contingent OF
Congressman will sail for Panama on the
Dolphin next Wednesday To inspect the pro-
posed sites for the canal fOrtifieatiOns.
The National Rivers and Harbors Con-
gress adjourned to-day after formally
adopting resolutions urging Congress TO de-
vote $50 900 OO0.' in eleven equal annual in
stalments, 10 the development OF the har-
bOrs and waterways OF the country. The
Congress further advocated the creation OF
q Department Of Public Works, with Cab
met officer At its head. 10 supervise the ex-
Denditure Of this sum and TO exercise con-
troI over all other public works Despite
the Presidents optimistic assurances, there
is reason 10 fear that by the size and COM
prehensiveness Of its demands the organi-
=atibn has prejudiced rather than promoted
its cause with the national legislature
q. q. II.