Evening journal., 1909-11-11
Thursday, November II. 1909
MIR. ALDRIcH IN THE WEST.

M one could accuse Senator Aldrioh OF a
- lack of courage. No one could see him
without being impressed by the fact that he is
man of much force, man that shoots direct
at the bulls eye, not caught looking in another
direction When he is shooting. Usually his aim
is sure and steady.
The Senator is on a western trip. He is speak
ing to people III the West but not to the people
that attend the Chautauqua lectures or read the
upft magazines or discuss public affairs in the
villages, in the stores. They interest not our
ruler. Nainly did the managers of the great
forums of public debate, the Chautauquas, try
20 induce the Senator TO lecture to them. They
do not count in his eye. And neither can the
Senator be drawn away or frightened by the
attacks of the insurgents who heralded his APP
proach with a blare of insurgent trumpets,
call on him to reply The West, or a part of il,
has an idea that the Rhode Island Senator is a
sort Of monster in disguise the captain-general
of the hordes of predatory wealth. When James
]. ff1fi the railroad fuglcinan addressed meet
ing in Montana the other day, he was greeted
with an adverse demonstration as he uttered
word of praise for the Rhode Island Senator
Such was the opinion entertained in the far West
of the master of the Senate.
Mr. Aldrich is addressing the business men,
the captains of industry III the West, the men
of money, and TO them he is explaining all about
his financial plan, the measure with which he
hopes to crown his final days of a long and busy
public life. The Senator knows that if the big
bankers, the business men, the special interests
are convinced that the financial measure as sug-
gested is all right, they will sec that men are
named for Congress who will advocate the bill.
Mr.. Aldrich. however, has q great task before
him, for some Of the leaders of finance in the
West are set against the Federal bank sugges
tion doubtful about it, while others are coldly
curious. MIR. Aldrich may convince few of
the big wigs, perhaps he has done so, and then
the leaven will begin 10 work on the smaller fry.
The Senator IS going about his work in a
peaceful spirit. During his address in Chicago
the other evening he stuck 10 the point which
is to arouse interest and study in the matter
lie did not outline his scheme definitely, but
merely stated that he desired to call the atten.
ton Of the bankers and the business men ol
Chicago TO some Of the salient features of the
work of the monetary commission The com
mission is making and will continue TO make
thorough inquiry concerning all the monetary
systems of the world. Its labors are great ano
probably will not be completed this winter, but
II is hoped to make a report at the beginning OF
the third session of the present Congress. The
commission stands ready to receive the advice
of those who know about such matters, but the
Senator vaguely hinted that little attention
would be paid to the suggestions Of cranks and
demagogues. The Senator in a conversation
indicated his personal preference for a central
bank of issue, and believes that branch banking
it exists in other countries is not possible here
He expressed himself strongly for keeping the
bank out Of partisan potics-but that's the rub.
The campaign Of education has begun The
measure will not be passed for some time, il at
all. We conjecture that when it does come I'D
before Congress the fight over il will be fully as
bitter as that over the tariff bill