The Fargo forum and daily republican., 1909-03-29

Washington March 22.-To The
Forum: Great interest has centered,
for North Dakotans especially, in the
organization of the senate, partly be-
cause Senator McCumber was chosen
one OF the committee to make the
committee selection and partly in the
hope that Senator johnson would be
given. places where he could accomplish
something for the state Some of the
friends of Senator Hansbrough felt
that there was almost an irreparable
loss to the state in Hansbrough's de-
feat because his successor would nec-
essarily be given less important COM
nl1ttee assignment But Mr.. Johnson
lands some mighty good positions. Ie
ig chairman of the committee on in
vestigation of trespass on Indian
lands. He is ninth on the committee
on public lands OF which Senator Mel
son is chairman. Senator Nelson is
not only warm personal and political
friend of Mr.. Johnson, but he is deep
ly interested in everything pertaining
to North Dakota, and no interest of
North Dakota will suffer through the
action of this committee, and nothing
will be neglected that can be done for
North Dakota people. Mr.. Johnson s
assignment to this committee, Is
therefore of the greatest Importance to
North Dakota and is better than half
a dozen assignments which might have
been made. He is eighth on the com
mittee on agriculture of which Senator
Deliver is chairman. Senator Deliver
fS n1c al
friend OF Mr.. Johnson. He was not
only his colleague wnen he was in the
house OF representatives but was his
friend in early manhood when Mr..
Johnson was a resident of Iowa. and
you may be sure that whatever can be
accomplished by any one through this
committee can be accomplished by Mr..
Johnson. He is fifth on the committee
on the five civilized Indian tribes~ and
fourth on the committee on expendi-
lures in the postoffice department, and
fifth on the committee on Industrial
eXpositions.
In addition to his committee assign
ments Mr.. johnson has had the advan-
tage of eight years experience in con-
gress and wide acquaintance with
public men and public affairs. His
last work in congress was on the
Dingley tariff bill as member of the
ways and means committee. on reach
ing the United states senate mis- hrst
work Is In connection with the tariff
and no man in either branch Of con-
gress Is better fitted 10 discuss this
question than he.
When in the house during four years
of the time there was democratic
admihistra tion and part OF the time a
democratic majority In the house and
there was a lack of harmony In the
delegation. Nothing will put a dele
gate In congress IN the back ground
and impair the usefulness Of its mem-
bers quite so effeetually as disposi-
tion to work independently Of each
other. There are indications that the
present North Dakota delegation will
work harmoniously. In the lower
house Messrs Hanna and Gronna have
agreed and each will act as referee as
| to fourth class postoffices upon the
lines agreed upon The senators and
Mr. Kennedy the national commit
teeman. and. Mr.. Hanna called on the
president the other day, and while
tAiAt " as tiOh lAlS put P1NC VI tAiS r%Ai
the question OF appointments came
up and il is understood that the sena
tors will be consulted and due weight
given TO their recommendation In all
cases where the appointment must be
made by the president and with the
consent Of the senate. 1t is UNDER
stood that the constitution has been
installed in the proper place in the
White House and that none OF Its pro-
visions will be overlooked.
Senator Mccumber's committee as
signments are excellent He Ia chair
man Of the committee on pensions.
where he has been able TO do SO much
for the veterans Of 81, their widows
| and orphans, third on the committee
on the census Of which Senator La
Toilette is chairman. second on Indian
AFFAIRS Of which Senator Clapp is
chairman, second on interoceanic ca
nails OF which Senator Crawford is
chairman. third ON expenditures In the
Indian department and seventh on
finance, OF which Senator Aldrich is
chairman
| Senator McCumber retains his old