The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17
ADMIN STRATION FAILS
To HAVE LAWS PASSED
Taft Is Inclined to Lay Blame for De.
Iinqueney In Congress Upon Al
drich Who Is Not Worrying
Since Tariff Bill Passed
by wArTERsoN sTEALEy

Washington. February 16.-(Speeal.)-
The only stock in trade the republican
party will have in the congressional
races this year and the election in New
York is the popularity of former Presi-
dent Roosevelt. The bribery and scan
dial in New York and the failure to re-
deem tariff and other legislation pledges
in Washington are to be hidden behind
the personality of the former President.
1t is a bitter pill for the organization
both in the Empire state and in the ma
ton. but there is no other remedy
The disgraced politicians whom the peo-
pie preparing to kick out in New
York and the weak, tottering administra-
tion here, are combined to use the for
mer President to secure the Endorsement
they could not possibly get with their
own records. On that part of the Pres
ident's programme where there is divi-
sion the outlook for him is a gloomy one
The administration will get nothing in
the way of strict administration legisla-
tion that will not be changed as to
be mere excuse for what was originally
wanted. When he does obtain anything
tangible 1t will be at the risk of party
division and useful lack of sincere sup
port.
In nearly every instance it is the old
tariff fight over again, the passage of a
measure which will be generally hailed
as unsatisfactory as the Payne-Aldrich
bill was. On every piece of legislation
the President finds himself at odds with
equally as strong a faction as opposed the
organ 1atiou on the tariff bill
just at present the administration is In
clined to lay the blame on Senator Aid
| rich. Having gotten through tariff bill
to suit him and having obtained the
Presidents Endorsement of it, the Rhode
Island senator is declared to be viewing
with equanimity the legislative situation
in Congress. being interested only in ere
ating a central bank, which he knows
cannot be passed at this session.
The postal savings bank bill is just
at present in the line of fire. The best
lawyers in the Senate say it is uneon-
stitutional and if enacted in its present
form will be so declared by the first
court that passes upon it. In word 1t
puts the government in the business of
the banks. Senator Root of New York
has therefore offered an amendment re-
moving the constitutional objection but
paving the way for the central bank
scheme. which in another word, puts the
banks in the business of the government.
Any way it is looked at no encourage
ment is offered to the administration
for there is a widespread fear that the
savings collected from every hamlet and
crossroad, and emptied from every stock
ing, will find their way into Wall street
for speculative purposes.
Senator Bailey's speech in South Caro-
lima is said by South Carolnians here
to have settled the contest in the legisla-
ture of that state over the income tax
amendment. The legislative judiciary COM
mittee was against the amendment but
the Texas Senator made it clear that
it would not be abridgement of the power
OF the state and it is accordingly ex- .
pected that the amendment will be
adopted. 1t is only fair to say of Sena-
tor Bailey that he has done more for the
income tax amendment than any other
man in the country.
Following plans outlined by Norman F..
Mack, chairman of the democratic ma
tional committee, members OF the district
democracy are making all the prelimi-
nary arrangements for a great gather
ing at Jefferson's birthday dinner in
this city on the night of April 10. Among
the speakers who will be invited for the
occasion are Governor Harmon of Ohio.
Governor Marshall of Indiana and Mayor
Gaynor of New York and it is expected
the outcome of the meeting will be the
perfection of many details of the impend-
ing democratic congressional campaign.
President William w. Finley of the
Southern railway will address the Mis-
sissippi society at the meeting of that
organization Saturday. Mr.. Finley's sub
ject will be Opportunities of Missls-
sippi'