Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1910-01-24
TAFT is TRYING
TO FORESTALL
THE DEMOCRATS
President Says That Party
Pledges Must Be Re-
deemed Speedily
GAINS SUPPORTERS
White House Forces Con-
sideration of Admin
istration Measures
GAINS SUPPORTERS
Associated Pressl

WASHINGTON, Jan. 2S.-ActlVltS
w such as seldom has been dis
W played by committees so early
in the first regular session of con-
gress, is now in evidence in both wings
of the capitol.
Although there are practically three
enthusiastically Republicans, IN
surgent" Republicans and Democrats
there are signs on every hand that
President Taft is daily gaining sup
porters for his legislative program.
The skill shown by the president IN
avoiding clashes with either Repupll-
can faction, and the knack ne mas ca
hibited in compelling the aid of both
in his fight for the redemption of party
pledges, has noticeably impressed the
Democratic minority. In the house
there are indications the threatened
fusion of Democrats and insurgent Re
publicans on several legislative ques-
tions is little feared by the majority.
Taft is trying to beat the Demo-
Gratis out of any prospect OF contfol-
ling the next house. remarked
prominent Democratic leader of the
senate Yesterday. "If it were not for
the way he is knocking Republican
heads together and making them fall
into line for advanced legislation
Democratic legislation if you please
we would get you fellows sure, pre-
dicted this minority leader, addressing
the Republicans present.
Aqree on Legislation Not Favored
The senator was talking to men who
had Just agreed on the principle of a
piece of western legislation that, ad-
1nittedly, few of them favored. The in
cident furnishes a good illustration of
the present congressional situation.
Committees are now considering sub
jects usually postponed until after the
appropriation bills are passed by the
house.
The senate committees, under pressure
from the White House, have laid plans
to take up the administrative measures,
while the house has supply bills under
consideration. Indications are that by
the time the house calandar has been
cleared of budget bills, the senate will
have ready for the consideration of
that body a number of most important
Taft bills.
Senate leaders who have gone to the
White House have been told that it is
necessary to wait for action by the
public on matters designed to carry out
Republican pledges. Those inclined to
stay away from the White House have
been sent for, or the warning has been
delivered to them by their colleagues.
Not content with such notice, Mr..
Taft has taken the further precaution
of getting Service by publication" IN
other words, no has made the news
papers his confdant, and, perhaps in
cidentally, his supporters on most of
the advanced legislation proposed by
him
1t is regarded probable that the pres
ident's railroad bill will be enacted at
the present session, regardless of the
fact that bills on the same subject and
hot n
have been introduced in the senate by
Mr.. Cummins, and in the house by Mr..
Mann.
Amounts to Pooling
There may be some Democratic OPP
position to certain features of the adj
ministration bill. Mr.. Tillman is study
ing it and has reached the conclusion
that the proposition to allow railroads,
under certain conditions, to make joint
rates amounts to pooling.
Republicans say he is mistaken, and
an interesting session of the senate
committee on interstate commerce Is
predicted for Friday
Railroad bills will be taken up by the
house committee on Thursday.
The presidents federal Incorporation
bill is expected to have the hardest
shedding of any measure in his pro-
gram. Land bills and conservation
measures will receive careful attention
at the present session, regardless of
the Ballinger-P -Pinchot investigation.
The urgent deficiency bill is before
the house and probably will be passed
within two days. The agricultural
bill, carrying appropriations of $17,-
100000, and the Indian bill are ready
for attention., and other supply bills
are we'll under way.
In the senate the Notifications bill
q will be reported tomorrow, and the
I larmy bill is in committee. The Mann
Bcanal bill, passed by the house, will be
TX passed on Monday, and the Alaskan
u legislative council bill also will go on
\ the senate calendar
. The Arizona and New Mexico state
"a hood bill can be brought out of COM
y mittee whenever the senate is ready to
receive it.
Postal savings banks bills are eX-
pected to be taken up in the senate
committee Wednesday, and it is prob
able that a favorable report will be
made within week.
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