The Washington times., 1910-02-04
UncOncealed Suspicion of
Attempt to WhitewaSh
Tariff Causes Alarm.
DANGERS PERCEIVED
IN INVESTIGATION
Republicans Realize That Demo
Gratis Seek Political Capital in
Cost of Living Inquiry.

Senator E-IkIns' determined stand for
a complete and unbiased investigation
of the conditions throughout the coun-
us. which have made the cost Of living
"a heavy burden to many millions Of
people Is probably giving the leaders of
the Senate organization more concern
than any incident which has yet de-
veIoped in connection with the present
agitation.
The unconceaIed suspicion on the part
Of the West Eirginian that the investl-
cation proposed in the Lodge resolution
was designed Tor the purpose Of white
washing the tariff Is causing additional
IVORY
senator EIkius did not charge that the
present nigh tariff system was respon-
sibIe for the current high prices, nut
he declared .cmphaticaIIy in his dis
cuszion yesterday. That S0.Ooo.0o0 Am
erican people were of the opinion that
the tariff fostered the trusts which IN
turn promulgated many OF the prevail
ing High prices.
EIkins the Pioneer
Senator EIkias $ the pioneer Invcsti-
zsto- OF the cost of living That IS to
say he offered -Ee first resolution in
either House providing that a committee
make an inquiry and determine upon
the causes. He declares now that his
resolution was put 10 sleep in the
Senate Committee on Auditing Expen-
ses, and that no amount Of persuasion.
-aToiInC- or argument could secure
report on e. After referring 20 this fact
lc said that Senator lodges resolution
had. been reported out or the Finance
Committee in twe7tE-fOur hours
While the West Virginia senator has
voted with the ''SJalvsTtS'' on tariff
questions he did IT, as be himself suC-
ETSted- Tor the pUD7Se Of protecting the
Tr95-Fet-- Of has own. people. and he IS
therefore NOS an enthusiastic nigh tar
IG advocate some or his Republican
colleagues believe .rIar he would aCru-
@E'v rejoice tn see the present agitation
force reduction Of the tariff ON food
products They do not believe how
ever that nr would welcome any sweep
ing reduction
Organization Worried
The constantly recurring signs or in
Evr-eucy among the majority ia the
Senate over the nigh level Of prices Is
undoubtedly disturbing the organiza-
tons equilibrium The charges from the
Lari1I's own HouS- hold 90 the effect that
the present investiEatiou proposed BY
Senator Lodge Is intended merely 10
scqGIt the taT5S Of responsibility. do not
send 20 rsaSSfre the Senate leaders as
is ~ 5i7ie- 80 ~ 757Iffi1s7 T 5TDo--u74-
les u-H~-f~rllT usajaETt.- -IS-rvs fun well
g. u the Democrats VIII take advaura Es
Of
Unless an investigation iu good faith
- Instituted and results are accurately
determined lIC~S-S- AId~TrG- Hale. and
Lodge and others OF the Republican or
Eanizatiru know the Democrats will
make effective material OUT or the con-
C.UsI00S If tire inquiry.
For more than month the leaders
sat tiCut Ola the iu-aSJICa ton uues-
lion. but were practically forced 10 or
Ger an inquiry When they did order
one II was one of their own ma king
and IL is easily foreseeu that the leaders
vl.t- d they can Cgut-oi absolutely the
findings Of this i5IveStIE cation