The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1910-02-03
Republicans Fear Dan
ger Of Long Drawn
Out Inquiry.
HIGH PRICES MAY
HURT THEIRPART
Lodge Will Head Committee to
Find Out Why It Costs So
Much to Live-Leaders Will
Try to Push Taft's
Program
Through.

Through.
Washington. D. c.. February q
Frankly admitting fear that a pro-
longed investigation of the increased
cos, OF living by the Ways and Means
| Committee of the House, or as pro-
vided for by any of the rival reso-
| lutions might drag throughout the
summer and work to tho disadvantage
| of the Republicans in the elections
next fall. the Senate Finance Com
| mitteo formulated n program for a
! quick. sharp inquiry OF the subject IN
all its phases.
| This important question was con-
sidered by the Republican members
OF the committee, and as a result. Sem
ator Lodge introduced in the Senate
resolution providing for tho appoint.
ment of q select committee of five
Senators to do the work.
Embarrassing Problem.
No problem, 1t is said, has proved 50
embarrassing to the Republican party
during its long continued control OF
Congress. When the majority of the
Finance Committee met to-day. con-
sideration was given to demands from
every section of the country that some-
thing be done to restore normal prices
on all necessaries of life. Several Sen
ators declared that the high prices
would be attributed directly to the
tariff, and that unless something were
done to refute these charges the Re-
publican party would be compelled 10
bear the brunt of the attack.
Suggestion was made that the pro-
posed investigation by the Ways and
Means Committee of the House would
accomplish every purpose. but after
examination OF the resolution intro
duced by Chairman Payne yesterday.
1t was characterized as a "dragnet."
The opinion was expressed generally
that such an inquiry as yas proposed
by the House would not be concluded
in time to be of assistance to Repub-
licans in their campaign for re-eleo-
tion
Lodge Isa,se. Offer.
Senator Lodge. after demonstrating
vigorously, finally agreed that he would
undertake to conduct rigid investi
cation and report to the present ses-
sion of Congress il he were chosen
the head of a committee. Acting upon
that promise a resolution was drafted
and later introduced by Mr.. Lodge pro-
| viding for the committee OF five Sem
ators.
AS drafted. the Lodge resolution will
| include an investigation into the cost
OF the necessaries of life With an espe-
| cial view 10 determining whether
| there has been any increase during the
past two years. 1t directs that the
| inquiry snail covor the question of
wages with view to ascertaining
! whether they have been increased IN
| proportion to the advanced cost of
necessaries 1t was referred TO the FL
nance Committee, which is committed
| 10 its approval and to a prompt re-
| port
Program Prepared.
| The administration program, as re-
vised to-day by leaders Of the Senate
/, and House and given the stamp of
I. following legislation:
4 Statehood for Arizona and New
Mexico in the form of the Senate bill,
(which provides for ratification BY
! Congress of the Constitutions of the
new States after approval by the Pres
i ident.
i Postal savings banks. with safe.
/ guards against funds being transferred
4 from sections where originally deposit
i ed to the money centres,
j Giving to the President authority
to withdraw from entry public lands
/ desired for conservation purposes or
for classification, the withdrawals to
| remain in force until revoked by him
or by acts of Congress.
/ Federal Incorporation open to the
Involuntary application of concerns en-
4 gagged in interstate business and will
ing to subscribe to Federal regula-
/ ton.
4 creating court of commerce and
4 amending the interstate commerce 40,
& as provided by the Townsend -ElLins
! bill,
4 Alaska, the members to be appointes
4 by the President.
All of the measures designated are
In, he enacted into law If tho influ,
( once OF President Taft and Consress
T! leaders, who are in charge OF the ma.
. cbiucry of the senate and House Is
powerful enough to carry the program
a through.
!, some Plain Talk.
4 All the Republican members of the
i Senate Committee or Finance had a
4 meeting early to-day in advance Of
| the regular SESSION. Some pretty plain
& tall, was indused in by Chairman
4 Aldrich. of the Finance Committee, and
4 his assistants over the situation in
Il which the Republican party has found
z itself by reason of opposition to GER
/. tain of the platform pledges which had
been indorsed unequivocalIy by Mr.
Taft in his campaign speeches ana on
trims over the country since he as.
Y Continued on I'ifth Page.)