The Washington herald., 1910-01-06

..ss3
The group of Senators who went 10 the
Isthmus of Panama on a trip Of inspec-
tion and pleasure have returned, much
pleased with what they saw AT that
place They spent two days at Panama,
and in that time witnessed the system
Of improvements. On their return they
encountered a severe storm off the Ba-
hamas. Senator Penrose In describing
the fury Of the gale, said the wind was
blowing at the rate Of eighty miles an
hour and the waves were about forty
feet high The other members Of the
party didn't dispute the measurements
OF the Pennsylvania. Senator Hepburn
couldn't. for he was troubled with an un-
easiness commonly called sea sickness,
and remained in exile The Senator of
websterian appearance was the only poor
sailor in the bunch.
It was noticed that the custom Of drap-
ing the desk of a deceased Senator was
omitted in the case OF the late Senator
McLaurin. The omission was the first
instance Of the kind FOR many years. and
was commented on favorably by many Of
the Senators. some OF them regarding the
custom grewsome and unnecessary.
Ex-senator Henry Gassaway Davis spent
half an hour or so on the floor OF the
Senate. converslng with first one on the
Republican side and then with another on
the Democratic side. Most OF his time
was spent, however. with Senator Root
and he ended his visit with a heart-to-
heart talk with his son-in-law, Senator
Elkins While talking with Senator FL
kins, Senator Bankhead walked up and
after exchanging greetings with the once
defeated candidate for the Vice Presi-
dency. asked what brought him In their
midst. on" said Mr.. Davis. I have
/ 10 come over once IN a while. just 70 look
after Steve. l have 20 give him some
fatherly advice at times. and this IS one
Of them.
| A great majority OF the Senators are
very much interested in conservation, but
/ Senators Dick and Burton. OF Ohio, are
much more interested in conversation
about the situation in their State. While
the attention of the Senate was directed
az everything that pertained to the pro-
posed investigation Of the controversy,
/ they were attentive to each other in a
brotherly talk about affairs at home.
Senator EIldns introduced a resolution
/ In, sI-ss
I Of the increased cost Of foodstIfs. Soon
/ thereafter the joyial West Virgiuian en-
tertained at luncheon a distinguished
party IN the Senate restaurant In the
/ party were Mrs. Robert GOelet and Mrs.
William X. Vanderbilt, Of New York;
/ Mrs. Nicholas Longworth, Miss Katherine
/ Elkins, the Vice President, Senators
Kean and Brandegee, Messrs. Gary and
! Hit, OF New York
Senator Gordon has taken a great fancy
to the likewise new Senator from North
Dakota. Senator Thompson. They took
/ lunch together and on their return 20 the
Senate. Senator Thompson complained of
having a headache. OF course. the sturdy
Southerner was sympathetic but he re-
marked that he never was sick, and, said
the old war horse, II haven't taken
Medicine OF any kind FOR over ffty-one
years"
There IS no mistake about the State Of
Georgia being in the spotlight continu-
ally. In the Senate. Senator Bacon. OF
that State. is johnny on the spot" when
II comes 10 a question OF law. interna-
tionaI or otherwise; Senator Clay IS wait
ing to get another crack at the sugar
trust. and over in the House-wel. they
are there with both feet: Addison, with
his defense Of Roosevelt: Griggs, with
his cloak-room jokes; Lon Livingston,
with 'I-am-a-farmer' look: Gordon Lee
With his Glad TO see YOU" and the mid.
gets. Bartlett and Tommy Hardwick
ever present ard getting a word in edge
wise with persistency.
The most important item OF gossip
around the House on the Hin is the
Ballinger-Pinchot dispute. the formation
OF the committee Of investigation, and
probable findings. It is certain that the
special committee will be headed by SEN
ator Knute Nelson Of Minnesota, anG
from his sturdy character, his record for
honesty and fairness. IL is assured that
the investigation VIII be far reaching and
thorough. AS to the makeup Of tbs
rest OF the committee there is consider
able doubt, but It is probable that The
Eastern member VIII be Senator ElihJ
Root,