The Washington herald., 1910-04-21

Iue plODaDle dppOlntee 10 lne vacancy
on the Supreme bench is the subject of
much gossip around the Capitol. Pres-
dent Taft has already had one appoint
ment in his term, and in the event OF the
resignation Of Justice Moody he will
have another vacancy 10 I'll, making
three appointments in all. this early in
his administration. The record as to the
number OF vacancies filled during an ad-
ministration is held by Presidents Jack
son. Lincoln. and Grant, each naming
five members OF the Supreme Court dur
ing their incumbency. Every President
with the exception OF the first Harrison.
Taylor. and Johnson have filed vacancies.
Chief Justice Marshall and Justices
Story. Of Massachusetts. and Field, Of
California. hold the record for length OF
| service. each having thirty-four years 10
his credit. The shortest time served on
the Supreme bench was one year, by
Justice Harrison of Maryland
The youngest justice, at the time Of
his appointment. was Justice Story. Of
Massachusetts, who was thirty-two years
OF age. and the oldest. at appointment,
was Justice Lurton. recently appointed by
! President Taft, who was sixty-six years
! old.
The ID A. RS" are very much IN
evidence at the Capitol They can't re-
/ sist the temptation 20 play truant from
their congress 20 witness the proceedings
| of the National Congress. They appear
very much interested when a question
OF parliamentary procedure Is discussed.
! Senator Purcell made his first extended
/ speech yesterday on the railroad bill
/ That Is, he started on the railroad bill
/ Before he had proceeded far with his
/ remarks he switched 20 the tariff and
/ scored the Payne-Aldrich measure. as to
/ its effect on the section OF the country
! ne represents. Senator Purcell read his
\ speech His voice is strong and clear,
/ but his words are delivered IN a mono
tone He made apologies for speaking
so early in his Senatorial career, excus-
ing what would have been considered
| impertinence in former days. by the I'm
/ portance Of the measure under considera-
/ tion.
/ The railroad bill will probably pass the
/ House before Il does the senate. though
I IL had a start OF over two weeks in that
/ body. The rules Of the House are such
( that the measure can be more rapidly
/ pushed there. while in the Senate the
/ courtesy Of debate permits Senators to
talks and talk almost for an unlimited
time Next week the House will close
/ general debate. take up amendments un-
/ der the flye-minute rule and railroad the
railroad bill 70 passage.
Democratic members o. the House are
walking around with thumbs in their
armpits and a smile on their faces. The
election In New York following so close
on that IN Massachusetts Is the cause OF
their cheerful attitude They place how
/ ever. more Importance on the Massachu-
setts election, for as one % the prominent
/ Democrats put 1t. The character Of The
man running on the Republican ticket IN
New York had much 10 do with the
I Democratic victory, rather than the dis
pleasure over the tariff or Cannonism. '
/ There is one Republican member OF the
House who feels pretty good in these IN.
certain times. and his name is Town
send. OF Michigan. Representative Town
send is a candidate for the Senatorial
toEa now worn by Senator Burrows H
is putting all tho force at his command
into the campaign and the results are
bright for victory. Mr.. Townsend re
ceives hundreds Of letters every day from
an parts Of his state telling him in M
uncertain terms that the writer's are foi
him and are corralling others for nj;
cause.
The turn Of things are gratifying 10 thC
forceful Michigan man. and his smile &:
the real thing. An unexpected friend met
him in the corridor. Hello, Townsend o.
said the friend, How are things? What
do you hear from home?'' With a grir
Mr.. Townsend replied, Lovely; every.
thing looks all right, and 7 feel bully
They went of hugging each other tC
talk Il over IN the cafe.