The Republican journal., 1911-02-02
:. Letter from Wash ington.
Maine Men at the National Capitol.
Legislative Machinery Throbbing at
High Pressure. Congressman Burleigh
and the Apportionment Contest.
Correspondence of The journal.

and the Apportionment Contest.
Correspondence of The journal.
WASHINGTON, D. c., January 30th.
There is much Maine interest at the
Capitol these days. The exceptional
event of the arrival and departure of
Democratic Representatives elect S. W.
Gould and Daniel ]. McGillicuddy has
come as per schedule and is now thing
of the past There was regret from the
standpoint of those who watch the ad-
vent of new legislators that Senator
elect Charles F. johnson did not come
also, Washington likes to see and "slze
up' its new Senators. That process is
vet in store as regards the new Maine
Senator, who, Washington is informed,
would have iourneyed down with Messrs.
Gould and McGillicuddy but for the fact
that the Joint convention of the leglsla-
4urp at Augusta did not meet till
"Wednesday before the Thursday of the
Democratic caucus at Washington.
The new corners were given the usual
cordial welcome in Maine circles here.
They locked much with Democratic
brethren from adjacent New England
States. The Boston Democrats, now In
the House and those who have been cleo
fed 10 the next House, were their more
constant companions. But the two pro-
snar+ive lawmakers from Maine pene-
trated to the galleries OF the Senate,
looked down upon the venerable Solons
there, iourneyed by the long corridor to
the tempestuous House of Representa-
lives and mingled in the jovial Demo-
giraffe cloakrooms where the story tellers
congregate.
They did not thrust themselves for
ward in the Democratic caucus. The
bars were let down for the new mem
bers-elect to express their views and the
Democrats from Boston and Rhode ISL
and sprung to the opportunity eloquently.
<'Orator Dan" McGillicuddy, however,
is willing to bide his time. He sees
little glory in caucus speaking, where
the doors are shut and the public
barred out. The Democratic brethren
gained a good impression Of the Maine
men and are counting upon them. to give
a good account of themselves when the
House gets down to business at the next
session.
Fred Bunker of North Arson, former
" member of the legislature and also of
the Governors council, and Will Robin
son of the same town, have been tarry-
ing in the city. Mr. Bunker visited
members of the Maine delegation at the
Capitol and gossiped little Maine poll
tics as he tarried. He and Robinson have
been on jaunt to Florida, the land of sun
shine and flowers Quite migration of
Maine people southwark passes through
Washington this month. Most Of them
stop at Washington going or coming.
The machinery is throbbing under high
pressure. Every wheel at Washington
in the complicated mechanism of govern
ment is turning. This is the period
when finished products in legislation and
duIlllliSlIdll HiuSI Ue tufueu OuC III
maximum volume. Congress is busy;
the White House is busy; the Depart
ments are busy. The Supreme Court,
staid, dignifed and independent branch
of federal procedure, is really working
a little overtime.
The peak of the busy winter has been
attained. Custom, precedent and law
have prescribed that much must be done
within the limit Of few weeks, which
are now fast flying into eternity. Liter
ally, it is now at Washington race
against time. Governments are prone
to procrastinate So are bureaus and
departments and branches of govern
ment Washington has procrastinated
this winter like the proverbial small boy
about learning his lesson when there is
fun outside the schoolroom.
But it is splendid to see all oficialdom
bending nightly to its tasks when the
supreme moment arrives. Perhaps that
is why Washington possesses such a
charm in midwinter Mankind loves the
display of human energy even more than
results. The circus, full of spectacular
activity, draws the throng. Washington
at this time of year, if it be not circus,
is certainly crowded with activity.
New men are coming to the front
right at this very time of the year.
Personalities, who have monopolized the
Washington date line for decade, are
quietly retroceding into the background.
New men are coming rapidly upon the
scene. The stage is being shifted, as il
has rot been in long, long time.
Against the supine performances of those
going off is the enthusiasm of those
about to come on.