The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1911-04-18
Washington News
Items of Interest From Our Cor
respondent, George W.
Summers.

VI 'Vth HO''oVS Clucu, OOuStCsS mas
settled down to business now, and
the work Of legislation is III der
way. The preliminaries are over
aud the consideration of legislation
will now absorb the attention of
Senators and Congressman.
Not for years has West Virginia
had so prominent a position in the
council halls of the nation. The
committee assignments of the mem
bors of Congress from West Virgin
in, 0s announced last week, are not
only exceptionally good for new
members, but they place each one
of the delegation from West Vir-
ginia on at least one committee of
high rank. Some of the members
from the State got two or even
three good committees, and not n
Democrat fiom the state failed to
get some assignment of winch be
may feel proud and which will place
him in the front rank among nat
Ional legislators.
In the Senate the West Virginians
have take n an equally important
part. Senator Watson's commit :ees
are conservation of natural resour-
ces, one of the influential and i'm
portant committees; Cuban relations
and Indian affairs, both committees
of special Importance; Mississippi
River and its tributaries; Pacific Is.
lands and Porto Rico, railroads and
transportation of meat products. In
addition to these committees, an
effort is being made by Senators
VINO feel that Senator Watson is
peculiarly fitted for the place to
have him assigned to the committee
on Interstate Commerce. This is
the committee of which Senator Ell
klns was chairman for many years,
and it is the one which considers all
pertaining to railroads and
transportation.
S-nator Chilton's committee as
have not been made yet
but it is understood he will have
some unusually good ones. His
standing may be better understood
when it is stated that after being in
the Senate but three days he was
unanimously selected by the Demo
Gratis of the Senate az Secretary of
the Democratic caucus. The posi-
ton will last through this Congress
and indicates the esteem in which
the Junior Senator from West Vir-
mia is held by his fellow Senators.
AS he already has this testimonial,
and as he supported Senator Mar
tin for leader Of the minority the
are that he will be we'll
taken care Of III tic distribution of
committee assignments.
Both Senator Watson and Sonat-
or Chiffon supported and voted for
Senator Martin. Of Virginia, for
leader of the minority IN the Sen
ate Senator Martin was first pro-
posed for the place by Senator
Owen and others of the number
who afterwards deserted bim, and
it was only after their assurances
Of support that Senator Martin al
lowed his name t. be used. Then
VIM. j Bryan arrived in Washing
ten and let it be understood that he
was opposed to the selection Of Son
atOr Martin. Considerable oppo-
sition to Senator Martin was devel-
oped but the West Virginia Scuat.
ors having pledged themselves e
Senator Martin, at time when hC
was acceptable to all the element.
Of the party in tho Senate. stood by
thoir pledges aud supported him in
the end. Opposition TO Senator
Martin was manifested ON tho par
Of some because it was said nc wa