Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1911-06-08
Washington Letter.
Gzrom Geo. w. sunmers.J

Washington, June 9,
Once more the Republicans are dis
appointed by the conduct of the Demo
Gratis in the House Of Representatives.
For weeks the Republicans have been
awaiting disagreement ON the part of
the Democrats over ithe duty on wool
and Republican papers have gone SO
far as to predict bolt from the eau
Gus and general splitting up of the
Democracy over this troublesome sche-
dule in the tariff law.
TWAS great surprise and disappoint-
sment as well for the Republicans when
the Democratic caucus of the House
took unanimous action on the wooden
bill and reported it to the House with
our dissenting vote. The duty on
wool is cut to about one half the pres
ent duty in the pending bill, but at the
same time the Democratic caucus adopt
ed resolution to the effect that the
retention of reduced duty on wool is
not intended to repudiate the Demo-
cratic doctrine that there should be no
duty on raw wool, but is necessitated
by the extravaganza of successive Re
publican Congresses for the purpose Of.
producing a revenue. And on this res
olution, as well as on the wool bill the
caucus was unanimous.
Democrats Of every section, repre-
senting all kinds of constituents wool
growers, wool manufacturers and wool
agreed to man on the
bill which was introduced by the Ways
and Means Committee, and it is grati-
flying to know that the four Democrats
of the West Virginia delegation were
among the original congressman who
took the stand which was finally APP
proved by the Democratic caucus as to
wool, cutting off partAcf the duty on
wool but keeping revenue duty on it.
Senator Watson has given out astate-
ment of his views as to the delay in the
Senate in acting on measures which
have been sent to it by the Democratic
House. He holds that the Republican
Senator's, with majority in the Sem
ate, responsible for the period Of mac
tivity which has marked the extra ses-
sion of Congress so far as the Senate
is concerned, and that they are pre-
venting great business revival which
should be felt all over the country.
With the country in excellent condition
financially and the outlook good for
large crops, there is nothing to prevent
commercial prosperity, in the opinion of.
Senator Watson, except the uncertainty
as ID what tariff legislation will be en-
acted. There is nothing in the legisla-
ton proposed by the House to alarm
business men or to retard trade, said
Mr.. Watson, but business will not know
on just what basis it stands till the laws.
are enacted or defeated, and the Re
publicans Of the Senate are responsible
for the delay in giving that assurance
to business that it win not be hurt
which is needed for commercial activity.
The Senate could consider all the
measures before it in a few weeks, pass
such legislation as it sees fit, defeat the
rest and Adjourn, if it would only get
busy, and to one accustomed to the ac-
tive, pushing business life which Sena-
tor Watson has led the delay is irri-
tating and he does not hesitate to lay
the blame for the delay and the conse
quent injury to business at the doors of
the Republican Senators, who could
prevent it but will not.
Senator's Watson and Chiffon both
showed their sincerity in urging action
upon the part af the Senate, for last
Monday both of them voted against adj.
journing tin Thursday and again on
Thursday they. both voted against adj
journing tin Monday. But the Repuh-
licans outvoted them and week was
lost
It was Stated here that former Sena-
for Scott had his railroad ticket and 4
berth reserved in sleeping car, ex-
peeting 70 80 70 Charlestnn on tie naxtI