Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1911-04-20

u loC SNCd liz \oA XII L y oh.
From the elaborate program
outlined it is liable to sit until Septem-
Der. There are so many sessions now
and they come so close together that
we must change the popular refrain of
congress is at it again" to congress
is at it still"
When Champ Clark was inaugurated
speaker Democrats came from all the
land to witness the unusual event.
Bryan was there and Harmon, and
both got OvationS. There were Demo-
Gratis from Maine, Democrats from
Texas and Democrats even from Penn
sylvania. 1t vas the first time they
had beheld Il like joyful ceremony in
eighteen years. AS the governor of
North Carolina might have remarked
to the governor of South Carolina, 1T
is a long time between Democratic
speakers
President Taft confined his recon-
mendations to congress to the single
subject of Canadian reciprocity, but
Speaker Champ went him two or three
better by insisting on reduction of the
tariff. direct election Of United States
senators and economy in government
expenditures. Then there will be the
matter of statehood. congressional re-
apportionment and publicity Of cam
paign finances before election, to say
nothing of inquiring into that little
jaunt of the United States army into
Texas.
One thing that sticks out all yer the
Washington situation is that both sides
are playing presidential politics. Ev-
cry move made in the game now will
have a 1912 objective. Lurking in the
Republican background is the ques-
ton, will it be Taft or La Follette?'
On the Democratic side the inquiry en-
braces three. "Will it be Harmon OF
Wilson or Champ Clark?" Bryan sup.
ports Clark, it is said, has a most fav-
Orable opinion of Wilson, but is unal-
terably opposed to Harmon. A Re
publican wag in Washington at the
opening of congress put this n across,
NO one can be nominated that Bryan
does not indorse, and no Il can be
elected that Bryan does indorSe.
There are some prominent personages
who would be happier if they really
believed that.
How Bryan Blanketed Harmon.
One of the humors Of the beginning
of the session was the manner in which
Governor Harmon blew into Washing
ton at the psychological moment to
look after Il case in the supreme court,
he explained. and at the same time
Bryan happened along for no apparent
reason at all. The coming of Harmon
had a natural tendency to promote his
boom. and hat of Bryan had the OPP
posite effect Of blanketing it. The &C
cidents of politics make an interesting
study.
Senator James A. O'Gorman of New
York caught the eye Of the crowd on
his first appearance in Washington,
Americans are always keen for tho
newest thing, and O'Gorman was just
then the newest senator. Another fac,
which added to the Zest of the progress
sives was the discovery that O'Gormar
had been originally a labor lawyer
was q candidate Of the old United La
Dor party for a New York judgeshiI
and was connected at one time will
the Antitrust league. Indications are
that he has not entirely recovered from
his early leanings. as he has declared
himself for practically every progress
sive policy likely to come before con
gress.
Senator james e. MARITIME of New
Jersey does not wholly escape the spo'
light. one reason being that be OWED
his election to the backing of Woodrow
Wilson. MARITIME is a Bryan Demo
crat, who has been defeated for neal
ly every Office in New Jersey only tt
land the biggest job of all. AS an oh
ject lesson in perseverance he has al
the other 'try, try again. boys looking
like rank cutters.
Another Of the Bryan Family.
Nathan P. Bryan, the new senator
from Florida. is a progressive Demo
craft He is an older brother of the Will
liam j.. Bryan who vas elected sena
tor from Florida several years ago anG
died a few months, after taking his
seat. In last falls primaries former
Governor Broward defeated Senator
Taliaferro, but Broward died shortl!
afterward, and a new primary was or
dered. In this Taliaferro refused tt
be a candidate, and w. A. Blount wa.
regarded as the probable winner unit
Bryan entered the race and easily bea'
I him. The name of Bryan gets thu
votes in Florida.
One of the most recently elected sen
ators is Henry L. Myers Of Montana
Myers is the man who once walked t.
the speakers desk in the Montana leg
islature and laid down a wad Of mon
ey that he said had been paid him t.
vote for w. A. Clark for senator. HI
then kept after Clark. although tn
machine fought back. and made lifi
uncomfortable for Myers. Notwith
standing this he became a distric
~ II 50 49,