New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-01-24
Iron The Tribune Burcau.J

W QSnlnEtol Jan ~
HARNESS ELECTIoN.--The election OF
William Barnes, ir. as chairman of the Re-
publican state Committee Of New YORK
IS the occasion of genuine regret 10 pro-
eressive Republicans in Washington al
though now that It is accomplished they
are trying 10 pick out the bright features
of the situation. They comment on inc
fact that Barnes's speech on Saturday
night. was not as reactionary as they
would have feared. and they believe that
he win be able 10 inspire tho party workers
with an enthusiasm which will DO greatly
needed IN the next campaign. Some OF
them think Mr.. Barnes will prove 10 have
been chastencd by his experience at
Saratoga. and that as a result he will he
more progressive than any one could have
foreseen. it is held that he gained tho
Craftsmanship by default That IS. that he
had no effective opponent. and this leads
10 comment on tho difficulty Of securing a
competent man To- take 80 onerous and
thankless d position. II IS pointed out that
New York state Is so large that II re-
quiTes a man OF moro than ordinary poliu-
cal ability to head the organization. that IT
requires the entire time of such man. and
that there is. OF course. no remuneration
connected with the position. 50 that most
men cannot afford TO take the place. The
discussion has recalled the view expressed
by President Roosevelt. that tho expenses
Of all campaigns should he paid ont Of the
public funds federal. state or municipal, q
the case may be. Thu suggestion is made
that tho time may como when II will IN
neces.arv 20 provide fund With which N
pay the state chairnen Of New York. II
the best men are to be obtained and the
place Is not made merely 2 stepping stone
for tho personal ambitions Of the occu-
pant. While a situation which seemed 20
make u necessary 70 accept Mr.. Barnes
services Is regretted. II is believed that he
is too good politician 20 take advantage
Of his position 10 attempt 10 undo tho
progress which the party has already made,
and the hope IS expressed that he will be
successful I'm uniting both wings Of the
party before the important campaign Of
1917
| HONEST ECONOMY.--Economy appears
10 be running riot at the Capitol. not IN
the matter of pensions. but in the refusal
10 pay the Just debts of The government
under consideration the omnibus claims
bill. which has been passed by the Senate
and the passage Of which was strongly
urged by the President. voted to-day 20
abandon the measure, apparently for the
sole purpose OF saving the $4,000 which
IL carries. These claims have been award
/ ed by the Court OF Claims and the Presi-
dent, in his annual message. urged Con-
gress not longer to overlook these obliGa-
lions. declaring that such A course in
! jures the reputation of the government as
an honest debtor Congress maintains
the Court OF Claims and refers numerous
matters 10 Il, but not since 1905 has II paid
I any Of the claims awarded by II. 1t is the
view Of the adminstra ton that after all
| II has done 10 promote economy II cannot
| be accused OF advocating extravaganza,
and that # IS not square or honest for
| Congress continually 10 defer paying Just
! claims which have been duly adjudicated
and approved by the court. But apparent
| " the House prefers TO add N5, 0ooCD0 to
the pension budget 10 paying the Just debts
OF the government However. an earnest
effort will he made to induce the committee
and the House leaders 20 reconsider to-
days action, and it IS possible that the
influence of the President may prove SUI
nciently strong 10 secure the passage Of
this measure after all.
THE SECRETARY TO THE PRES
I DENT.-The curious attitude OF many
members OF Congress toward the salary
Of the secretary TO the President hes been
already commented on in this column.
Actuated by motives which can hardly be
termed brosd minded, some members of
both houses Of Congress vehemently in
sist that nothing will induce them to au-
thorize for the secretary 10 the President
a salary larger than their own, and II is
felt at the White House that this attitude
js wholly unreasonable and works an in