The Washington herald., 1911-01-05

| Senators and Representatives are re
| turning to Washington from their holi
day vacation, and everything is in readi
ness for the session of Congress to-day
| when the lawmakers will resume bust
ness.
/ Owing to the death Of Senator Elkin
last night the upper House Of Congress
will adjourn Immediately after assem-
bling at noon.
All signs now point to one Of the liveli
est sessions seen in recent years. Th'
House and the Senate began business OF
| the double-quick in the three weeks ses
sion that preceded the Christmas recess
and the calendars are crowded with
measures that demand attention. Thes1
five propositions loom up big on ths
legislative horizon:
Five Big Propositions.
Lorimer case, which is bound to at
tract popular attention from n spec
tacular standpoint.
Proposition to fortify the Panama
Canal.
4NSSoioIiou ~ OpSSihS Oil oAiiSA0AAShs
to the Constitution providing for the
election of Senators by popular vote.
Recommendation Of the administra-
tion for the creation Of a permanent
tariff board, which will provoke much
discussion.
Apportionment, which will stir up
more or less excitement, owing to the
determination Of the New York Re-
publicans and others interested, who
insist that action on the measure
shall be deferred until next winter.
There are other questions Of subordi-
nate interest that will have consideration
by Congress. Among them may be men
toned the bill providing for the pay
ment Of subsidies for ocean carriage be-
tween the United States and ports of
South America. It is probable also that
an effort will be made to bring up the
Ballinger-Pinchot case. The Republican
insurgents are getting restive, and there
have been conferences among them that
augur i'll for the peace Of mind Of the
regular leadership.
Attacks Lorimer Tomorrow.
The Lorimer case probably will en-
gage the attention Of the Senate at in
tervals for many days. Senator Owen,
Of Oklahoma, will start the ball rolling
tomorrow. He announced yesterday that
he would address the Senate in OPP
position to Mr.. Lorimer. and present
a resolution declaring the election OF Mr..
Lorimer to be null and void. 1t is now
generally known that the administration
views with alarm the probability Of Mr..
Lorimer remaining in the Senate with the
credentials that he presented year ago.
Mr.. Lorimer had planned to leave
Washington for the South. in connection
with some work on the Rivers and Har-
bors Committee, Of which he is men,
ber, but when he learned last night that
the fight to declare his title to his seat
invalid was likely to be precipitated in
the Senate by a resolution to be intro
duced by Senator Owen, of Oklahoma.
Mr.. Lorfmer nastily changed his plans
and decided to remain over.
President Taft is punctilious in his OBJ
servance of the proprieties, and will not
openly interfere. However, 1t is an open
secret that administration leaders be-
lieve that Mr.. Lorimer is not entitled to
his seat. and that the Senate by formal
vote should so declare. An ugly situa-
ton is developing in this connection, and
the Senate debate is expected to be sur
charged with charges Of corruption and
sharp practice in politics.
The "watchdogs of the Treasury" show
their teeth every time the suggestion Is
made in their presence that the govern
ment should fortify the canal. The
watchdogs believe that the property
should be neutralized, thus saving mil
lions for the Treasury. President Taft Is
not opposed to naturalization, If 1t is ac-
companied by fertilization. He will ad-
dress a special message to Congress on
the subject.
Formal Vote Expected.
Republican insurgents, who are back Of
the present resolution, are not hopeful
II inducing the Senate to pass favorably
IN the proposed constitutional amend
nent providing for the election Of Sen
ators by popular vote. However, they
nave been given assurances that the
resolution will be reported, and that
means that there will be a formal vote
IN it before adjournment. The insur-
cents have already announced that II
hey are defeated this time. as now
seems apparent, the resolution will be
lgeip presented next winter.
To-day Representative Longworth, Of
)hio., who will appear as the champion
II the administration in this particular
,sse, will present bill providing for
he creation Of a permanent tariff COM
The details Of the measure
we're discussed at q White House con-
erence yesterday. in which President
Taft. Senator Aldr;ch, and Mr.. Long
worth participated.
The only point at present In contro-
'ersy between the House and the ad-
seems to be as to the
Of money that shall be made
.vailable for the purposes Of the tariff
,oard. The President wants an appro-
riation of 100000. He plans to make
n extensive inquiry before Congress
meets again. with the idea Of present.
lg reports to Congress that may facili-
ate the revision Of certain schedules Of
he tariff law.
House leaders. inspired by desire to
conomise. think that $4,000 would be
II that the board coul6 probably ex-
end In the coming year. The chances
re that the President viii have his way
bout the matter. The Indications are |
nat the Republicans win be united In !
appcrt Of the Longworth bill II WIN
robably be opposed By the Democrats.
Present stren.th Assured.
Chairman Crumpackir. o& the commit-t
~ CnNl1Hn haA