New-York tribune., 1911-12-05
THE DA yINWASHINGTON

his recent tour He converted the people
from an attitude Of hostility and distrust
to one where they do not doubt his sin
cerity. but where they still ask 10 he con
vinced Of the wisdom Of his policies.
DEMOCRATIC "HARMONY."-The eX
hibition of Democratic harmony In the
House when Representative Littleton ex-
posed 10 a ptiless public gaze the inner
workings Of the committee which has been
investigating the Steel Trust and the In
spiration which has actuated that erudte
statesman. Representative Stanley, proved
an occasion Of the keenest grief to the
Democratic leaders. Champ Clark spent
the day shaking his head sorrowfully and
asking himself why he should have offered
up public thanks that once more the men,
bers Of his party were united. and should
have prayed so fervently that the harmony
should last. Nor is II believed that the
Littleton-Stanley row will be the only one
TO come 10 the surface. The Democratic
leaders are living I'm dread Of an exposure
Of Representative Graham and his efforts
TO make political capital out OF the infa-
nous "Dick-to-Dck" forgery. followed by
his inexcusable effort TO protect the perpe-
tratcrs Of that piece Of political hackbitng.
Alurng arguments based on the prospect
of many lean Democratic years being fol-
lowed by a turn at the political pie coun-
ter have served thus far to allay the ex-
treme bitterness which actuates various
Democrats. But now that Mr. Littleton has
had recourse 10 public ventilation Of his
grievances. Speaker Clark realizes that it
will tax his diplomacy to the utmost to pre-
vent the airing of further scandals.
RESPITE FOR JAPAN.-Japan is 10 re-
Ceive a brief respite Representative
Richmond Pearson Hobson essayed new
role to-day. lie sprang into the arena as
the implacable foe Of the demon rum. lie
introduced bill designed TO bring about
nationwide prohibition and which will, If
passed, according 10 the ex-naval officer.
prevent liquor from being manufactured.
sold, imported or consumed in any state OF
territory in the Union. Explaining the pur-
pose of this all-important campaign which,
for the nonce, has beguiled him into leav-
ing Japan unguarded and unassailed, Mr..
Hobson says: Exact scientific research
has demonstrated that alcohol is a mar
cotc poison, destructive and degenerativc
to the hUglan organism, and that its dis
trbution as - beverage lays staggering
economic burden upon the shoulders OF the
people, lowers to an appalling degree their
average standard of character, thereby un-
derminng the public morals and the foun-
dation Of free institutions, innicts disease
and untimely death upon hundreds Of thou
sands of citizens, and blights with degen-
eraCy their children unborn, threatening
the future integrity and the very life OF
the nation"
FISHER EXACTING. Speaking Of the
prohibition Of liquor and its evil effects on
the human system recalls a story about
Secretary Fisher which was going tho
rounds at the Capitol to-day. S6><e years
ago MIR. Fisher appeared as counsel for
the good people who desired TO close the
saloons in Chicago on Sunday He was
making his argument I'm court when Levy
Mayer, counsel for the liquor interests,
asked permission to ask a question and
that being granted. he said: II would like
10 ask if the counsel for the opposition
ever took a drink" Mr.. Fisher professed
not. to understand the question. II was
repeated and again Mr. Fisher. confessinS
his obtuseness and regret, protested that
he could not understand. After its third
repetition, which was attended by some
embarrassment on the part Of Mr.. Mayer
Mr., Fisher replied: II II pleases your
honor, II counsel for the opposition will
put that question I'm the proper form. ami
tense ard ask II at the proper time, say
after court shall have adjourned I will be
pleased to give. him a demOystrative an
sWer." Even the court shared I'm the laugh
at Mr. Mayors expense. and al the proper
time Mr.. Mayer bought. g. q. ".