New-York tribune., 1912-01-04
THE vTNWASH'NGTON

Mr. Underwood has been billed as speak
er al the Jackson Day dinner So has Mr.
BRYAN. and II is admitted that there Is
no knowing Just where the Peerless one
will break out. He has not hestated to
nav his respects to the chairman OF the
WAYS and Means Committee in the past
and II is felt quite probable that he would
do so again, especially if Mr. Underwood
were present. Mr.. Bryan is to be the last
speaker OF the evening. and Mr.. Under
wood would have no opportunity to defend
himself, SO his friends generally approve
his decision to remain away II is as
serted by the friends of the Alabama Con-
gressman that ii is only the fear of APP
pendicitis which keeps him away from
the dinner, but appendicitis is largely SUI
perinduced by nervousness, and there Is
no doubt that should he attend the dinner
Mr.. Underwood would be the victim OF
most painful nervousness until Mr.. Bryan
had finished hiY remarks.
BRYAN AND PRIMARIES.-That Mr..
Bryan will take advantage of his presence
in this city when the Democratic National
Committee meets to promote the cause OF
the selection of delegates to the national
convention by direct primaries Is now real
lied, and not without apprehension. 1t is
asserted that Mr.. Bryan could control his
own state in a primary election and would
thus be assured OF one delegation with
which to start that stampede which many
Democrats believe he is counting on to gain
the nomination. Mr.. Bryan will receive
much help in his fight for the primary cleo
al those
vote for them being Senator Chamberlain.
of Oregon. who holds the proxy of the
member Of the committee from his state.
There may or there may not be anything
serious in this talk of Mr.. Bryan as the
Presidential nominee of the Democratic
marty. but Il Is certain tat he takes II
seriously himself and that there are many
Democrats In Congress who gravely rear
that their party will once more find itseii
saddled with its "old man of the sea.
OPPOSE SHERWOOD BILL.-Senator
Lodge to-day received petition signed
by many well known citizens or Massa-
cbusetts. including a number of veterans
of the Civil War, among them beins~such
men as Major Henry l.. Higginson, Colonel
n. p. Hallowell and General Hazard Ste
the sherwood pension bill The petition
saws in part: I'VE think no addiuonai
pensions should be established except for
honorably discharged soldiers who are
disabled and in absolute need. NO
soldier enlisted under any promise by the
government, express or implied. that the
pension. such as is now proposed, should
be granted at any time. AS gratuity
| or burden II should not be imposed on the
country" 1t is generally hoped that
more old soldiers who have the honor OF
| their calling at heart will send similar Pc
titions to Congress.
IAFFERTY STILL INTERESTED.-As
an indication Of his continued interest IN
the opposite sex, and. perhaps, seeking 10
restore himself 10 favor. Representative
I.afferty. an Oregon insurgent who achieved
! notoriety and trouble last session by writ
, ing an II would like 10 meet you note 10
a Young woman in the House gallery. in
troduced q resolution to-day providing Tor
nation wide woman suffrage. Mr.. Lanerty
asks that the Constitution shall be so
amended that sex shall not debar women
from voting throughout the United States.
The resolution was referred to the judi
ciary Committee which digni1ed aggrega-
| cation of statesmen will probably pigeon
hole II. Nevertheless. the Oregon legisla-
tor, who admits he is a bachelor seeking
.ongenial companionship, may have par
TALLY squared himself with the fair sex,
despite the embarrassing blunder he made
last session. This blunder, IT will be re-
called, brought angry visit from the
father Of the young woman to whom Mr..
Lafferty had taken a fancy as he sat on
the floor and permitted his eyes TO roam
over the galleries above. G.. q. H.