The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1912-01-26
FROM WASHINGTON

Congressional legislative mill is
again at work. Most of the members
spent the holidays at home and have
r. turned refreshed from the vaca-
ton. Naturally they are reporting
to their friends something of the
pleasures they have had with tur-
key, cranberry sauce, constituents
and the joys of youngsters over
stockings filled by Santa Claus.
The days before the holidays were
spent almost entirely in preparation
for the real work which is likely to
last several months. This season is
all the more important because it is
on the v of a great presidential
campaign. A congressman will forget
politics about as often as he would
forget to cat a good Christmas din
ner.
With due regard for the interests
Of all the people of course, the lead
ers of both parties are sparring for
political advantage in the coming bat
tie. The Republican national COM
mittee in it's meeting here a few days
ago, set the Republican national con-
vention for Chicapo June IS. The
Jackson Day banquet meeting of the
Democratic national committee and
accompanying uncorking of oratory
by many great Democrats Jan. 5 will
be followed by important movements
in behalf of various candidates for
the nomination.
1t has been believed that President
Taft could have the Republican nom
ination for the asking. The failure
of Ohio Progressive Republicans" to
endorse Senator La Follette's presi-
dental candidacy has increased the
uncertainty. They were deferred by
Clifford Pinchot, who is a close friend
of ex-President Roosevelt. Every
body is inquiring "Does Roosevelt
want the nomination? If so, what
will result?"
The Democrats expected great ad-
vantage from President Taft's veto
of the bill they passed through the
House last session lowering the tariff
upon wooden goods al. succeeded in
putting through the Senate with the
aid of Insurgent Republicans. But
the president said in effect that a
commission was diligently at work
digging up facts regarding Schedule
X" and he wanted these facts before
either the sheep or the wooden man
ufacturers were sheared. That COM
mission was composed of Republicans
and Democrats. It's findings were
made unanimously. They have not
been c~ontroverted. It is doubtful
whether any senator or representa-
tive has facts which would d%isprove
them. The country at large has ap-
plauded the work of the commission.
1t got down to brass tacks" and has
given Congress and the country more
information about wooden manufac-
ture and everything pertaining there
to than was ever evolved through de-
cades of o%ratorical pyrotechnics and
efforts at party advantage.
The country has realized that the
tariff is a business question, one to
be handled in a business way. The
average citizen has ceased to be IN
changingly a Democrat or a Repub-
lican lust because" The Missouri
desire to be shown has become a
national epidemic. Many people
would like to see the government
conducting it's business with the
ability and unbiased judgment
shown in well-ordcred private enter
prises. They know that, when the
heads of a successful corporation de-
eide upon ar important policy, they
strive to get all the important facts.
When it comes to getting the real
facts upon a national business poll
cy, no matter how talented he may
be, the average congressman is hand
icapped. This is particularly true
upon a subject which is not a party
question. A multitude of subjects
question.
A multitude of subjects come before
Congress. The people at large 40
mot know how many things of ad-
ministrative character in the various
departments the average congress
man must do for constituents and
others. He must devote some atten-
tion to entertaining friends who Wis
it Washington. The average con-
gresham has not had the time, OPP
pertunity, and access TO information
afforded to the men who were put
upon this one job of delving into
wool and shoddy. Excellent ply
sicians Of general practice frequently
consult specialists.
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