Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1912-05-08
MARKING TIME.
CONTINUED from Page one)

The overshadowing theme of interest
in proceedings ut the Capitol nowadays
has been that investigation on the top
floor of the Senate office building. The
multitudes turn thither and seek adj
mission 20 the little hall. where the
Titanic witnesses are testifyinga Sem
ator William Alden Smith, the chair
man Of the special committee, is bat
Ting fer information. He is persistent
about it in the face of considerable
criticism. Perhaps there has been con-
siderable lost motion in getting the
facts and vet there is no diseounting
tiIat Chairman smiths special commit
tee has brought out much startling
evidence about the why's and where
fores of that Iamentable disaster.
IT is certain that no one can be
reached by the law-eertainly not in
this country-for any deliauencies or
offenses which may have led to the
sinking of the Titanic. But it is very
certain that as result of the inquiries
that Senator Smiths committee is con-
Quoting, there will be legislation by
Congress and international regulations
to make travel by sea safer. Wireless
telegraphy at sea will be under some
reasonable restrictions; going
craft must be provided with ample life
boats to take care of the passengers
and crew in case of disaster: lookouts
will have to be furnished binoculars;
there Will be a curb upon ocean racing.
Furthermore. the appalling loss of
human life, following the charges that
ships which caught the cry for help
We're listless about Fastening to rescue,
Will assure more maritime courtesy and
consideration in mid-ocean.
1t is also a little disconcerting when
Senators arise in their places, While a
tarin debate is on. and insist on talking
about the Taft Roosevelt imbrogolio
and the aspects of the Titanic disaster
oh, it's hard shedding in every legisla
tive and political direction just now.
The going is not at all settled There
are deep ruts in the roads and one gets
jolted in whatever kind OF vehicle he
attempts To travel
A seething revolution to the south
waru that ordinarily would engross the
attention of Washington and OF the
United States gets only passing
thought. How relative all things are?
Suppose 1t was dull times in Washing
ton. Every line and sentence about the
great Mexican revolution flor it is
very serious revolution) would be Gag
erly devoured by American newspaper
readers. There would be stories on the
front page every morning and every
afternoon and mighty tall headlines
over those stories
But the first thought with everybody
now is the battle between President
| Taft a M
must be something on the first page
about that every morning and every
afternoon. And the second thought is
about that terrible Titanic disaster and
what appalling feature the Senate in
vestisating committee will bring out
next. OF course that must get upon the
first page every morning and every
evening.
SO the Mexican revolution is a sort
of third rater and the American people
have not much interest in third rate
sensations. Certainly there is mighty
little rcom just at the moment for any
sensations about the revolution for the
overthrow of President Madero. in spite
of the fact that the revolution appears
to be making much Roadway and that
the administration of Madero may be
doomed.
Probably il is fortunate, In one as
poet that this great continental episode
of arms is thus obscured. The status
enables President Taft's administration
to handle the situation without undue
agitation of public sentiment. The de-
mand fer Intervention, which the level
heads regard as the very last step that
should be taken after patience and for
hearance have been exhausted, has lit
tie or no opportunity for emphasis
The serious condition in Mexico is
demonstrated by the fact that the Gov
ernrnent is sending the army Trans
port Buford down to the west coast of
California to bring to the United States
such of our citizens as may be strand
ed there. The reports from every
quarter indicates that ii is getting ha-
zardous for citizens of the United
States to remain in Mexico The Ma
dero government is unable to protect
them in their rights. President Taft is
determined not to intervene. Agents of
the revolution have penetrated to
Washington and a junta here has been
spreading information. Apparently
there is something to be said in favor
Of the revolutionists. but the admins
tration is insisting that the Mexican
factions shall fight out their own SAL
walton