River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1913-08-21
WASHINGTON LETTER
FROM JAMES A. FREAn, MEMBER OF
CONGRESS-, 10Th DISTRICT

WASHINIIONJ y. ~ aug. 10 I'll
Calls for the presence of Mem
bers have been issued by all parties
and full attendance Of Congress
is probable during the conSidera'
ton of the currency bill, which has
passed through the gauntlet of the
Democratic members of the Bank
ing Committee 1t is now under
fire in the Democratic caucus, but
will probably be agreed to next
week after which the Banking Conn
mittee will invite in the Republican
members, advise them what is to
20 through the House and then
with a brief perfunctory discussion
on the floor, the bill will be passed
on to the Senate. This is legisla-
ton by party caucus. Like the tar
if bill the currency bill has been
agreed upon by the Democratic
majority behind closed doors, and
will pass the House without amend
ment.
In these letters have always
avoided airy attempt to send news
items which necessarily are COW
cred promptly and effectively by
regular press dispatches and moth
ing has been said relative to the
Mexican situation for that reason.
That it is a matter of deep concern
to the Administrator and to Con-
gress may be gathered from state
ments made in Congress which ap-
pear in the Record.
1t was about a hundred years ago
that Stephen Decatur in a speech
referred to the Mexican situation at
that time with the patriotic utter
ance, Our country, may she ever
be right, but our country right or
wrong" This expresses a senti-
ment prevalent in Congress today
and overshadows all minor differ
ences of opinion or fractional poll
tics.
When diplomatic relations are
strained, as at the present time, any
overt act on the part of irresponsi-
bic individuals may start confa-
grafton, the final result of which
no one can predict. 1t was the
blowing up Of the Maine and not
the mistreatment of Ci,bans or In.
juries to the property of Americans,
that precipitated the Spanish-Amer-
lean war. While Jlngoism is at a
discount here, excepting where fos-
tered by the Mexican insurgents
lobby or other parties in interest,
the situation is critical because of
possible contingencies, and Presi-
dent Wilson'S efforts to secure a
peaceful adjustment of Mexico's
difficulties are supported upon the
floors of Congress.
1t is fully understood that inter-
ventior may be more serious and
expensive to us than was the Span
ish-American War, and be more un-
certain in duration than is the
Americanization of the Philippines.
This much however is true, what
ever may be the result of present
negotiations, should armed inter
vention become necessary, no po-
litical differences will be found in
Congress should the President ask
for support in carrying out the pol
icy now pursued. Although criti-
ciSm may eventually result because
of mistaken judgment, in the cause
of a common danger, support will
be given him irrespective of party.
1t is claimed by men who were
actively connected with public af'
fairs during the SpaniSh-American
War that the present situation,
which deals with people of SINH.
lar temperament, is not materially
different from existing conditions
Immediately prior to that war. Not.
withstanding cherished belief in
the efficacy of prayer and that wise
counsels will prevail. a general dis.
position exists TO keep the powder
dry.
The Pension Office informs me
that owing to the constantly chang.
ing roll, pensions under the age and
service clause of the act of May IL
1912, will be automatically increased
only upon direct notice from the
pensioner that age for the new al
lowance has been reached. In or
der to avoid unnecessary delay
every old soldier pensioned unde
this act should promptly advise the
Department when he attains the
new age limit in his individual case
One of the most interesting o
plays is Monte Cristo" which viii
be seen at the Opera House for on,
performance Wednesday, Angus
q. Wallace and Collins hav,
-.