Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-01-27
HIS INDEPENDENT COURSE
Democratic Leaders Resentful of
Gov. Wilson's Aloofness.
FLIRTING WITH THIRD PARTY
Veterans in Congress Anticipate
Executives Demand for Execution
of His Own Program.

That Congress may have Wilson on its
hands asing the utterance of
the late Grover Cleveland-is the disquiet-
ing thought which is finding lodgment in
the mind of many a democratic states
man just now. They are moved to this
apprehension. it is explained. by the at
titude of the soon-t o-be President, which
they diagnose one of aloofness from
the rank and file and of determination to
insist upon the execution of pre-conceived
ideas of legislation formulated in the
pedagogical study.
Waited on Jersey-borne winds of rumor
democratic leaders get whispers of their
incoming executive having strong views
many subjects and of his assuming
that as matter of course they will be
accepted by the Congress without cavil.
They know that they have not been con-
suited about these things.
They hear that Mr.. Wilson is man of
strong convictions and inflexible determina-
ton. loath to brook dispute or resistance.
They say his training and mental process
dent his word has been the last word and
the law. There is no appeal from his ar
ransement of molecular atoms or concep-
ton of the nebular hypothesis.
Rights of Veterans.
horses in Congress are veterans in legis-
iation and craftsmanship. They have
years of service back of them, of actual
practice in law making, of intimate ia
miliarity with the needs Of their con-
stituents and of the country at large.
Moreover, they are directly responsible
10 the people for the legislation of Con-
Gress. by whOmsoever recommended, and
while subject to be relieved by a presi-
Dental veto, they cannot hide under a
cloak OF executive recommendation. They
would like to be consulted.
No. 1t Is fact that, barring Speaker
Champ Clark and Chairman Underwood.
the incoming President has not consulted
with much freedom the leading men in
The House and Senate. And yet they
upon subjects in their legislative baili-
wicks. They hear that he is coming to
Washington with number of legislative
plans already mapped out.
They admit that perhaps they may be
undu1y stirred, due to the-well. say un-
communicative disposition of their titu-
lar leader Maybe. they say. when he
gets here he will call them in and ask
their views before pumping in recon-
mendationS.
There is great curiosity over his plan
for currency reform. as it is persistently
reported with some show of apparent au-
thority that he has already formulated
"A scheme of currency legislation which is
of radical character. There are men In
Congress who have been studying that
question at close range for several years
and hearing it discussed frequently at
great length. They say they have great
respect for the mind which can evolve a
solution of the currency problem of
hand.
Uneasiness Among the Solons.
To stop beating around the bush it
might as well be told right out in meet
ing that uneasiness is felt on Capitol Hill
over the prospect Of effecting complete
harmony between the White House and
Congress over legislation for the extra
session. The statesmen disclaim that
they are borrowing trouble, but admit
they apprehend it,
only last week the partisan democrats
took alarm over the patronage question,
scenting danger from afar as the war
horse shifts powder. Gov. Wilson's in
timation of rigid application of civil serv-
ice principles rang harshly upon ears
that are alwOst deafened even at this
stage of the proceedings with applica-
tions for Office. Another thing: They do
not like his trafficking with the progress
sive republicans, for they know that
those gentlemen will not be content with
honeyed words, but will want some mo-
lasses spread on their bread-and offices
threaten to be scarce with not enough
10 go around among the family and the
step-children.
Problem for Solution.
The first question 10 he settled at the
very outset of the new Congress will be
the scope of the legislation to be attempt
cd at the extra session. 1t is not known
in Washington how far Mr. Wilson de-
sres to go with general legislation. 1t
is known that some OF the most potential
democratic leaders in Congress, especial
ly in the House. favor confining the work
of the extra session to tariff revision and
adjourning as soon as possible.
The tariff hearings close next Friday
and early the following week the demo-
Gratis of the House will hold a caucus to
determine whether the legislation shall
he comprised in one bill or in separate
measures for each schedule. Chairman
Underwood favOrs the latter plan.
LOST HIS WAY IN CAPITOL.