The daily banner. (Cambridge, Md.) 1897-2008, 1913-01-14
STRIFE IN SENATE
IS NOT IMPORTANT
Seniority and Committee Plans
Are Minor.
SENIORS STILL GET JOBS.
Older Ineumbents Fare Pretty Well
Despite Big Shakeup - New Men
Have Asserted Themselves and Have
Proved Power of Control K Curry
Would Abandon Philippines.
BY ARTHUR w. DUNN.


BY ARTHUR w. DUNN.
Washington. Jan. Ia. - Especial -
After ali. this fight over committee as
signments. the relegation of seniority
to the rear and the dividing up of the
important places so that all senators
can get good committee assignments
does not concern the policies Of the
Democratic party, which takes over the
legislative and executive control of the
government on the 4th of March. This
contest. which has been waged with
considerable warmth. is but of minor
consideration Little more than spoils
is involved.
The efforts of men to get a slice of
good things instead of having most of
them go to the seniors constituting one
third of the senators is about all there
is to it. Committee places mean a
certain amount of power. but the same
men who have brought about the first
reform could take any bill from COM
mittee and fashion it to suit them
selves.
More than that, the matter of dis
lodging the seniors has not been car
ried to q logical conclusion. Many of
the seniors have obtained just what
been deprived Of the right to choose
his place because he is a senior
Still it is a trend Of the times. There
has been something of shakeup. The
new men have asserted themselves
and proved they have the power Of
control.
Here's Treason"
Congressman George Curry of New
Mexico says that the United States
should get rid of the Philippines. The
treason in that statement Is because
Curry was rough rider. was governor
Of several different provinces in the
Philippines under Roosevelt, was
Roosevelt man in the last campaign
and has always been a firm admirer
of the colonel. And the colonel would
never give up the Philippines-never!
Nicaragua the Place.
II still think Nicaragua is the place
to have built the canal" remarked
Congressman Mann. WHO knows moss.
about the big ditch than any otFs4
civilian. He went on to explain 'e1y.
saying that it was nearer. that 1t could
have been constructed with as little
trouble and that it seemed to be the
natural route. Let it also be remem-
bered that when the canal was located
the house with but one dissenting vote
on a roll call when more than 300
members voted supported the Nicara-
qua route.
The senate, after very hot fight, by
a majority of three chose Panama. and
the house yielded without a struggle.
that the house was right at the time.
MondeIi Practieing.
We rather suspect that Frank Mon
dell Of Wyoming is pracucing for the
possible position of chairman of the
on appropriations in case
The Republicans should again control
the house. Mondell has been in every
fight on the different appropriation
bills. He has taken the place Of critic
and assisted those who were scrutiniz-
Ing the appropriations made by other
than the appropriations
committee last session, and he may be
at the top after few changes.
shaw's Missivinas.
Former Secretary Shaw comes to
Washington occasionally and nearly
always says something worth while.
Il sometimes think there are only two
left" he remarked the
last time he was here and added, "And
though I am sure Of myself l some
times doubt Uncle joe" The ex-speak-
er may have some doubt Of Shaw, but
both may be considered in the "reg-
ular" class for years to come.
Returns to the Fight.
Senator Swanson of Virginia is rot
because Of the practical
lefeat of the good roads proposition by
the senate last year. He has returned
70 the fight with a bill for $25,0OO,OOO
70 be expended upon roads. he VIII
sndeavor to have it made part of the
oostof1ice bill at the present session Of
congress.
Not In This Congress.
There is not much hope of the re-
public Of Colombia receiving compensa-
ion for the loss of Panama in this or
wen the next congress. Though it may |
rave been demonstrated that the Unit |
ID States government fomented and |
the revolution which made |
Panama an independent government. |
he feeling against that action has not |
cached the stage where we want to |
end the claim to The Hague tribunal
Ior adjustment. IF they get enough |
lain agents interested" remarked an
experienced member of the house. land
make the claim large enough and let 1t
lie around long enough perhaps it may
ome day be paid. We are purposing
o pay French spoliation claims more
han 100 years old, and we are paying
var claims that no one thought of pre-
enting forty years ago, when the facts
we're available.