The daily sentinel., 1913-02-12
Intimate Chat About Doings at
Washington; wilson Will
Guido I. Jefferson.
Special to The Sentinel

termination of the democratic sena-
tors to confirm no nominations, save
those in the army, navy or diplomatic
service. the president continues to
send in many nominaii1ns to the SEN
ate. Little consolation can be gained
from this by the persons nominated.
and yet they are as GER to be nam
ed as though that meant sure ae-
cepsance by the senate Fortunately.
the senate, having made sure that
compromise or agreement was out of
the question. has abandoned its in
cipient filibuster aud has buckled
down to the TRANSACTION of the vast
amount of business that remains for
it to clear away before the Fourth
of March brings the session arbitrar-
lily and abruptly to close.
Preparing for Inauguration.
The Inauguration of Governor
Woodrow Wilson as President of the
United States will he different from
any other presidential inauguration
that ever was held Certain forms
and customs grow up around such
functions, and in course of time they
come to be looked on almost as il
they were written into the constitu-
tion instead of having no color of
law at all. 1t is truth that many
times our unwritten laws are more
vigorously enforced than those which
have the authority, power and pres
tige of courts and the entire govern
ment behind them.
The inaugural ceremonies, or at
least that portion Of them which
appeals 10 the public love of pomp
and display, have no greater au-
thority than custom To support them.
The procession, the inaugural ball,
the reception-all OF these are the
creation of the citizens committee,
and the chief executive with all the
resi- of the government, has been in
the habit of gracefully acquiescing in
them so that the public might have a
holiday and enjoy spectacle. But
while 1t has been a profitabel thing
for the commercial interests in
Washington and for the Transports
tion interests to have great assem-
blage of people, congress has been
in the habit of complacently footing
large part of the cost This year
there will be less to pay from the
public purse, for the Incoming Presi-
dent has refused to sanction the in
augural ball or an elaborate reception
the Inauguration will be the military
parade; and this will satisfy the larg-
est number of people and please their
love for pomp and display.
For the first time the workers for
woman suffrage wi, OCCUPY big
place in the proceedings. They are
making very extensive preparations,
and promise to do something spec
tacular, albeit it will undoubtedly be
in perfectly good taste, So fast has
the cause of equal rights" pro-
gressed in the last few years that it
seems hardly necessary any more to
argue further for universal suffrage.
Democratic Simplicity.
1t may be a shock TO some, and to
more it may be a disappointment, but
there seems to be every reason to
believe that President Wilson will
usher in an Administration marked
by Jeffersonian simplicity. Without
in the least refleCting on the admin
istrations that have preceded it, some
persons are frank enough to say that
with high thinking and simple living
in the white house, with fewer fun
kies and less gold lace in evidence,
there will be a closer adherence to
the spirit of the constitution and a
more wholesome example to nation
which seems to have become literally
drunken ON prosperity. The spirit of
republican institutions should not
suffer under this new regime. The
prosperity of the country should not
even halt. but possibly the expecta
tions of the democratic leaders that
that prosperity shall be more evenly
and equitably distributed, will be re-
allied. The great commercial in
terests of the land do not seem to be
greatly worried over what congress
will do. The leaders in the house
and senate have shown ability and
self restraint II is undoubtedly best
for the county to give its hearty
support to the new administration
end so enable il to begin its work
under favorable auspices.
Hosts Gathering.
II is long since Washington was so
fill of people as it has been this win |
ter. The sessions of the various in
vestigating committees and of the
ways and means committee with its
tariff hearings. brought many per-
sols here, not to mention the advance
guard of job hunters. A good many
new members of congress have come
on to get acquainted with the situa-
tion-to learn the ropes-and to get
settled in family quarters. Some OF
them thought the cost of living was
high at home, but usually they are
surprised to find out how much
things cost here; and with a city
having one-third of its population
wearing some shade of black or tan,
they hold il strange that domestic
servants are hard to get and harder
to keep, while good servants are not
to be had al any price lower than
bank clerk would receive in the
provinces" Still, once in office, few
congressman retire voluntarily, al
though some do so,
About Patronage.
Talking about office seekers, the
descent upon Washington has be-
gun. The money they will pay oui
here for board Will equal the s9iar:;'
roll of all who get appointments for
years TO come. And the demOcrati"
members of congress are tasting fui-
ly the joys. such as they are. of the
victors with good Jobs to give away.
1t has its funny side. but the pathetic
side will also be in evidence And
1nt. 1,ff fl..Nt