New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-02-28
COLD WELCOME AWAITS
WILSON At CAPITOL
His Reported Plan to Use the
Presidents Room Not Popular
Among the Senators.
NOLATCHSTRlMG HANGS OUT
Neither Democrats Nor Repub.
licans Care to Have the Ex-
ecutive Keeping Too
Close Tabs on Them.
lFrom The Tribune Bureau /

From The Tribune Bureau.l
Washington. Feb. 27-The report that
Woodrow Wilson intends to upset old
traditions by making frequent use Of the
Presidents room in the Capitol, keeping
a close personal watch on the progress Of
legislation. was received with f"igidy po-
lite comment by the Democrats Of the
Senate to-day. Some Of the Republican
Senators were not so polite, but they APP
parently were much more interested in
the report than their colleagues, and
smiled broadly. The Democrats did not
seem To regard it as matter Of Jest.
The consensus Of Democratic opinion
seemed to be--for publication-that II
President Wilson chose 10 visit the Capt.
toll frequently he would he welcome, but
the welcome was expressed much after
the fashion of women who call back In
their friends when slightng from street
cars: Come aud see me some time.
There was a very decided suggestion that
there was no latchstrinc hanging on the
outside.
IL is the Democrats who have insisted
that there is a very distinct line between
the legislative and Judicial branches OF
the government. and they have been nrs'
10 criticise anything which might possibly
he construed as an encroachment by the
President on their domain. The prospect
that President Wilson would invade the
legislative halls was regarded by then,
with a gravity that was comic.
The President will be very busy at the
other end OF the avenue. But If he should
come to the Capitol he would be very
welcome"
KEYNOTE of Comment.
This was the keynote Of the comment
on the report from the Democratic sac
Some time ago. in discussing another SUD
iect. the Senator from New York ssio
very emphaticaly that the legislative and
executive branches OF the government
were separate and distinct. which the
President-elect probably did not need to
he told.
Senator Bacon. who has stood most in
sistently for the independence OF the
legislative branch. refused to commit
himself to-day or TO join IN the frigidly
formal welcome extended by his col
leagues.
IF President Wilson chooses TO como
ia the Senate there will be time to say
what have to say" said Mr.. Bacon.
Senator Tillman was much more
frank. IF he comes To advise the
senator said. lit will be proper. but il
ne comes TO direct he had better re-
main away
Senator Gardiper also ventured the
opinion that il would be great mistake
Tor the President 10 make practice OF
going 10 the capitol. There will al
WAYS he talk of his keeping tab on the
legislators" said Senator Gardiner.
senator MARITIME stood alone in saying
that the idea was good one.
Enough Work in White House.
If the Democrats were forced TO take
the attitude Of hosts who were obliged
TO make show of offering hospitality
TO an unwelcome guest, the Republica MS
felt that they were under no such OBJ
legation
IF the President thinks he can get
anything by coming to the Capitol" said
Senator Bradley, ne Will Ot a plSkcI
fool than the donkey that swan the
stream TO get a drink.
other Republican Senators said frankly
that the President would find enough
work at the White House. and with a
little experience ne would be glad 10
70 able 10 look after the affairs Of his
own department without attempting 10
supervise the work Of the Senate His
reported intention TO establish headquar-
ters in the Capitol was generally ac-
cepted as being due 60 his ignorance #
the conditions. and Che scheme vas re-
garded as OF the same class as his re-
ported intention Of keeping open doc" at
the White House.
At bottom there was no difference Of
opinion between Democrats AMI Republi-
cans, and If it be true that President
Wilson does intend TO make frequent
visits to the Capitol the prophecy can
NE made with confidence that he will
change his mind either before he carries
out his intention or very soon efterward'