River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1914-02-26
WASHINGTON LETTER
FROM JAMES A. FREAR, MEMBER OF
CONGRESS, 10th DISTRICT

one OF the most Impressive ser
vices | ever attended was the tuner
al of Senator Bacon, conducted in
the Sen ate Chamber last week.
| Senator Bacon was recognized as
| real statesman and his sudden death
was shock TO everyone. 1t was
the first funeral service held in the
Senate Chamber since the death of
| Mark Hannah, just ten years ago.
Owing to illness, President Wilson
was absent, but the Sergeant at
Arms announced all other branches
of government which joined the
Senators, including the Cabinet,
the Chief Justice and Associate
Justices of the Supreme Court, the
Diplomatic Corps, the Members of
the House of representatives, the
Admiral of the Navy and the Chief
Staff of the Army 1t was strik-
ing aSSenblage that sat arou1d the
flower covered bier, placed directly
in front of Vice President Marshall's
desk. The ritual service was the
same as that read over the humblest
citizen and significantly brought
home the reminder that we bring
nothing into the world and take
nothing from it.
The Alaskan railway bill passed
the House by an overwhelming vote.
Ten years ago it would have been
impossible to secure a dozen votes
for the measure, but as simple
business proposition it has TO much
offer. Since 1867, when Alaska was
bought for $7,200,000, it has pro-
duced in minerals, fisheries and
other products $40, 900, 200 in round
numbers while it's resources have
hardly been scratched. Over ten
and half times the size of Wiscon-
sin, it is probably the richest store
house of undeve1oped minerals in
the world. Underthe bill passed by
the House, the President is author
lied to expend not to exceed $50, 900,
900 in building a railroad which
when completed will reach the coal
fields and other important districts
of the territory. Instead of making
large public grants to private con-
Germs, we have decided to try the ex-
pertinent of retaining these resources
in the Government with full know
ledge that as an investment, it is
sure to eventually return many tim
es the amount appropriated.
In the Senate the question is be-
ing discussed of exempting the
coast wise vessels from the payment
of tolls, thereby giving preference
to our own shipping over ships of
foreign nations. According to the
debates, International treaties are
hanging in the balance dependant
upon the action of Congress, and
President Wilson has urged upon
the leaders of his party in both SEN
ate and House that no discrimina-
ton be allowed in favor of American
vessels. The Baltimore Democratic
platform declares in favor of ex-
empting tolls from our own vessels,
but it has been claimed in the de-
bates that this plank was slipped
into the platform" by mistake.
The matter of rural credits, men
toned in my last letter, is occupy
ing the attention of the Banking
and Currency Committee daily. 1t
is an important question that has
been considered in Wisconsin for
the past three or four years, in eff
forts to frame legislation which will
enable farmers to secure loans at
lower rates of interest. Men whose
services were given 10 the Wiscon-
sin Board of Public Affairs are now
appearing before the committees
here and out of the different bills
introduced on the subject, a work
able law is sure to be framed.
After supplying all those who ap.
piled for government flower and
vegetable seeds and bulletins, am
arranging to send the remainder
through the post Offices and news
papers of the District. ALI should
be delivered before the latter part
0f