The Washington herald., 1914-04-04


in the controversy. Privately. leaders Of
the opposition to the President admi,
that the country. as a whole, has mol
indicated a decided Interest in the con-
troversy so far. They expect. however
to hear one way or another before tbs
debate Is concluded.
Political observers returning to wash
ington from different parts OF the country
declare that In the sections they nave
visited, with the exception Of strons
Irish-American constituencies and coast
communities, little interest Is being
shown and there Is every Indication Of a
disposition to uphold the President In
the controversy.
one OF the strongest motives behind
the votes of Southern Democrats in the
House against the President was the
fear OF an apparent reputation OF a
platform pledge. They declared that In
the South a Reputation OF platform
plank is regarded as little short Of trea-
son. Notwithstanding these declarations,
Col. Robert NJ Gates, Washington cor
respondent for the Memphis Commercial
Appeal and one OF the most astute politi-
cal observers in Washington, returned
from Memphis yesterday with the In
formation that Democrats in his State
are concerned on only one phase-a fear
upheld in the present controversy. Col.
Gates attended a meeting Of the State
Democratic Committee while in Memphis.
He made a special point of asking the
members OF the committee how their
communities felt about the repeal con-
troversy.
Want President to Win.
IT was told in every instance that the
ar oil cd
tight, but are anxious to have the Presi-
dent win out" he said. ''They were
not at all inclined to repudiate the
President because OF the free tolls
plank in the Baltimore platform"
Senator Luke Lea, of Tennessee, yes
terday announced that he would support
the President in the repeal fight. Sena-
tor Lea had been counted with the Presi-
dent in most Of the polls. Senator
Shields, who now is in Tennessee. is ex-
pected to take the same attitude as his
colleague.
A good deal of speculation exists as to
the probable attitude of the two Nevada
Senators. Newlands and Pittman. While
both now are counted among the prob
able administration supporters, there is a
chance that either or both OF them may
decide to oppose the repeal bill. Sena-
tor Newlands is said to have committed
himself against the measure in letters
he has written back home Senator
Pittman declares he has not made up
his mind. but is studying the question.
In the case of the Nevada Senators the
railroad situation plays an important
part. and there is a direct, though more
or less intangible, Pacific Coast influence.
Nevada always has chafed under the
treatment accorded its shippers by the
railroads in the matter
of freight rates. Nevada shippers are
forced TO pay a back haul from the point
of shipment to the Coast-that Is goods
shipped for Eastern points from Nevada
are billed first to San Francisco and
thence East, the shipper paying for the
complete haul In the other direction
the same holds true. Goods from the
East or Nevada points have first to go
to the Pacific Coast and thence back to
Nevada
Nevada for Free Tolls.
This fact makes the free tolls PROPOSE
ton extremely popular in Nevada. as the
shipping interests have emphasized the
claim that free tolls will mean further
In rates for water transpOrta-
ton. The fsct that the dollar difference
per ton cost to the ship owners, even II
distributed over the total canal trafhc'
would mean less than a cent per ton TO
Nevada shippers. and that there Is little
likelihood that this small benefit will ac-
crue to the shipper. naturally Is not en-
Dha sized hy the shippers.