The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1915-12-21
BY ARTHUR w. DUNN.

is Such a Widespread Sentiment.
BY ARTHUR w. DUNN.
Washington, Dec. 2O.-iSpecial lit
Is evident that the Republicans do not
relish the fact that President Wilson
has stolen their preparation thunder.
For years Bryan accused Roosevelt OF
Stealing the various planks in his Plat
form. and now the Republicans say
that inc preparedness idea has been
appreciated by President Wilson.
They also feel that the president and
most of the Democrats do not want
t. expend money in large quantities
Tor military purposes, but have taken
IL up because it is IA popular idea. In
fact, they say it is a case of the pres
ident keeping his ear To the ground
aud giving the people what they ap-
iarently demand
Western Men Disagree.
The most surprising thing in con
gress is the disagreement among west
ern men as 10 what is hest for their
country. Men from Colorado Ito not
agree with men from Montana. Idaho
cannot agree with Utah. Men divide
regardless of parties and states. Men
from the same state cannO agree. All
this is in regard to the disposition Of
public lands, particularly lands con
tanning coal, oil, phosphateS and 9th
or minerals and products other than
gold and silver. The divisions develop,
ed right ut the beginning OF the ses-
sion and bid fair to prevent anything
being done along lines looking TO the
utilization Of the great u of
the country.
Rural Carriers Fighting.
1t Is evident that the rural carriers
and the congressmen who back them
are going 10 make war ON Postmaster
General Burleson during the session OF
congress. Burleson cut down the cost
Of the service and made many changes
in rural routes. Petitions IN congress
indicate that there will be quite a fight
over the subject when postal bills are
considered.
Militia and Preparedness.
Has II occurred TO those who nave
heen urging a large increase in the
army hat the national guard Is Il
mighty factor IN politics? IL they could
get a glimpse of the letters which sen
ators and representatives have been re
eeiying on the subject they would learn
something. The national guard sees
I'm the proposed Continental army the
destruction OF the present state militia
system. or at least they see nothing
for the militia in such an organization
save ~stagnation and deterioration. Be
fore the debates have progressed far II
will he found hat the national guard
opposition is a great deal of Il snag I'm
the way of preparedness.
Stands From Under.
General Fred Ainsworth, the smart
est politician in the United States ar
my, used to say about some shrewd
person. He Is more than seven years
old" That remark can be applied to
Hon. Oscar w. Underwood OF Ala
bama. When they We're making up
the committees did Oscar seek a place
on the fnance committee, which would
have been natural in view OF the fact
that his great reputation has been
made In tariff matters: No: appro-
pr:ations, a good. hard working com
mittee. was his choice. Underwood
knows just what job is IN store for the
mel who undertake TO further increase
taxation. He has had experience.
There Is aiso Z suspicion that Un'i-i-
. ~.,nb ahnNvt EnFU-
ing below n number of men on the
finance committee who were his sub
ordinates on the ways and means com
mittee In the house.
The Comsbacks Recognized.
Minority Leader Mann recognized
The comebacks. rs those prominent Ike
publicans are called who were mem
bers for a long time. but went down to
defeat In 1912. They were given GOOD
committee assignments, better han il
they had beer new men without past
service.
For Government Employees.
Congressman Austin OF Tennessee
has been trying for years to increase
The pay Of the government employees
of the lower grades. That Is one place
where salaries should be increased, but
il is generally the case that they are
ignored while special fsvorites get ad.
NanceS.
Recalls Lindquist.
Congressman Raker Of California Il
one OF those men who dip into almost
everything. He has introduced a pure
fabric and pure leather bill, just suci
n measure as was fathered 10y formel
Congressman Lindquist of Michigan.
Lindquist made IA great campaign IL
1917 on the issue of pure fabrics ant
pure leather in He assured
all the voters OF his district hat IL h'