Springfield weekly Republican. [volume], April 06, 1911, Page 8, Image 8

About Springfield weekly Republican. [volume] (Springfield, Mass.) 1851-1946

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SPRINGFIELD. THURSDAY. APR 6. 1011.
SIXTEEN PAGES
Sprinrfleld-Berkshire Consolidation.
The Berkshire street railway system is
now. by an act of the last Massachusetts
Legislature, directly under the control of
the New Haren railroad company through
the ownership of practically nil of its
stock. The Springfield street railway sys
tem is nominally independent of New
Haven control, but is practically under
that influence. If. then, the two systems
are merged, as proposed, into a single
company, to be known as the Springfield
and Berkshire, we shall hare no more
of a New Haren mastery of the trolly
lines inrolred than practically we already
hare: while certain adrantages may be
gained, as from a more unified operation
of all these lines, from the securely prom
ised extensions into the hill regions now
wanting in rail transit facilities, and
from a closer grouping of the material in
terests radiating out from Springfield orer
all Western Massachusetts.
Electric street railway consolidation
seems to be as inevitable as steam rail
road consolidation has been. We hare
had to recognize this from the start. The
control of single or consolidated street
railway systems by the steam railroads
is another matter which we have viewed
as possibly bound to come, but for which
there need be no haste. We hare here,
however, a situation of needed railway
extensions into the now remote hill re
gions and a corporation of great re
sources and credit ready to undertake the
work and place it upon a secure financial
and an effective operating basis. Under
proper restrictions as to capitalization and
otherwise the proposal appears to be de
sirable and acceptable.
The great objection to consolidated
steam railroad control of consolidated
electric railway systems lies not in the
destruction of actual or potential compe
tition between the two. There would be
little of this in any event. The trolly
lines for the most part act and will con
tinue to act as feeders and not competi
tors of the steam railroads. And where
these lines are parallel for considerable
distances with the steam lines the latter
as owners will hare an interest in de
veloping their business to the utmost;
while under efficient public control trolly
rates can he kept within the bounds of
the lower capital cost of the trolly lines
regardless of -what the effect may be on
the owning steam railroads.
The great danger from the consolidated
steam railroad control of other means of
rail trarsportation within a given terri
tory lies in the enormous power thereby
created—a power which might come to
overshadow and direct that of the govern
ment itself. But we already have vast
capital consolidations, and in transporta
tion these have come to stay. The busi
ness is necessarily monopolistic and in
terrelated. and we must deal with it as
such. The supremacy of the state Will
be maintained against any such power
where an intelligent and spirited citizen
ship exists: and when it comes to pass
that this power of great aggregations of
private capital is found trying to under
mine the supremacy of the state, the final
consequence will be the taking over of
the roads and their operation by the gov
eminent.
Along therefore with such consolidations
as the one now proposed must go a closer
and closer public control. We should now
in particular concern ourselves with the
prices to be paid for the street railway
system to be merged with the Berkshire
and the capitalization of the consolidated
company. The old Springfield street rail
way company 8 per cent stock is now
nearly all held by the Springfield railways
company, which has issued against it an
equal amount ($3,387,950) of 4 per cent
cumulative preferred stock, and $5,000,000
par value of common stock all held by
the New England investment and securi
ties company. We shall evidently not
want to see that $5,000,000 of common
stock capitalized at full par value into
the new company, and this and other mat
ters should be closely guarded in any
measure of consolidation to be enacted.
So conditioned, the consolidation may well
be authorized, and among the things to be
gained will presumably be the cleaning
up of this complicated intercompany con
trol of the Springfield street railway sys
rem and the simplifying of the whole
street railway situation hereabouts.
Boniness Depression In rhe Northwest.
Commercial men from the East in cover
ing the Pacific coast find business good in
California, hut when they reach the cities
of the Northwest there is a different story
to tell. As one of them writes: "The peo
■ple are livinjj on promises and hope." This
might appear to be a peculiar situation
until it is examined in the light of recent
history out there. It will he remembered
the great railroad lines entering that re
giou have been carrying through important
extensions. From these it was planned to
build many minor feeders, but the recent
decision of the interstate commerce com
mission put a new face upon the outlook.
The railroads at once baited their main
extension work, even where it was under
contract, and of course the proposed lat
erals must wait. The progress of the gen
eral work of railroad building had in
spired the outlay of much private capital
to meet the demands of the increasing bus
iness that the extended railroad lines were
to bring. Now there is a check al! along
the way and ordinary business promptly
feels it. The region is plunged from high
hope to something like depression. It is
recognized that in the long run the rail
roads must in some way resume their on
ward movement, but for the moment there
is a general setback for business in the
Northwest as compared with California.
It is worth while to run over the impor
tant railway building inrolred in this sit
uation. The Chicago, Milwaukee and St
Paul has been pushing its Puget sound ex
tension. The Harriman line, the Oregon
railway and narigation company, has been
pushing from Portland toward Seattle;
and a road has been building by the Great
Northern and Northern Pacific from Spo
kane to Portland by way of the north
bank of the Columbia rirer. All these ex
tensions hare greatly stimulated real es
tate, beginning with the necessary exten
sire purchases for terminal facilities. The
checking of this general railroad more
ment. at least temporarily, easily accounts
for the business reaction that is in evi
dence. In the long run. the growth that
must be invited by all these enterprises is
bound to come, and that is why the peo
ple of that part of the country are "living
‘on promises and hope” of the good times
that they know must arrive some day.
Employer's Liability in New Jersey.
It will be of interest to this state and
others which have yet to reform their em
ployer's liability policy that the New Jer
sey Legislature with great unanimity has
passed and Gor Wilson has signed a meas
ure whose scope is thus described in a
press dispatch: It abolishes as grounds of
defense for the employer in suits for
damages the negligence of the fellow em
ploye and the assuming of risk by the
injured employe. The measure is to go
into effect on July 4.
That is to say, it rules out the old fel
low-servant doctrine, does away with the
defense of assumption of risk, and thus
presumably transfers the burden of proof
from the injured employe to the employer.
It is noticeable that the labor leader in the
Assembly accepted this measure as fairly
satisfactory, though believing that his own
measure covered the ground better. The
bill passed the House by a unanimous
vote and was nearly as strong in the Sen
ate.
The New Jersey law seems to be pat
terned very closely on the New York
statute of a year or two ago which was
not affected by the recent decision of the
New York court of appeals invalidating
an act passed at the same time classify
ing certain occupations as dangerous and
providing compensation for all injuries of
employes incurred while at work save only
where the result of more or less deliberate
neglect or gross carelessness. Indeed, the
highest New York court, in overthrow
ing this latter statute as a taking of
property without due process, expressed
opinions which would clearly bring such
changes in employers' liability as the New
Jersey Legislature has enacted, within the
bounds of constitutionality.
Eren with such changes as these, how
ever. more than a majority of injured
workmen could not recover. Tin's is the
showing of German statistics and the rule
would doubtless hold good in this coun
try. There would remain uncovered the
great number of injuries incidental to the
employment and not due to employer’s neg
lect, and these are now provided for in the
compensation laws of the more advanced
European countries. We should be far be
hind them even with the general adoption
of the New Jersey and New York changes;
and if the New York court of appeals de
cision is sound we must remain far be
hind them until all our constitutions could
be amended. Meantime, however, it is in
order for other statee. including Massachu
setts, to go as far as New York and New
Jersey have now gone.
NO TRUST CASE DECISIONS
From Federal Supreme Court — A
Commodities Clause Holina.
Keen disappointment prevailed Mon
day in the vicinity of the supreme court
of the United States at Washington, when
that tribunal finished its weekly task of
handing down decisions without touching
on the dissolution suits against the Stand
ard oil and tobacco corporations. The
biggest crowd that has attempted in years
to get into the court-room Monday
blocked the corridors in the capitol. Wom
en and men stood in line for hour-, even
while the court was taking a recess for
luncheon, in the hope that they would gain
admittance. The failure of the court to
decide the cases Monday precludes the an
nouncement of the decisions until next
Monday at least.
Some of the members of th” bar thought
that the court was touching upon a ques
tion involved in the Standard oil and
tobacco cases when it decided that pro
prietary medicine companies are not en
titled to monopolies in the sale of their
medicines, and that the public is entitled
to the benefit of competition among re
tailers thereof. Justice Holmes, in dissent
ing alone from the court’s holding, made
some caustic references to the popular
but mistaken" notion that competition was
always beneficial to the public. In both
cases the government took the position
that the natural effect of competition is to
increase competition and to extinguish or
prevent the free play of competition is to
hinder it. The corporation lawyers ques
tioned the doctrine that the lessening of
competition necessarily meant a restraint
of interstate commerce, as laid down by
the Sherman antitrust law.
The “commodities clause" of the Hep
burn rate law interpreted two years ago
by the court into what was commonly sup
posed to be on impotent group of words
was given new life Mondav in a aeeond
interpretation. So effective was the re
consideration of the subject that govern
ment officials last night predicted that the
evils sought to lie corrected by the legis
lation will now be remedied and railroad
business will henceforth be divorced from
coal business. Chief Justice White Mon
day announced the decision of the court
The entire bench agreed with his state
ment although on the previous considera
tion of the case. Justice Harlan dissented
from the judgment of the court.
Oklahoma must enforce its own liquor
laws, said Justice Harlan of the. supreme
court of the United States hi anbateme
Monday, when he banded down an
opinion at Washington in which ihe court
declined to enjoin nil the raihoada enter
ing the portion of the state which former
ly was Indian territory, from introducing
or ci.aveying intoxicating liquors, includ
ing nle. wine and be»r in any form Imo
that section.
THE SPRINGFIELD WEEKLY REPUBLICAN: THURSDAY, APRIL G, 1911.
EXTRA. SESSION BEGINS
CHAMP CLARK TAKES THE CHAIR.
DOESN'T MENTION RECIPROCITY.
।
TAFT TO MENTION NOTHING ELSE,
Leaving Till Dfrfmhft Recommenda
tion tor the Creation of a Perma
nent TaritT Board — Picturesque
Scenes of the Dar.
From Our Spe< ial Correspondent.
Washington, D C., Tuesday. April 4.
After 20 years the country again finds
a republican president riding two horses
of opposite political types. It will be seen
whether Mr Taft will manage better than
President Harrison. He is confident of
his powers and will start by trying to lead
nobodv into a hole. He asks nothing but
good legislation, and the credit will go to
him who deserves it. Mr Taft will try to
deserve it hut not through political
chicanery. He will not play politics for
mere position.
A rainy Washington turned out to see
Congress reconvene. There seemed more
eclat about the reassembling than usual
ly attends such coming together of the
legislators, and this was in the main due
to the pride the democrats felt in re
suming power in the House from which
they hare been excluded for 16 years. The
galleries were packed to see the inductive
ceremonials and cron the House floor was
invaded by femininity.
It was a lore feast all around, inclusive
of the republicans, everybody commented
on the general good feeling. Before the
beginning of things W. J. Bryan arrived
and was given an ovation. He load
promised to see his friend. Champ Clark,
elected speaker. There was also an ova
tion for Gov Harmon, who chanced to be
in Washington, nnd had a right to the
floor. Bryan and Hannon clasped hands
and engaged in felicitations. Every kind
of democrat seemed to bo anxious to be
good to every other kind of democrat. Over
on the republican side there was natural
ly not as much exuberance ns on the
democratic side. Before Champ Clark was
sworn in the democrats wore provided
with small flags which they waved on his
arrival, thereby adding to the confusing
animation of the scene.
The democrats acted as if to the manner
born. Motion followed motion with me
chanical efficiency. The now speaker
looked pale and somewhat depressed with
the weight of his responsibility, but he
grasped the gavel with vmfidonee. His
speech indicating the party’s policy in the
House speaks well as a promise, hut
everybody notice*! his failure to mention
Canadian reciprocity, to effect which the
Congress was called into extra session.
It was rather an unfortunate omission.
Certainly the democrats missed a splendid
opportunity tn claim this measure as very
much their own. To be Sure, reciprocity
is not one of the original promises in the
democratic program, but for all that it
should hare been mentioned rather than
ignored. Apparently the party is not yet
completely wise—at least not Speaker
Clark. Republicans were pleased over the
omission, believing now that more than
ever Canadian reciprocity must be called
a republican measure.
The republicans showed the split in
their ranks when 17 of the Da Follette
irreconcilable* voted for Representative
Cooper of Wisconsin rather than for Mr
Mann.
Crowded galleries saw the. Senate begin
its session. Many new men were sworn
in. Senator Crane escorted Senator Izidge
to take the oath. The galleries could not
resist tittering as Senator Stephenson
escorted Senator La Follette. Both men
are enemies. Mr Sherman soon had his
rival for the vice-presidency. Mr Kern,
taste the honor of presiding over the Sen
ate. He did it well. Tillman, alas, could
not be present to see a Maine democrat
take the oath of senator.
The seating wa* an important function
of the day in the House. Luck rather ab
stained from resting on the Massachusetts
delegation. Representative Gillett was
among the first of the New Englanders
drawn, and he selected a seat well to
the front and in the middle. Representa
tive Lawrence drew a scat far in the
rear. Representative Berber, the Wiscon
sin socialist, elected to sit on the repub
lican side, and was greeted with open
arms by the brethren there.
The caucus of republican senators to
day was remarkably well attended, no
progressive in town staying away. The
progressives say that the regulars have
yielded to their demands for one-quarter
representation ou the committees. Sena
tor Crane was. of course, much to the
fore as a manager for conciliation, ever
comporting himself in such manner as to
smooth ont wrinkles nnd making for har
mony. glad to sacrifice any elevation of
his own chances.
The message of the president to-morrow
will discos- hut one topic—reciprocity,
Tim president will leave until December
any iT otiimcmiathm for the creation of
a permaneiH iiirift board, believing that
by that time the board will have proved
its utility.
THIRTY SENATORS SWORN IN.
Mes*nlcen Are Entire!? Xrw to the
Body—Bailey Wnntn to Be-
Wln at 2 O’elork.
Notwith^tai'dinz that the initial rcremo
nies of the extra session in the Senate
were quite secondary in interest to those
of the House, there still was a large at
tendance in the galleries, and the scene
wa s an animated one. The spectators
began to arrive early, and long iiefore the
beginning of the session every seat had
boon taken and every available bit of space
was occupied. The only ex-senator pres
ent was the 88-yeara-old Henry Gassaway
Davis of West Virginia, who appeared
quite as spry as many of the younger
m»n.
The ceremonies were brief and formal,
consisting in the main of a brief prayer
by the Senate chaplain. Rev Ulysses Grant
Fierce, who petitioned that as a people
rre might be "delivered from strife within
nnd warfare without," the reading of t | ie
mossage calling the special session, ami
the swearing in of 30 newly elected sena
tors. Of the senators sworn. 17 were
men sho never before had occupied seats
in the Senate. Twelve wore democrats
and five republicans, the now demwrats
being .Messrs Bryan of Fla., Chilton c>f
M. I a.. Hitchcock of Nob., Johnson of
Me.. Kern of Im]„ I.ea of Tenn . Martino
of N. J.. Myers of Mont., O Gorman of
N. 1.. Pomereno of o . Rood n f . gl) ,|
M illiams of Miss. The new republicans
wore IJppitt of R. 1.. Melman „f f t . p oiu .
dexter of Wash., Townsend of Mich , and
Works of Cal.
The aenators were sworn in in squads
of four, the colleagues of the newly
chosen men assorting them to the vice
president's desk. The oath was ad
mnilatered by Vice-President Sherman in
clear and distinct tones which rendered
Ins words audible throughout the densely
par ked chamber and galleries. As soon ns
the Inst of the senators had loft the vice
president’s dais, the roll of the Senate was
called. Eighty-aix senators, within five of
the entire membership, were found to be
present and Senators Gallinger of N H.
and Bacon of Ga. were appointed a com
mittee to wait on the president mid notify
him that the Senate was in session and
prepared to do bnmtv-ss. The only feature
of the proceedings not on the program wns
mtrodmed by Senator Bailcj of Tex., who
sought to h ivo the hour of daily meet
ing sot the Senate fixed nt 2 p. m.. in
stead of 12 o'clock uonn. The suggestion
was made in connection with a motion
bi Senator Brown of Neb., fixing the hour
of 12 ns the time of meeting. Mr Hailey
sought to amend the motion by fixing the
time at 2 o'clock, saying that very little
business could be done before that hour
for at least the next six weeks. He ulti
mately withdrew the amendment, but with
a promise lo renew it later. The Senate
nt 12.55 p. tn. then took a recess until 2
o'clock to give the notification committee
time to perform its services.
M hefl at 2 o'clock the Senate reconvened
there was n call for a quorum and when
o> senators responded u message was re
ceived from the House announcing the
organization of that body.
HOUSE GETS UNDER WAY.
New Crowd in Control of the Popnlar
BoHy—lncidents of Organization.
The opening ceremonies of the House
held an unusual interest. It was the first
time in 16 years that the democrats had
I I ■■
J; swllll
I < lili® |
SPEAKER CHAMP CLARK.
taken up the conduct of affairs in the low
er branch of the national Legislature.
New hands were at the; wheel, while the
helmsmen of firmer days were about to
engage in the pastime of rocking the boat.
The transition from it month ago was
complete. New faces were everywhere to
be seen. Democrats hot only filled the
side of the chamber aliotted to them, but
poured over into she erSthhilo sacred pre
cincts of the republicans, c
The opening program fix 1 the House, al
ways an interesting .spectacle, was fol
lowed Tuesday with uncommon keenness.
It included the calling of the House to
order by Maj Alexander McDowell, the
veteran republican clerk of the House,
who is soon to be replaced; the calling
of the roll; the election of the speaker:
his speech of acceptance; the swearing in
of the members by state delegations, and
the drawing for seats.
Visitors thronged the office of Speaker
to-be (’lark during the two hours before
the convening <>f the House. Among them
were Mr Mann, minority loader, xvho
called to congratulate the man who was
scheduled to beat him for the speakership,
Gov Harmon of Ohio, William Jennings
Bryan nnd Samuel Gompers. president of
the American federation of labor. Mr
Bryan was <-loseted with Clark for 15
minutes. From the speaker's room he
went to the House lobby, where he shook
hands with scores of friends who gathered
about.
The roll-call disclosed the presence of
365 members out of a total membership
of 391. Nominations for speaker then
were in order. Mr Clark was nominated
by Representative Burleson of Tex.,
chairman of the democratic caucus. Mr
Mann was nominated by Representative
Currier of N. H.. chairman of the repub
lican caucus. The insurgents did not go
through the formality of nominating their
candidate. Mr Cooper. As each mem
ber's name was called he answered
“Clark" or '‘Mann" or “Cooper,” as the
case might he. Neither Mr Clark nor Mr
Mann voted. Mr Cooper voted for Nor
ris of Neb, Victor L. Berger, the only
socialist in the House, declined to vote.
The insurgents who voted for Mr Cooper,
in addition to Akiu of N. Y.. the indr
pendent democrat, wore Anderson of
Minn.. Davidson of Wis„ Davis of Minn.,
French of Idaho. Kopp of Wis., La Fol
lette of Wash., Lafferty of Or., Jackson
of Kan . Kent of Cal.. Lenroot of Wis.,
Linhergh of Minn.. Morse of Wis.. Mur
dock of Knn., Nelson of Wis.. and War
burton of Wash.
The vote showed 217 votes for Clark
and 121 for Mann. When Clerk McDow
ell announced the vote by which Mr Clark
was elected Ihe House broke into cheers.
When Mr Clark appeared at the main
door on Ihe nrm of Mr Mann there was
renewed cheering. Mr Mann rapped for
order. "It is a great office." he said
slowly, "and tilled by a great man. Gen
tlemen. I present to you, your speaker,
the Hon Champ Clark of Missouri." Mr
Clark himself rapped for order this time
to stop the applause, and then launched
into his speech. He frequently was in
terrupted by applause.
Übamp Clark’s Speech.
RopreSimtatite Champ Clark In his
speech accepting the speakership of the
House, outlined the measures by which the
democratic parti hopes to cqntiniie to en
joy the faith of the people. Intelligent
revision of the tariff, election of United
States senators by popular vote, changes
in the House rules to permit proper con
sideration of public measures.- economy in
the transactions of the country, the pub
lication of campaign contributions, end
the early admission ot New Mexico and
Arizona to statehood, were some of the
things which Speaker Clark emphasized
in tbe program to be undertaken by the
majority party in the House. Speaker
Clark said:--
“Election to the high position of speak
er Is an exceptional honor for which
yon have my profoundest gratitude. To
he a member of the House, to represent
20l>.lX*t American citizens in the more
numerous branch of the greatest legis
lative body in the world is on honor to
which in the nature <>f things eompnrntlve
ly few men may attain To he chosen by
the representatives of 92.000.000 people to
preside over their deliberations i* a sig
nal mark of your fnvor for which the
best return is to discharge the onerous mid
important duties of the station to which
you harp assisued mo with such impar
tiality, isuhis! y\. <■..’lrtc-y jnd h-ih-
per as to exj>edite the public business,
thereby promoting the public weal.
"The pleasure of being elected speaker
is much enhanced by the perfect unanim
ity with which it is conferred by my
party fellows and the universal good-will
with which it is accepted by our v<vlabor
ers of the minority. Coming into the
speakership under these fortunate cireum
stancpN, the hearty co-operation ot nil
members of whatever political persuasion
is hereby earnestly invoked in ma in tain
ins order and decorum and in placing
upon the statute books laws for the go-«l
of the country and the whole country,
working out promptly, patiently, courage
ously. wisely and patriotically those meas
ures necessary ter the betterment of the
zovemmental methods and for the ameli
oration of the conditions under which we
live.
"My democratic brethren, coupled with
the joy of once more seeing a House, a
large majority of which is of my own po
litical faith, is a keen sense of our re
sponsibility to our country and our kind.
It is an old adage worthy of acceptation
that where much is given, much is re
quired.
Party Fromhc*.
“After 16 years of exclusion from power
in the House, and 14 years of exclusion
from power in every department of gov-
ernment, we are restored to power in the
House of Representatives and in that
alone. We are this day put upuu trial
and the duty devolves upon us to demon
strate not so much by hoe phrases as by
stood works that we are worthy of the
confidence imposed in us by the voters
“5 Jhe land and that wo are worthy of
their wider confidence. We could not if
wo would, and we would uot it we could,
escape this severe tost. We will not shirk
<‘ui' duty. Wo shrink not from the respon
sibility. That wr will prove equal to the
emergency in which we find ourselves
placed through our own efforts and
through our own desires, there can be no
doubt and the wav to accomplish that
is to fulfil with courage, intelligence and
patriotism the promises made before the
election in order io win the election. By
discharging our duty thoroughly and well,
subordinating personal desires to prin
ciple and personal ambition to an exalt
ed love of country, wo will not only re
ceivp the indorsement of the people* hut
yhat is far better—we will deserve their
indorsement. Chief among these promises
were
1. An honest, intelligent revision nf
the tariff downward in order to give every
American citizen an equal chance in the
race ot hfo and to hampei none unduly
by special taror or privilege; to reduce the
cost, of living by eradicating the enormities
and cruelties of the present tariff bill, and
to raise the necessary revenue to support
the government. Bills are already far ad
vandPd in preparation looking to the ae
conqilishment of these beneficent ends.
Ihe passage of a resolution submit
ting to (he states for ratification a consti
tutional amendment providing for the elec
tion of I nited States senators by the pop
ular vote. This resolution has already
been introduced ami will soon be passed
by the House. Let us hope that we will
send it to the Senate by the unanimous
vote ot the House.
“3. Such changes in the rilles of the
House as are necessary for the thorough
ami intelligent consideration of measures
tor the public good, several of which
changes are accomplished facts. If other
changes arc deemed wise, they will be
promptly mailt. I congratulate the House
and the country, ami particularly do I
congratulate the inembers of the committee
on ways and menus, upon the success of
the important and far-reaching experiment
of selecting committees Ihrougli the instru
mentality of a committee, the experiment
touching which dire predictions were made
and concerning the operation of which
grave doubts were entertained, even by
sonic honest reformers.
"4. Economy in the public expense, that
labor may be lightly burdened. The lit
eral fulfilment of that promise which so
nearly affects the comfort and happiness
of millions we have begun—and we began
at the proper place by cutting down the
running expenses of the House by more
than OSS/W per annum. Economy, like
charity. Simula begin at home. That's
where we began. We cannot with straight
faces and clear consciences reform ex
penscs t i.-eo here unless we reform them
here at the fountainhead. The democratic
caucus deserves well from the country for
taking tins long and important step in
The .-mi-titulion gives the House Hm prac
tical control of the purse strings of the
country, and the- House should insist res
olutely aud firmly on exercising that con
trol to the end that the appropriation hills
may be reduced Io the needs of the gov
ernment economically nnd effectively ad
ministered. It is our duty to provide every
dollar needed for the proper and econom
ical conduct of the government hut is
equally our duty to prevent wus, and
extravagance in public expenditures, for
we should never forget that it is a diffi
cult task for millions of families to live
now in decency nnd comfort. Surely it is
the part of wisdom, statesmanship, hu
manitarianism and patriotism to legis
late so as to reduce their burdens to the
minimum. The restitution of the Holman
rule will help along in this matter. No
good fifteen desires to cripple the govern
ment in any legitimate function, but no
good citterni desires that the people be
loaded down with unnecessary taxes.
••5. The publication of camimlgn com
trlhutiona nnd disbursements before the
election. The bill to accomplish «bat de
sired reform has been prepnroo and intro
duced. It will be speedily passed by the
House. The nverngc citizen, whatever his
politics. is absolutely honest. He demands
honesty and cleanliness in politics; be be
lieves that too much mopey is spent in
election matters, and he proposes to put
an end to it. As the representatives of
the average citizen it is our duty to carry
out his patriotic wishes in that regard
to the end that all men desirous of serv
inz the public may have a fair chance in
politics, and to the end that this mighty
republic, the political hope of the world,
may not be destroyed by corruption in
elections.
•*6. The admission of both Arizona and
New Mexico as states. I violate no con
fidence in stating that so far as the House
is concerned they will be speedily admit
ted. and they will he admitted together.
‘ Those are a few of the things which
we promised. We are not only going to
fulfil them; we have already begun the
great task. What we have done is only
an earnest of what wo will do. We this
day report progress tn the American peo
ple The rest will follow. No man is tit
to bo a la w-giver for a great people who
yields to the demands and solicitations of
ihe few having access to his par. but is
forgetful of that vast multitude who may
never hear bis voice or look into his face.
1 suggest to my fellow-members <»n both
sides of the big aisle—which is the lino
of domarkation betwixt us as political
partisans, but not as American citizens or
American representatives—that he serves
his party best who serves his country
best. I am now ready to take the oath,
and ask that it be administered by Mr
Talbott of Maryland.”
The members arose as Mr Talbott read
the oath and Mr Clark subscribed to it.
The new speaker brought the gavel down
with a resounding whack and announced,
"The House will be in order.”
TAFT'S RECIPROCITY MESSAGE.
Urges Early \rtion on the Apcreement
With Canada,
President Taft yesterday transmitted to
Congress a message urging early action
on the reciprocity agreement with Canada.
Ho stated that he based this message upon
deference to popular sentiment and duty
to the great masses of the American peo
ple. The message follows;—
To the Senate and House of Reprcsentn
tives:—
I transmitted to the 61st Congress, on
January 26 last, the text of the reciprocity
trade agreement which had been nego
tiated under my direction by the secretary
of state -with representatives of the Do
minion of Canada. This agreement Was
the consummation of earnest efforts, ex
tending over ;i period of nearly a year,
on the part of both governments to effect
a trade arrangement Which, mpplemcnt
ing as it did the amicable settlement of
various questions of a diplomatic and po
litical charaeier that had been reached,
would mutually promote commerce and
would strengthen the friendly relations
now existing.
The agreement in its intent and in its
terms was purely economic and commer
cial. While, the general subject was un
der discussion by the commissioners. I
felt assured that the sentiment of the
people of ike 1 nited States xx - as such
that they would welcome a measure which
would result in the increase of trade on
both sides of the boundary line, would
open up the reserve productive resources
of Canada to the great mass of our own
consumers on advantageous conditions, and
at the same time offer a broader outlet
for (he excess products of our farms and
many of our industries. Details regard
ing a negotiation of this kind necessarily
could not be made public while rhe confer
ences wore pending. When, however, the
full text of the agreement, accompanying
correspondence and data explaining both
its purpose and its scope became known
to the people through the message trans
mitted to Congress, it was immediately
apparent that the ripened fruits of the
careful labors of the commissioners met
with widespread approval. This approval
has boon strengthened by further con
sideration of the terms of the agreement
in all their particulars. The volume of
support which has developed shows that
its broadly national scope is fully appre
ciated and is responsive to the' popular
will.
The House of Representatives of the 61st
t ongress after the full text of the arrange
meht with all, the details in regard to the
different provisions had been before it. as
they were before the American people,
passed a bill confirming the agreement as
negotiated and as transmitted to Congress.
This measure failed of action in the Sen
ate. In my transmitting message of the
26th of January. I fully set forth the
character of the agreement, and empha
sized its appropriateness and necessity as
a response to the mutual needs of the
people of the two countries, as well as its
common advantages. I non- lay that mes
sage. and the reciprocal trade'agreement,
as part of the present message before the
62d Congress, and again invito earnest at
tention to the considerations therein ex
pressed.
I am constrained in deference to popular
sentiment and with a realizing sense of
my duty to the great masses of our peo
ple whose welfare is involved, to urge
upon your consideration early action on
this agreement. Io concluding the nego
tiations, the representatives of the two
countries bound themselves to use their
utmost efforts to bring about the tariff
changes provided for in the agreement by
concurrent legislation at Washington and
Ottawa. I have felt it my duty, therefore,
not to acquiesce in relegation of action
until the opening of the Congress in De
cember. but to use my constitutional pre
rogative and convoke the 62d Congress in
extra session in order that there shall be
no break of continuity in considering and
acting upon this most important .subject.
William 11. Taft.
The White House. April J, 1911.
SAVING OF SIBO,OOO in EXPENSES.
I mpnrtn nt < himsc* In ttnlos—Trimble
Elected < lerk. Jackson kernennt
nt-Arms nnd Sinnott Doorkeeper,
The caucus of democratic representa
tives to Congress was called to or
der last neck by Henry D. Clayton of
Alabama, Ihe temporary chairman. The
first action was the election of Repre
sentative Albert O. Burleson of Texas as
permanent chairman of the caucus. In
its effort to reduce the House pay
roll and dispense with extra employes, the
democratic caucus authorized sweeping
changes: The abolishment of 98 appoin
tive positions; the dropping of six stand
ing committees front the House list; and
the. cessation of the extra pay allowed
each session to the employes arc import
ant features of the plan. The first of these
items is expected to save $120,000, the
second $12,000 and the withholding of the
"extra month's" $50,000. The positions
under the House, heretofore apportioned
among the members generally, are lo be
given by the democrats only to those mem
bers who were not given committee chair
manships. In its efforts nt ceouomy the
democratic organization decided that the
42 special policemen employed about the
capital could he dispensed with, and that
32 clerkships and minor positions under
the clerk Of the House could be nboliihed.
One chief hill clerk with four assistants
nnd II stenographer is to take the place
of the large number of clerks removed
The plan offered by the ways and means
crmmitfOe nnd adopted by the caucus is
the result, of the reorganization work done
by Representative A. Mitchell Palmer of
Pennsylvania, a member of the commit
tee. The six committees abolished are
those on militia, Pacific railroads, manu
facture*. private land claims, levees nnd
improvements of the Mississippi river and
ventilation nnd acoustics. The work of
these committees had either disappeared
completely or had been taken over by oth
er committees. The pruning policy will
cut out nearly one-third of the House cm-
Idoyes. nnd the saving may amount to
slSn,o(Mk Appointive pln> *« uro nil nut into
the hand* of one committee, n spodin) body
to be known ns the committee on organ
ization. and the scramble for eongtossiou
nl positions will ebntor nhout its door.
'l'he New Rules.
The most important changes in the rules
under which the new Congress will
operate are: The selection ot committees
by the House, a provision to prevent fitl
: ustering umfer the rule tax ing au
thority to disi-harge committees from ion
sideriition of biJis. a provisiou permiitiiig
anieudmeuts to appropriation bills when
ever those ninendmeuts will result in re
tieticbment of national expenditures, au
thority for bills to come up twice for pa -
«age under the unanimous . onsent privi
lege. The rule to prevent filibustering on
n motion to dhehnrge a committee from
<-u, study of a bill is the result of the
filibuster conducted in the last session
by Representative Mann of Illinois. He
bad the post-office reorganization hill
placed on tha calendar under this rule
and demanded that it be read completely,
a process which consumed several dars.
The new rule provides that a bill shall
bo read only by its title, and that its title
shall not be more than 104 words long.
It prohibits any member from having be
fore the House at any one time more than
two motions to disebnrge eontmittces from
the custody of bills. Under this provision the
democrats believe this rule can bo made
to work ns otig.inally intended, to pre
vent bills being buried in oomi'"tteo. The
new ride affciing appropriation bills Is
n renewal of the so-called "Holman rule"
first used by the democrats in 1875. It
permits amendments to appropriation bills
of wido character when these amendments
will effect a reduction of federal ex
(enditiues. Upon the adoption of the
rules. Chairman Henry of the new rules
committee, said they would be offered
to the House Tuesday, immediately after
the preliminary organization of the 62d
Congress.
South Trimble of Frankfort. Ky., who
was a member of the 57th Congress, was
unanimously elected clerk of the House
last week. U. S. Jackson of Indiana, was
elected sergeant-at-arms, defeating Will
iam H. Ryan of Buffalo. N. Y.. by a vote
of 114 to 97. Joseph J. Sinnott of
Virginia, was elected by acclamation door
keeper of the House.
There were four nominees for post
master of the House, nnd a contest de
veloped. They were R. B. Gordon of
<»!>ip. R. G. Bremner of New Jersey,
William M. Dunbar of Georgia and j.
A. M iHiams of lowa. Mr Dunbar was
finally elected on the third ballot, defeat
ing R. G. Bremner of New Jersev, 104
to 94.
Rev Henry N, Condon of Port Huron,
Mich., who for many years has been
chaplain of the House, was unanimously
re-elected.
MONETARY CONFERENCE RECESS.
Disposirton of Government S Pet
t ent Bonds Furnishes Chief Topic
of Discussion.
After a conference of two days with the
currency commission of the American
bankers’ association at Washington the
monetary commission adjourned Wed
nesday, last week, to meet at the
call of Chairman Aldrich. The con
ference has been devoted to a gen
era] analysis of the Aldrich currency bill.
In the main the provisions of the plan out
lined by Mr Aldrich have been found lo
be acceptable to the bankers, but they
have suggested changes in phraseology in
other portions of the measure, and con
siderable attention has been given to a
few of the features of the bill.
The plans of the commission embrace an
active campaign for the summer with the
view of having the measure completed by
the beginning of the first regular session
of the 62d Congress on the first Monday
of next December. To this end the coun
try will be canvassed and much literature
will be distributed. No definite day. how
ever. has been fixed for the furuier con
sideration of the subject, but it is under
stood that Senator Aldrich will state the
case quite fully in a speech which he is
preparing to make in Boston early in April.
He and other members of the Commission
probably will visit many large cities dur
ing the spring, summer nnd fall.
TAFT'S FRIENDS DENY.
Say He Never tmed the Election of
I.orimer.
Prompt denial was made al Washington
last week by friends of President Taft of
the report from Springfield. 111., that Mr
Taft had joined with Senator Aldrich in
urging the election of William Lorimer to
the United States Senate. Edward Hines,
a Chicago lumberman, ar the Ixinmcr hear
ing in Springfield, last week Tues
day, testified that Senator Aldrich
had told him Mr Taft Was anx
ious that Mr Lorimer should be selected.
It was stated at 'Washington last,
week that a similar report became cur
rent last Septemb* i and that i'resid*
Taft then, in a letter to an Illinois
friend, categorically denied the statement.
In that letter, the president said, among
other things that “the rumor, report or
statement that I conscientiously lent any
of the weight of the administration to the
election of Lorimer is wholly untrue.’’
Friends of the president said last week
that Mr Taft had expressed the hope that,
the deadlock in Illinois would be broken
nnd a senator elected, but that, that was
as far as he had gone, Former Senator
Aldrich yesterday declined to discuss the
testimony of Mr Hines.
MR (HAMS IN THE SENATE.
[From Washington Letter to the Boston
Journal. I
It has already become apparent that
Senator Crane of Massachusetts is to ho
the real engineer of the republican reg
ulars in the Senate and that ho is to
take the place of former Senators Aid
rich, Hale and Carter in the new organ
ization in so far as be is capable of steer
ing the majority party in the upper body.
By common consent, it seems, the silent
senator from the Bay state has already
assumed his position. In the test Congress
or rather in the last two or three Con
gresses he has been the go-between in
working up votes for one measure or an
other. He has bceu known as the “Whip’’
of the regular organization. Now. how
ever, he is taking a more important part
in the organization. He is taking the load
iu bringing the regulars and insurgents to
gether on committee assignments. He will
not be the floor lender of the majority.
He has never made anything more than
a memorial speech during his career, hut
he will be the cloak-room leader and will
in that, position have almost as important
a part to play iu shaping flic policies of
bis party as the senator who debates nil
questions of polities and policies on the
flour.
Then. too. Senator Crane will he looked
upon aS the authorized representative of
the administration in the Senate. He is
close to the president, and has been since
the Taft administration began. He is. in
fact, just as much in Taft's confidence as
wits his colleague. Senator Lodge, in the
confidence of the Boosevelt administra
tion. _______________
McCALL'S Pl RI.K ITY MEASURE,
[From the Reston Post.)
Bepresentutive McCall, it is under
stood. will promptly introduce in the new
Congress a bill making effective bis meas
ure. which the Senate of the ] a te Con
gress emasculated, requiring the publica
tion of campaign expenses. May he hare
luck with it!
The point Is whether the publication
shell be made in advance of the election,
at a time when the people really would
like to know bow and where money has
been spent to boost the fortunes of candi
dates: or after the event, when such
knowledge can avail them nothing.
Tim last House roted for earlier pub
licity. when it should amount to some
thing: the Senate voted for postponement
to a date when the issue hud boon d<ifldod
nnd people hud begun to forget how the
decision wns reached.
This is one of the mutters which the
democratic caucus has Included in Its
schedule for notion nt the special ses
sion. It should not be sidetracked.