Page:The autobiography of a Pennsylvanian.djvu/474



I have been placed upon three of the most active and important committees of the Senate, one of which, the Interoceanic Canals Committee, has undertaken the investigation of everything relating to the Panama Canal and expects to hold practically continuous sessions until that work is completed. The work of the Judiciary Committee, of which I am a member, is voluminous and important, and I find the fact that I have been attorney general has added to my labor upon that committee.

I am interested as a citizen of Pennsylvania in the subjects of the proposed legislation at the extra session of its legislature you have called, and heartily approve, as you well know, enacting into law the suggestions contained in your proclamation; but having fully and freely made my attitude towards these subjects generally known, I do not see how I can be of further use.

Wholly apart from the impossibility of being able to give the matter attention on account of lack of time, I seriously doubt the wisdom of a senator of the United States involving himself in responsibilities in respect to legislation in his state. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has all of the machinery of government, and all the brains and experience in the personnel of its government to deal wisely and with technical accuracy with its affairs. Voluntary assumption of responsibilities for legislation by one upon whom the laws of the commonwealth cast no duties would imply a doubt as to the efficiency of the state government that cannot be entertained.

I do not believe the practice of United States Senators actively concerning themselves with state legislation is general or is generally approved.

I anticipate that your wisdom in convening the legislature in extraordinary session will bring lasting good to the commonwealth and add to the fame you have already won as one of its most conscientious and able governors.


 * Sincerely yours,

Feby. 19th, 1906.

I trust it is not too late for me to congratulate you on the splendid work of the extra session, which is entirely due to your foresight in calling the legislature together, and your firmness in standing out for the radical measures of reform which have grown into laws under your excellent direction. It is a calamity that 454