Judge A. B. Parker, in a speech in New York “Jefferson Day,” said the “defeat of the Democratic Party was emphasized by the unprecedented expenditure of money.” Everybody knows that there was not one-fifth as much used by the Republicans to defeat him as there was to defeat Bryan. Perhaps he meant the “unprecedented” use of money to secure him the nomination. What else could he mean?—_The Jeffersonian, Thomson, Ga._ * * * * * Stand for the referendum in the management of the business of the Farmers’ Union. By this means you will do away with the boss, especially the political boss. Demand the right to settle your own affairs, and do not leave it to self-constituted leaders.—_The Watchman, Cleburne, Tex._ _News Record_ FROM APRIL 7 TO MAY 7, 1905 _Government and Politics_ April 8.—President Roosevelt made the last speech of his present trip, and left Texas for Oklahoma to hunt. The South and Central American governments allege to Secretary Taft that discrimination in freight rates by the Panama Railroad has restricted direct trade with the United States. April 9.—President Roosevelt reaches Oklahoma, where he will hunt wolves for a few days. April 10.—Pension Commissioner Warner discovers a number of pensioners on the rolls who have never served in the United States Army. Judge Edward F. Dunne is installed Mayor of Chicago. Commissioner of Corporations Garfield reaches Kansas to begin an investigation of Standard Oil operations. The United States Marshal at Chicago seizes six trunks full of records and accounts of the Etna Trading Company, which are said to contain damaging evidence against the Beef Trust. The United States Supreme Court decides that the right of trial by jury extends to Alaska. April 11.—The Legislative Investigation Committee, which is making an investigation of the lighting plants of New York City, has subpœnaed Mayor McClellan, Charles F. Murphy and other well-known politicians to appear before the committee. President Castro refuses to withdraw the asphalt cases from the Venezuelan courts, claiming that the courts of Venezuela have jurisdiction over such matters. Secretary Shaw defends the “drawback” on Canadian wheat. United States Senator Mitchell, of Oregon, pleads not guilty to indictments in connection with land frauds in that state. April 12.—The Executive Committee of the Panama Canal Commission holds its first meeting in Washington, and decides to abolish preferential freight rates on the Panama Railroad. Clarence E. Darrow is appointed special corporation counsel to have charge of street railway litigation in Chicago. April 13.—Four employees of the Beef Trust indicted by the Federal Grand Jury in Chicago for opposing a deputy marshal in serving subpœnas.