Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1906-06-21
ROOSEVELT, MASTER.

country is witness to a greater degree
OF dictatorship on the part OF its presi-
dent than ever before. Even "Old
Hickory" never assumed the authority
over Congress that Roosevelt main
tains. Ii a measure doesn't please
him, he sits down and writes a sharp
message or even a singing personal
letter, giving his own views OF what
should be, and sometimes impugning
the motives of those who oppose him.
He frequently holds the threat OF veto
over the head of Congress, or the inti-
nation Of that dreaded thing, an extra
summer session, if they do not comply.
He takes direct hand and part in leg
islation while it is still before Con-
gress. At times he summons House
or Senate leaders to conference at the
White House and practically writes
out Tor them what he wants passed.
President Roosevelts domination Of
Congress is a departure from the code
of ethics that has obtained since the
establishment of the government.
The theory hitherto has been that the
president of the United States is pri-
marily the executive officer, and that
his part in legislation should be con-
fined to the constitutional require
ments OF transmitting advisory mes
sages and exercising the power OF APP
proval or veto, as measures that have
already passed Congress come to him.
Presidents have, it is true, OCCASION
ally taken hand in legislation, but
never so openly or actively as Roose-
welt is doing. Had it been attempted
fifty years ago the result might have
been impeachment.
1t is apparent that Congress does
not relish being snapped around now
by the man in the White House. The
resent his interference, and
their disposition would lead them to
serve direct notice upon the president
to mind his own business, keep to
his end OF the avenue and let them
frame laws as the constitution pro-
vides. But Congress is overawed
by the personal strength of the presi-
dent, and virtually acknowledges him
as master. Congressman know that
Roosevelt's wonderful popularity
among his countrymen is force with
which they cannot contend. They
recognize that he is backed by the peo-
pie as no president has ever been,
They appreciate that We're differences
10 arise between Roosevelt an6 Con-
gress the mass OF public opinion, al
most regardless of the merits in the
particular case, would be with the
president. So, while they chafe and
age inwardly at the constant en-
on their rights, the re-
peated injuries to their official dignity,
hey bow in submission to Roosevelt as
hey look behind him and see the peo-
lie at his back.
There is one thing the average Con- !
FRESHMAN is more concerned about
han violation OF the constitution, and
hat is the chance of his being re-
urned for another term. As things
low stand, every member who dares
0 oppose the president takes long
hances on being elected to stay at
lone next time. They all know this,
which explains why Congress so read
ly yields to White House direction.
he fact is, the people have more con-
dence in the knowledge, the iudg-
nent, the virtue and the courage of
he man in the presidents seat than
hey have in Congress itself. 1t is by /
sing this "big stick that Roosevelt
5 able to make Congress do his bid
ing. Ere long our doughty president !
nay say as the French monarch did, {
nd truly am the state. II