Gainesville daily sun. (Gainesville, Fla.) 190?-1938, 1908-03-16

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| Washington, D. c.. March 49, THE
dO.nDthing Congressional policy d the
Republican leaders has beer dawdling
along so far without anyone seeking
TO enliyen the proceedings. But II is
now reported that word has gone cut
from the White House that is virtually
a threat to the reactiopary Republi-
cans of Congress that President
Roosevelt has no notion Of allowing
Congress to adjourn without consider
ing the recommendation set forth
in his message to that body. OF
course, the President cannot keep Con.
gTess in session when II decides to adj
5ourn, but can call an extraordinary
session Immediately following such I'D.
jodmment and again call the atteation
Of Congress to what he considers 81
needed legislation.
President Roosevelt believes he WIN
be supported by the country In such
demand for necessary laws, and
even II he does not call Congress to-
gether in extra session he can make
II plain TO the constituents OF the re-
dictionary Congressman that they are
"bucking my policies" and are unfit
TO represent those who believe in re.
form. The back fire that Mr.. Roose-
welt can start would certainly make
the position OF many Republicans de-
cidedly uncomforabIeAf not untenable
politically.
What legislation does President
Roosevelt demand that he thinks of
such consequence as would lead him
TO disrupt his party on the eve Of a
national electionY First, q new EN-.
ployers liability law, then amend
ments to the Sherman antitrust law ,
and for law governing the issue
Of securities by interstate, corpora.
lions. The employers liability law
passed by the last Congress has been
decided demonstrations by the su.
preme court. 20 the President who is
now trying to propitiate the labor vote,
wants the Knox bill passed. which Is
now IN the hands Of the Senate -Ju.
dietary Committee. that will evade the
objection unanimously announced by
the court Then he recommends the
antitrust law be amended SO that
pooling and combinations may be lie.
gal, and a federal incorporation law,
Or license act for interstate corpora.
lions. AlFO to control the issue OF
securities by such corporations. No
bills have yet been introduced to
cover these last two recommendations,
but are being prepared by those who
ire friendly TO such legislation. There
Is ample field for almost endless dis.
,ussion on these matters and until
Iuch as the currency bill Is out Of the
vay>it will hardly be possible to con. !
Iider the Roosevelt measures. Even II I
iuch bills were already reported from '
committees, al the Knox bill has been, '
'et the appropriation bills would be in I
he way OF securing time for their dis. 4
.usslon. Il
Congress- wants TO pass the appro. a
'riatlon bills and adjourn. The
resident wants Congress TO take up {
his doubtful legislation. which will u
ntall long debate on interstate com. c
nerce. State rights. Capitalization, and i
he rights OF corporations, labor and q
apitAi Which will prevail is not }
'et certain.
II 10 rather singular that President e
Roosevelt does not insist upon cur a
ency referm In his program, but per. c
laps he thinks that the Congress is
ertain to pasa at least the necessary I
Emergency currency legislation. Such
eforms as revising the tariff. which
; OF far greater Importance TO the
'eople than all the other legislation. .
= quietly ignored until after election;
II forever, II the tariff protected In. =
erests again control Congress. Tho '
does not even urge the one :
we lamb that Senator Beveridge has :
Headed for 80 earnestly. the non. =
artisan Tariff Commission, +"
How different would b. the political u
ohditlons u a Democratic President .
Tere In the White House and there .
'ere a Democratic Congress with a =
majority equal 20 what the RepublI. y
ans have, Suppose Hon. William L. "
louelas Of Massachusetts were presL