Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1913-09-28
Even Congressman Tire of Gen.
eraI Discussion for Purpose of
Padding House Record.
BIG EXPENSE TO THE NATION
Limitation of Talk Would Save
Thousands of Dollars in
Ink and Paper.
BY JONATHAN WINFIELD.

WASHINGTON. Sept 27.--If one
wanders into the gallery Of the House
Of Representatives and see a snowy
haired statesman making an impas-
stoned speech to six of his colleagues,
a few pages and a dozen spectators
IN the galleries and If one didn't know
the ways OF craftsmanship, one might
think 1t funny. One might comment
that 1t appeared a bit foolish and
might ask why they did II,
Well, there's a reason.
When such a proceeding Is going on
there is in progress what is known as
general debate. General debate" does
not mean that some folks are debat-
ing something. Quite to the contrary,
IL means that certain representatives
of the dear pee-pul' are getting their
remarks, partisan or otherwise, in the
Congressional Record for distribution
in their home districts and for the flu
ture enlightenment and wisdom of
their constituents.
Whenever a measure Of Importance
comes up in the House for considera-
ton the first thing on the program is
general debate" This varies accord
ing to the Importance OF the bill under
consideration. In the case Of the tar
IN bill there were fifty hours or so Of
general debate and about the same
amount when the currency bill was
brought into the House from the
Committee on Banking and Currency.
Can Discuss Anything.
Under the rules Of the House, a
member who has been yielded time
in general debate has the right to dis
cuss anything under the sun. He may
talk about the crops In Kansas, or the
prospect OF war with Mexico, or the
new treaty with Siam or some other
equally interesting subject.
General debate is uninteresting as
a rule, as experience has shown, to
the rank and file OF the House.
But to the comparatively few mem
bers who want to get their speeches
in The Record. this general debate
business is a most serious PROPOSE
ton. They sit around the chamber
restlessly awaiting the time when the
chairman Of a committee, or some
other member in charge of a bill,
rises in his place and says gracefully
Il now yield 80 minutes to the gen
tleman from so and so, Mr.. SO and
So"
Country Sees Deception.
And the essence of the seriousness
with which these members take gen
eral debate lies as follows: Time was
when a member of the House didn't
need to deliver a speech in order to
assure his remarks a certain amount
OF desirable publicity. He could ask
permission of the House TO exten
his remarks in the Record. Not only
that, but he could insert in the speech
such words as these: Applause,
much applause" long and continued
applause" laughter" (This Inter
would follow, OF course. some with
oism or alleged witticism.)
But, alas, the country got on" 10
the deception, and members them
selves participated in the action 70
bring an end to this state OF af-
fairs Now If a member cares to ex-
tend his remarks in the Record, he
may do so minus the applause" the
Tong and continued applause" and
all the other old devices for making
the speech seem have been actually
delivered
So acute has become the situation
that members now are DESTROYS If
making these speeches no matter how
few persons are present to hear
them. Now and then. a little APP
plause is heard from the few mem
bers present. and the official stenog-
rapher notes the fact.
Not only that, but frequently the
speaker, in his desire to convince the
folks at home that he actually has
made the speech. arranges that other
members shall interrupt him for a
question or a suggestion or some.
thing else. The question may be per
tinent or II may lot be. The effect Is
just the same. The speech is deliv-
cred just the same, aud on II are the
earmarks of actually having been
spoken.