The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-01-13
CRUCIAL TEST FOR
ADMINISTRATIONS IN
NEXT FEW MONTHS
Must Make No Mistakes
Which VIII Endanger
The Next House
SPECULATIONS ON
PARTY PROGRAMME
Democrats Are Very Jealous of Ma.
tion's Prosperity and Eager to do
Nothing That Will in Any
Wise Injure II
BY c. e. STEWART

Washington. January I2-(SpeciaI3
sofsress has begun steady grind. that
VIII probably last till June. maybe July.
Members, however are more Optimistic
regarding an early adjournment than they
We're two months ago. Ii is believed that
general disposition exists among the
leaders of the party in power to get
through with the programme as early as
possible and let the party stand on its
great achievements. Of tariff and cur
rency reform, and the trust legislation
Whatever it is-in the fall elections
There is considerable qualification in
administration circles Over the manner IN
which t-e country has accepted the cur
rene4 law, and the generous response the
banks have made to the calls for sub
scription to the new federal reserve sys-
ten, that assures the Successful inaugu-
ration of the currency scheme.
The stories that have been written con
cerning trust legislation are many and
yaried--the public can take its choice.
Ihey can guess almost as well as the
enferprising reporter who wrote the
stories But this is quite sure the real
trust programme, to legislation, has
not yet been announced Only three
drsfts on the bill have been made and
not line of what the measure contains
has leaked out. REPRESENTATIVE Clayton
and his committee have been careful that
until the President can review and APP
prove their work, what they have pro-
posed does not become public property. 1t
is more than likely tnat some of the
stories are fairly accurate. But the bill
itself must be submitted 10 the President
aid his IDEAS upon it discussed with the
committee before final decision as to what
mill
Appropriations, trusts immigration,
rural credits and labor legislation are
probably the high points i'm the legisa-
tive programme of the present session.
There are many other things which may
come in for consideration. but there is a
sentiment in favor of getting rid of the
Important matters and leave other items
over until after the congressional cleo
uon in November.
Sensitive About Business
The democrats, keeniy sensitive to the
probable effects OF too rluch agitation ON
business, and realizing that the party
could not survive a period OF depression,
are welcoming every sign that indicates
prosperity and returning optimism on the
part of the business world.
There is no disposition in this on the
part OF anyone, or the administration. to
compromise with offenders, or to do other
cies of the party as hid down in the
Baltimore platform. But the admnistra-
ton has already accomplished more to-
ward carrying out the platform declara
tions in briefer interval. than any other
administration in the history of the ma
tion, and has, stated by the Presi
dent, demonstrated to the people that the
democratic party knows how to serve
the country" Upon what already has
beer done, and what accomplished
during this session the party is ready
tc take its chances for a renewal of its
commission from the people in Novem-
bei Sc far as the House and Senate are
concerned.
Republicans in Same Rut
With the old organization of the repub-
lican party as helpless as ii seemed to
have been Fast November, year ago
and just as much in the control of the
Penrose and Barnes, and Roots and Can
mons, as formerly, with the progressiVes
OF the republican faith as uncomproms-
ing as ever toward the Ftand-pat crowd,
whom they accuse of debauching the
party in Chicago. there seems to be lit
lie or no fear of an early reunitins of
the forces of the ancient enemy of de-
1nocracy The meeting % the republicans
in Washington a few weeks ago is now re-
garded as a complete failure TO reach the
goal desired by its leaders. In fact, by
some il is declared that ii would have
been better had there been no meeting for
it only proved concusively to the people
that the same old gang We're still in
control and that nothing could be done
II ousf them. There was 10 enthusiastic
response from the rank and file of the
republican party, or the least interest or
enthusiasm aroused by this cut and dried
convention. The Moses to lead the re-
publican party back into power has yet
to appear upon the scene, unless Roose-
VET is drafted for the sob. Certainly the
Immediate reunion Of the republican
force sin time for the congressional elec-
1icns-is not at all likely.
Ii is practically certain then that Pres
ident Wilson win be given a full four
Years. in which to put upon the statute
1Noks of the republic the de mocratic pol
lies for which he stands. 1t seems now
hat is would be next 10 impossible for