Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1914-10-01
WHY SWAP HORSES IN
MIDDLE OF THE STREAM
Senators and Congressman Who Have
Shared in Responsibility Entitled to
"A Vote Of Confidence.

councils, held at Washington, the
lines Of the fall campaign have been
clearly drawn. The paramountissue,
according to the prevailing gossip,
is simply this:
Shall President Wilson aid the
Democratic msjorities Of the House
and Senate who have stood by him
in putting over constructive pro-
pressive legislation receive a vote Of
confidence from the American elect
crate?
In many particulars, the situation
is critical As everybody realizes,
the President, with Congress assist
ing willingly, has met the financial
and commercial crisis brought upon
this country by the European war
wisely and efficiently But the war
is to continue indefinitely. Some
war problems are in course of solu
ton and others are certain to arise.
The United States occupies an inter-
national situation that requires deli
cate handling The case very forci-
bly, revives he old Injunction against
swapping horses while crossing a
stream.
Much more besides the war situa-
ton is to be considered in the same
light The new banking provided
by the Federal Reserved Act is on
the eve Of taking effect, and the test
Of its success must be determined
in the two years now to come. The
Federal Trade Commission created
by the Trade Commission Bill must
be organized and put to work.
Since the extra tariff session met
a year ago last April, Congress has
done wonders by way OF providing
the country with reform legislation
which has been demanded for years.
But much remaines TO be done. The
crush of business has necessitated
thek postponement of rural credits
legislation and may result in deferr-
action in the Senate upon the Ray
burn Securities Bill. The bills in
the conservation program have pass
ed the House, but are yet to pass
the Senate. Next winters session
ends by law March 4 Therefore it
is possible that these and other inn
portant matters may have to be turn
ed over TO the incoming Congress.
In considering the political appli-
cation of argument against changing
horses, there rises naturally the
question of what constitutes the
horse upon which SO much progress
has beer made. It is not a horse
really; it is a team--the President
and sympathetic Congress.
The Presidents effective leader
ship is conceded and universally
lauded. But the Presidents principle
of action has been that Of seeking
common COUNSEL before acting.
In this manner he has been able to
secure the cooperation Of Congress
to degree withoutexample in mod
ern political history. The Presidents
measures and policies have succeed
ed because the Democratic majorities
OF the House and Senate have stood
by him through hot weather and
cold, through praise and blame, no
matter whether the going was heavy
or easy. 1t follows that the Demo-
cratic Congressman and Senators
who joined in the common counsel
and who have stood by the Presi-
dent are entitled to share the benes
fits Of vote Of confidence
Advices reaching Washington
from all parts of the country show
that substantially this line Of reason
ing is running in the minds of the
public at large. Hence, the Demo-
cratic outlook is considered excellent
The House Republicans have
suddenly put the soft pedal upon
attacks on the sugar schedule of the
Underwood Triff. After having in
serted sugar speech after sugar speech
in the Congressional Record, with
view tn hea ninu insisfently unon the