South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1914-10-03
President Wilson's Policy
And Need of Congressional
Support Is Campaign Issue

In the preliminary democratic
councils, held at Washington, the
lines of the fall campaign have been
clearly drawn. The paramount issue,
according to the prevailing gossip, is
simply this:
Shall Pres. Wilson and the demo-
cratic majorities of the house and
senate who have stood by him In
putting over" constructive progress
sive legislation receive vote of con-
fidence from the American electorate
In many particulars the situation
is critical. AS everybody realizes, the
president with congress assisting will
ingly, has met the financial and COM
mercial crisis brought upon this coun-
try by the European war wisely and
efficiently. But the war is to con-
tinue indefinitely Some war problems
are in course of solution and others
are certain to arise. The United
States occupies an international Situa-
ton that requires delicate handling.
The case very forcibly revives the 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 bankins system pro-
vided by the federal reserve act Is on
the eve CT taking effect and the test
Of it's success must be determined IN
the two years now TO come. The fed
eral trade commission created by the
trade commission bill must be organ
lied 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 "hlch
has been demanded for years. But
much remains to be done. The crus
I
ponement Of rural credits legislation
and may result IN deferring action IN
the senate upon the Rayburn securi-
I ties bill. The bills in the conservation
program have passed the house, bat
are vet TO pass the senate NeN'
winters session ends by law March 4
i Therefore il is possible that these and
! other important matters may have to
| be turned over TO the incoming con-
/ gress.
In considering the political applica-
/ ton of argument against changing
/ horses, there arises naturally the ques-
/ ton OF what constitutes the horse
/ upon which so much progress has
/ been made. II is not horse really;
\ il is a team-the president and Q
I sympathetic congress
The presidents effective Leadership
1 is conceded and universally lauded.
has been that Of seeking common
counsel before acting In this manner
! he has bern able 10 secure the coop
Grafton OF congress to a degree with
I out example in modern political his
f tory. The presidents measures and
I policies have succeeded 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 go
I ing was heavy or easy. IL follows that
/ the democratic congressman and SEN
atOrs who joined in the common
\ counsel and who have stood by the
president are entitled 10 share the
benefits of a vote OF confidence
4 Advices reaching Washington from
Y all parts OF the country show that
\ substantially this line OF reasoning is
running in the minds Of the public
at large. Hence. the democratic out
4 look Is considered excellent.
The house republicans have sudden
~ put the soft pedal upon attacks on