New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-03-04
The Sessions Record.

Measured in leg slatve output the SEES
sion of Congress just ending has been un-
usually ba rem. 1t has been remarkably
fruitful, however, in political results.
The breakdown of the Presidents legis-
lative programme, emphasizing the de-
cline of his prestige as a party leader,
has been the big, outstanding develop
ment of TIE short session. 1t is the
biggest fact in politics to-day. The
popular impulse which manifested it
self in the November elections has not
spent its force Congress at this session
responded to it more or less consciously.
The President closed his ears to the
warning given him at the polls. He
cannot well ignore sullen and damag-
ing protest against his leadership COM
ing from his own followers in Congress.
Mr.. Wilson staked his fortunes on
the passage of the ship purchase bill.
Only the habit of loyalty to him kept
the Democratic majority in the House
of Representatives behind the project for
a government owned and operated mer-
chant marine. In the Senate the bonds
of blind obedience were Overstralned and
snapped The Democratic Senators who
remained faithful made show of carry
ing out the Presidents orders. But their
fight was half hearted. The shipping
monopoly scheme failed because the
Democrats in Congress- realized that
there was no public support behind it.
They feared the effect on the country
of an approval of the administrations
half baked and risky enterprise.
The futile ship purchase bill crowded
aside legislation of vastly greater I'M
portance to the country. Congress never
had a fair chance to consider measures
for the strengthening of the national
defence. The President pooh-poohed
such action. In spite of the emphatic
testimony of the abest naval experts,
Congress failed to make good deficiencies
in naval organization and materiel. A
minimum increase in the fleet was au-
thorized by the House. Some last min
ute increases made by the Senate were
rejected in conference. Only two sub
marines of the new sea-going type were
provided for. thus ignoring all the les
sons of the European war.
Similarly, all plans for Strengthening
of the, army went by the board. Con-
gress, having no leisure to digest Secre-
tary Garrison's recommendations, de-
cided to stand pat on unpreparedness. 1t
has been left to private initiative to de-
wise in the American Legion an unofficial
army reserve, with which to supplement
the present grotesque official reserve of
sixteen men.
These failures on the part of Congress
to see where its duty and opportunity
lay naturally overshadow in political i'm
portance any work which it actually did.
As matter of fact, very little was &C
complished Congress passed an immi-
grafton bill containing an Objectionable
literacy test. The President vetoed the
bill and it was not repassed. The La
Toilette Alexander seamen's bill was also
sent to the White House. 1t is still un-
signed and seems likely to perish by the
pocket veto route. a coast guard bill
was passed, combining the lifesavlng
and revenue marine services. A Philip
pine bill, with an obnoxious preamble.
passed the House OF Representatives, but
died in he Senate. Finally rural
credits scheme was embodied in the agri-
cultural appropriation act.
The session appropriations have not
vet been totalled, but they promise 10
maintain the Democratic party's record
for extravaganza in expenditure. How
ever neglectfu il may be Of vital ma
,,onal needs, the party in power would