The Devils Lake world and inter-ocean. (Devils Lake, N.D.) 1915-1920, 1915-12-16
SESSION.
MUCH TROUBLE

!: Washington, Dec. 15.-Special cor
respondence.-There are thousands OF
predictions to be heard here as to what
Congress will do. But no one has yet
had the courage to declare that it will
adjourn before the nominating con-
ventions are held. In fact, many
people are doubtful if an adjournment
can be had much before election day.
The program of subjects to be sub
mitted is long and varied and it con-
tains no question upon which there is
substantial agreement in any material
detail. Perhaps a reasonable" pre-
pacedness comes nearer to command
ing a big majority than any other mat
ter, but it yet remains to be deter
mined what a reasonable" prepared
ness is. Certainly the plan proposed
by the President is not so accepted.
There is even wider divergence Of
/ opinion as to the means of securing
revenue to pay for even a "reasona-
BILE" preparedness and to care for the
deficit in the treasury which the DEM
ocrats, as usual, have produced. Sec
rotary McAdoo's scheme for augment
ed direct taxes is meeting with scanty
favor. The issue of bonds is an alb
horrent thought. An upward revision
of the tariff is a suicidal proposition,
from a Democratic standpoint.
The Administrations ship-purchase
bill will be a gusty storm-center for
many a day. Conservative Democrats
will oppose it as subversive of all the
traditional policies Of Jefferson and
the fathers. The LaFollette seamen's
law is to be singled out for attack.
The report of the Walsh industrial re-
~lations commission will be a target.
The rual credits bill, no matter what
its form, must run the gauntlet Of Sc
we're criticism. The Columbian and
the Nicaraguan treaties, together with
the remaining pacts for peace be-
~queathed by Mr.. Bryan, will occupy
much time in the Senate.
The troubles here enumerated are
exclusively Democratic. The Repub-
lican motto is, ri should worry. This
does not mean that the Republicans
will remain inactive.O On the contrary,
the minority in each branch is deter
mined to lose no opportunity to demon
strate to the country the ineptitude of
the Democratic party. Republicans
will be ready with we'll thought out
suggestions on every topic that is like
ly to arise. They will have a compre-
hensive plan for the national defense,
based upon opinions of the military
and naval experts whom Mr.. Wilson
has disregarded. They will suggest
relief for the treasury along lines
Which experience has shown to be wise
and beneficent. They will offer a ship
ping bill which will possess merit
They will, in all matters, show them
selves to be statesmen and patriots.
The only way in which Republicans
could possibly aid in shortening the
session would be by accepting what
ever the White House shall decide
upon regarding all important legisla
tion. Doubtless Mr.. Wilson can find
enough Democrats, who, added to the
entire Republican membership, woul5
make a majority in boil. House anc
Senate. But he certainly cannot fine
an enthusiastic majority, made up ex.
clusively of Democrats, for any of his
plans. Accordingly, the length of the
session will depend upon how long il
takes Mr.. Wilson to whip his part,
into line-if that is possible-er to dc
+ermine that he must accept Replbil
can suggestions along with Republi
can votes if any of his program is t.
be saved.
The responsibility for a long SEES
sion, therefore, is with the Demo
carts.