The Madison journal. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1888-current, 1916-12-23
CONGRESS IS BUSY
MEMBERS NOT WORRIED OVER
THE HUGE AMOUNTS THAT
ARE TO BE EXPECTED.
SANCTIONED BY THE PEOPLE
Additional Legislation Concerning
Railway Labor Troubles Causes
Some concern-clark and Mann
Not Distressed About Next Congress
BY GEORGE CLINTON.

BY GEORGE CLINTON.
Washington.-Congress is Quickstep-
ping along on the first lap OF the track
which by times measure runs three
months. The representatives OF the
people show no particular concern De-
cause they face appropriation eSu-
mates that reach the ought-to-be stag
gering total of one and three-quarter
billions.
1.-THE countrys necessity is the
salve which keeps down the fever OF
resentment and protest. As matter
of fact the congressman seem 10 De-
iieve sincerely that the huge amounts
10 be expended are, under existing CON
ditions. rather modest in their proper
tons. Preparedness costs much Ou'
they look upon preparedness as lnSur-
ance. The country, it is known. TO
considerable extent j. divided on this
issue, but it is held that the election
returns show that sanction mas beeh
given TO the appropriations program
presented to congress last year anu
continuing this year, and 50 signs Oh
worry are conspicuous by their absence
at the capitol.
lust now the legislation which IN
sense is an offset 10 the sO-called eight-
hour legislation is engaging the atleh-
tton of the members of both houses
and moreover is somewhat troubling
the HctS
which are TO become law. The presl-
dent has urged that this legislation
take specific form, and as the admins
tration's party holds control OF Doth
houses at present by a big majority,
the presidents will in the matter prob
ably will be done.
Labor Law Troubles.
The eight-hOur law, as II mas come
to be called, and which was read into
the statute books within the span oil
az hours near the else of the last
session, is various'y spoken OF here
as an act of justice, an act of injustice
an act brought into being by coercion
and an act which went through be
cause of is manifest righteousness.
Howe .er 1t is viewed. no member Of
congr SIS denies that labor scored a vic
tori. Now there seems to be desire
70 do something in behalf of capital il
one may speak of the employers as
capital. The legislation which is caus
ing most trouble for the lawmakers il
that which proposes an amendment Il
oh tNrnuiHnc fnl
arbitration, SO that a full public in
yestigation of the merits of any dis
pute shall be instituted before strike
or lockout lawfully may be at
tempted.
This proposed amendment is simila
to law which they have in Canada
1t Is objected to by many representa-
tiyes of labor and Ii seems likely tina
there will be a hard fight on it befor
II finally Is passed, although the out
look apparently Is that passed it Wi
be.
Although the next speakership Is q
stake, the two most uncOncerned me
in the house of representatives toda
seemingly are Champ Clark, the Demo
cratic speaker. and Representative
James r. Mann, the Republican foe
leader. No one knows definitely yt
how the next house is to stand.
may be a tie between the Democrat
and the Republicans with half a doze
men of other parties or no parties hole
Ing the balance Of power. Mr.. Clar
notnrallU GmNRaad him a
as speaker. Mr.. Mann unquestionabl
would hail the opportunity to be speal
er In his own behalf. Any day ma
bring a change In the membership {
the next house of representatives fl
several seats are In dispute. If ii
Clark will be reelected speaker. Man
perhaps gets the job If the balance go,
the other way.
These two party leaders, rivals f
the highest Office in the gift Of Il
house, and in power the second highe
Office In the government. are exceedin
ly friendly. even though they ''row /
q good deal on the floor. The frien'
of both seemingly are much more co
cerned over the future than is eth
one of the men who have most at stak
Wilson Faces Another Ordeal.
President Wilson is facing the ore
Of another Inauguration. Why ordea
Because, despite the pomp and glO
Of the thing. presidents time out
mind have imported to their person
friends In advance Of the swearing
process that they rather dreaded Il
turmoil and the toll of II all.
Every four years the good people
: this city are torn up, while the CT
itself also is more or less torn up,
the apt-to-be stormy month Of Febr
airy. There are signs of the tearing I
Of the residents of this town alread
for they are bent on having an