Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1916-12-26
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 Coacern-CIark and Mann
Not Distressed ABOUT Next Congress.
By GEORGE CLINTON.

hington.-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 be-
cause they face appropriation esti-
mates that reach the ought-tO-be stag
gering total of one and three-quarter
billions.
THE country's necessity" is the
saIve which keeps down the fever of
resentment and protest. AS matter
of fact the congressman seem to be-
lieve sincerely that the huge amounts
to be expended are, under existing con-
ditions, rather modest in their proper
tons. Preparedness costs much, but
they look upon preparedness as insur-
ance. The country, it is known, to
considerable extent is divided on this
issue, but it is held that the election
returns show that sanction has been
given to the appropriations program
presented TO congress last year and
continuing this year, and so signs of
worry are conspicuous by their absence
at the capitol.
Just now the legislation which in a
sense is an offset to the so-called eight
hour legislation is engaging the atten-
ton of the members of both houses
and moreover is somewhat troubling
the men who must frame the acts
which are to become law. The presi-
I11 hi icIo irTn
take specific form, and as the admins
tration's party holds control of both
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 it has come
to be called, and which was read into
the statute books within the span of
4S hours near the close of the last
session, is variously 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 its manifest righteousness.
However it is viewed, no member of
congress denies that labor scored vic
tory. Now there seems to be desire
to do something in behalf of capital if
one may speak of the employers as
capital. The legislation which is caus-
ing most trouble for the lawmakers is
that which proposes an amendment to
the existing statute which provides for
arbitration, so that full public in
vestigation of the merits of any dis
pute shall be instituted before a strike
or a lockout lawfully may be at
tempted.
This proposed amendment is similar
to law which they have in Canada.
1t is objected to by many representa-
tives of labor and it seems likely that
there will be hard fight on it before
it finally is passed, although the out
look apparently is that passed it will
be.
Clark and Mann Calm.
Although the next speakership is at
stake, the two most unconcerned men
in the house of Representatives today
seemingly are Champ Clark. the Demo
cratic speaker. and Representative
James r. Mann, the Republican floor
leader. No one knows definitely yet
how the next house is to stand. 1t
may be a tie between the Democrats
and the Republicans with half dozen
men of other parties or no parties hold
ing the balance of power. Mr.. Clark
naturally wants to succeed himself
as speaker Mr.. Mann unqueStionably
would hail the opportunity to be speak
er in his own behalf. Any day may
bring a change in the membership of
the next house of representatives for
several seats are in dispute. If the
Democrats secure majority, of course
Clark will be reelected speaker. Mann
perhaps gets the job if the balance goes
the other way.
These two party leaders, rivals for
the highest office in the gift of the
house, and in power the second highest
Office in the government, are exceeding
ly friendly, even though they ROW it,
a good deal on the floor. The friends
of both seemingly are much more con-
cerned over the future than is either
one of the men who have most at stake.
Wilson Faces Another Ordeal.
President Wilson is facing the oreal
of another Inauguration. Why ordeal?
Because, despite the pomp and glory
of the thing, presidents time out of
mind have imported to their personal
friends in advance of the swearing-in
process that they rather dreaded the
turmoil and the toll of it all.
Every four years the good people of
this city are torn up, while the city
itself also is more or less torn up, in
the apt-to-be stormy month of Febru-
airy. There are signs of the tearing up
of the residents of this town already,
for they are bent on having an in
augural ball, and seemingly the presi-
dent is bent on not having one.
There was no inaugural ball four
years ago. Mr.. Wilson said mo-" and,
of course, the citizens committee,
which has charge of the inaugural pro-
ceedings, of necessity was forced to
bow to the word. The chances are
there will be NO inaugural ball this
year. and there is the evidence of dis
appointment among the citizenry that
was manifest four years ago.
Inaugural proceedings cost the peo-
Mo Of WASHINGTON a oaod daal of