The Green Forest tribune., 1916-12-22
CONGRESS |S 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.
 Shington.-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 salve which keeps down the fever of resentment and protest As a matter of fact the congressman seem to be- lieve sincerely that the huge amounts to be expended are, under existing con- ditfOns, rather modest in their propor- tions. Preparedness costs much, but they look upon preparedness as insur- ance. The country, it is known, to a 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 1 sense is an offset to the so-called eight ! hour legislation is engaging the atten- 1 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- dent has urged that this legislation 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 AS 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 it's manifest righteousness.
 However it is viewed, no member of congress denies that labor scored a vic tory. Now there seems to be a 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 a full public in- vestigation of the merits of any dis pute shall be instituted before strike or a lockout lawfully may be at ':' 'iis:'5:ss ssa ensaansj !, to a law which they have as le -H It is objected to by many Wssenta- lives of labor and it seems TIkely that there will be hard fight on it before it finally is passed, although the out look apparently is that passed it will be.
 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. It may be a tie between the Democrats and the Republicans with half a dozen men of other parties or no parties hold ing the balance of power. MT. Clark naturally wants to succeed himself as speaker. MT. Mann unquestionably would hail the opportunity to be speak CT 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 a 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 TOW 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- ary. There are signs of the tearing up of the residents of this town already, for they are bent on having an in-
 Breaking 1t Gently.
 Beauty" said the lecturer at the hygiene circle-"beauty is everywhere.