Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-12-04
Congress Faces Serious Task


WITH the reassembling OF Congress. that
w body faces the serious task Of deviSing
ways and means for supporting the war upon
which have entered to victorious con-
clusion speedily as possible. Happily. our
lawmakers address themselves to their
work without any misgivings to the gen
cral course their constituents would have
them pursue in discharge Of the obligation
that rests upon them. No other thought than
that of standing solidly back Of their govern
ment in its effort 10 win the war constitutes
any part OF American purpose. and recogniz-
ing the bigness OF the undertaking. the
American people are united in the determine
tion to place every resource of strength OF
which they possessed at the disposal OF
the government to attain this supreme OBJ
jectve. Hence, with confidence they look TO
their representatives to counsel together in
patriotism for the enactment Of legislation
far-reaching may be necessary to sup
port the war asking only that il be equitably
conceived. that no class interest shall
be unjustly burdencd by its opera ton.
Fortunately. much of the preliminary pro-
gram for supporting the war gotten under
way at the extra session. and to the extent
that the resultant legislation is conceived in
sound policy for the future. we may count it
so much progress over ground which it
will not be necessary to retrace our steps i'll
oTueT 10 compete the program LOT meeting
future needs. Doubtless there is room
for Improvement in the details of some of the
legislation already in effect. but since there
is no marked division OF opinion among our
lawmakers to the weaknesses demanding
correction. no great delay is expected in
smoothing out these irregularities. preim-
mary to taking up other more serious
problems.
In his annual address TO Congress to-day
the President is expected TO give general
survey of the world situation as it affects
America. and indicate in brief outline the
needs of the government for CARRYING on the
war. That the President is giving no thought
TO peace suggestions short OF complete vic
tory for the allies the country we'll knows
hence his message is expected TO be distinctly
a war utterance, in which Congress will be
urged TO devote itself TO the supreme purpose
OF providing the means for prosecuting the
war with the utmost Vigor possible. Such
program OF legislation as the administration
deems will best enable the nation to mobilize
its full strength for participation in the war
will be submitted 10 the appropriate COM
mittees. and, animated by the common ma
tional purpose. these may be expected 10
address themselves without delay TO their
task OF whipping into shape the mammoth
supply measures for the future needs of our
army and navy.
Intimately related TO the supply measures
is the problem OF railroad transport ton the
solu ion OF which, III turn involves the cues
ticn d labor. wages, rates, credit and a num-
Der OF other subjects. which may be counted
Oh to consume considerable of the time of
congress in reaching satisfactory solution
he suffrage and prohibition amendments
VIII, OF course, be pressed for submission and
t'cre are number of bills on the calendar
lcft over from the extra session that will
engage attention from time to time. to say
nothing OF the usual food of new bills that
ambitious members deem ii necessary to sub
init for the cure of the numerous ills with
which they imagine the country is afflicted.
Considering the Importance of the work that
VIII necessarily come up for disposition it is
the general expectation that the session will
DC prolonged one. even il Congress gives
less time than usual TO trixialiiics