The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1918-03-14
AMONG THE NATIONS
Brighten the Corner"
Especial Correspondence)

brighten the Corner
Especial Correspondence)
Washington, March 12-The de
termination of Republicans in Con
gress to insist on more light on execu
tive transactions is reflected in al
amendment proposed to the wa
finance bill by Senator Frederick Hal,
of Maine. After the paragraph Civ
ing the War Finance Corporation au
thority to make money advances Il
public utilities and businesses neces
sary to the conduct of the war Mr.
Hale would insert the following langu
age: provided that the corporation
shall make monthly reports to the
Congress, giving the name and place
of business of the firm, corporation, OF
association to which such advances
have been made under the provisions
of this section, the amount advanced
and the security accepted therefor
Mr.. Hale feels that such a provision
will tend to conservatism on the part
Of the corporation, and a more careful
handling Of the peoples money.
Billions Visualized
In order that the people may have
an adequate understanding of the
enormous cost of the war Representa-
tive Frederick c. Hicks of New York
Undertakes TO give the figures in terms
idly comprehended. Up to April ]
1917, the war had cost both sides $685.
500,000,000. That sum would build
257 Panama Canals, or 6,533 National
Capitols, or, if distributed, would give
S66 to every person on the face of the
earth. If that number of 81 bills were
placed end to end they would encircle
the earth AGA times, or reach to the
moon 4S times. But the fact that will
impress the average person with the
greatest horror is Mr.. Hicks calcula-
tion that 220,000,000 Ford automobiles
could have been built with the money
that has ben spent for the war.
Carrier Compensation
Another Republican attempt to Sc
cure a just compensation for the rural
mail carriers of the country is to be
made by Senator George W. Norris Of
Nebraska when the Post Office Appro-
priation bill comes up for considera-
ton in the Senate. At that time Mr..
Norris will offer an amendment to the
granting $3.50 per year to car
riers on routes of less than "a miles
for the maintenance of their equip
ment, and $500 per year on routes OF
over "a miles. The senator expressly
stipulates that these sums are to be
in addition to the compensation now
provided by law. Several similar
in the shape Of bills or
Of Republican authorship
are now pending in the Senate and
House, and it is more than probable
that the result will be a grant of sub
stantial relief to our rural carriers.
Clericalizing the !. c. {.
The proposal in the administration
railroad bill to rob the Interstate Com
merce Commission of the power TO fix
rates does not meet with the approval
of Representatives Edward Voigt of
Such legislation he be-
lieves would reduce the Commission
TO a set of Office boys. Even
though the President should be given
heretofore exercised for 30
years by the Commission he could not
10 the work himself, but would have to
delegate that duty TO others. Very
the President would turn TO
The Interstate Commerce Commission,
50 why not leave their present author
ty undisturbed Mr.. Voigt holds that
hat body Of men being the only or
that has expert knowledge
IF the subject Of rate fixing, it is folly
10 put the control Of such matters in
he hands Of another and untrled
agency.