New-York tribune., 1919-05-18
Again a Congress

Again a Congress
When Congress assemblies in extra ses-
sion it will be after what may properly
be deemed a Congressional interregnum.
At the outbreak of the war an adjourn
ment of politics was proclaimed amid
general rejoicings, and there was great
regret when Burleson and others refused
to abide the understanding.
But though politics did not stay ad-
iourned Congress, although there was
no formal prorogung, was in effect ad-
journed By this is meant that Congress
temporarily ceased being an independent,
coordinate branch of the government. AS
to the pressing business before the coun-
try it became a consultative body; it ap-
proved and gave consent, but it initiated
little. 1t unregistered DEGREES rather
than passed laws.
This fact is mentioned here not in the
way of criticism. Congress gladly min
imized its prerogatives, and the public
approved its partial abdication. 1t was
necessary to centre power, and the Ex-
tire. Congress is not organized to make
the quick decisions which are required in
crisis. 1t is too large and many-voiced
It has no administrative machinery
The American people showed a sound
instinct when they turned to the Presi-
dent to boss the job and were impatient
of gratuitous OF partisan faulthndng.
Don't bothsr the pilot was maxi
mum whose pertinency Congress, as we'll
as the country, recognized The Presi-
dent was in Office for definite time, and
it was impossible to work speedily and
effectively through any other agency.
Some other man might have done better.
but it was idle to speculate over this,
Tor the existing President was the only
one the country had or could get This
was the common sense view of The multi
tude.
Now Congress meets under different
conditions. Peace is in sight, the crisis
which justified an extraordinary integra-
ton OF power is over and the government
IS to go back to normal. 1t is wise for
Congress to resume it's functions.
In some quarters is observable a ten
dency to carry was Psychology over into
the postwar period, and to regard the
temperance Of Congress as an intru-
sion. The common sense of the country
can be relied on to hold these in check
just as for two years it held in check
those who could net see why things could
not go on in war time as in peace time.
Congress has a big job before it-a
Job it only can do, as only the President
could do the job of the last two years 1t
should be assisted and Loyalty co0perated
with by the Executive department and be
supported by public opinion in the exer-
clse of its constitutional prerogatives.
1t is to be hoped that no marplots on
either side will be able to work up and
perpetuate disharmony.
To get harmony and to avoid discord
there is no other way than through OPEN
minded, mutual counsel The present
Congress and the present President are
married for two years, and they must
get along If the Republic is not to suffer
harm.
From both the White House and from
the Capitol should 90 up prayers for
breadth of vision, for escape from mar
rowness, for intelligent light from every
quarter. Partisanship of the old kind is
not strong, but there is obvious danger
that personal politics of meaner type
VIII take its place and that the session
VIII sec one end Of Pennsylvania Ave
nue. cneaged in the ignoble business Of
digging prs for the other.