Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1919-03-08
EVENTS OF WEEK

having to its credit the largest list Of the most important
legislation ever passed by an American congress. and hay
ing to its discredit the greatest volume Of unfinished I'M
portant business on record. 1t was this congress, called
into extra session in April, 1917, which declared that a
state Of war existed with the German empire, which later
declared war on the Austro- Hungarian empire. In conse-
quence Of these tremendously important acts it became
necessary for congress to provide for the raising. equip
nent and operation Of vast armies, for the immediate en-
lareement of the navy, and for the reorganization of the
entire industrial system OF the country in order that the
work of the war might be prosecuted. The acts of this
congress on these matters exceeded in scope and i'm
portance those Of any other American congress, and, in
many respects. those Of any other governmental body In
the history of the world.
The record Of the congress on important measures
deferred was also unprecedented. The urgent deficiency
bill failed, and because Of this funds will be lacking for
many of the important activities of the country. The rail-
roads are left in a state of suspended aninantion because
of the failure Of the $780, 900, 900 appropriation for them.
No action was taken on the plans proposed by Secretary
Lane, and approved BY the president, for the appropria-
ton Of 800, ooo, 900 for reclamation works which would
bring into use large areas Of useless land, which would
provide homes for many Of our returned soldiers. and
which would give Employment to many thousands of them
on constructive work of permanent value. Nothing was
done to straighten out the tansle which exists in the at
fairs of the telegraph lines because Of their seizure by the
government, nor have there been taken any steps to pro-
vide for the future ownership and operation of the rail-
roads. These are but a few of the, more conspicuous
things omitted.
Members of each political party are seeking to cast
en- the other the responsibility for the failure of this I'm
portant legislation. That the spirit of partisanship was
responsible for the discretionary tactics Of certain Re-
pubncans at various times during the life of the congress
An--ot <aS~1, ~. an~sAl 49, -. -,--
and most Of the Republican rank and file, have ignored
party politics entirely in their patriotic support of meas
ures whose success was essential to the proper carrying
on of the war. Some Democrats played the part Of OBJ
structionists. Important bills were held in committees
until the closing days Of the session. and for this condi-
ton the Democrats must assume responsibility. for the
committees were all organized by them, and with Demo-
cratic chairmen and Democratic majorities. Then, In the
last days Of the session, a small group Of Republicans
organized a ADMINISTRATION was repudiated by the ma
jority of their party associates-which enabled them to
block all legislation. The situation in which the country
now finds itself seems to be due to the fact that in both
parties some little men got into sons big places.
Congress having adjourned, some attention has been
given to the organization Of the next congress, in which
the Republicans will be in the majority in both houses.
Representative Gillette, Of Massachusetts, had already
been selected by the majority for speaker, and it has
since been decided that the seniority rule is to be re-
tanned in the makeup Of committees. There was some
hope that at this time that ancient and discredited
methods would be abandoned. and that committee mem
bers would be named on the basis of efficiency. The
force of custom has been too strong, however, for that re.
form.
The adjournment Of congress without making pro-
vnion for the future management Of the railroads, and
without provision for financing them. left the whole rail-
road situation In doubt, and when the president declared
unequivocally that he would not call an extra session
until his return from Europe it was assumed by many
that the railroads were at once to be returned to private
ownership, to fend for themselves under the laws which
had already proven 70 inadequate. This expectation has
bsen dissipated by the statement of Director General
Hines that the roads are to be retained BY the govern
ment, at least for a time, and that Arrangements were
being made for their temporary financing. Some funds
are available for this purpose, and aid will be given the
roads in making short time loans. Wages are. mot to be
rsduced' rates Will not be lowered, and contemplated
improvements will be made. as far as possible. The
prompt declaration Of Mr.. Hines has undoubtedly done
much TO clear up . situation which at the outset looked
menacing.
President Wilson has departed for France, there to
resume his activity ss = member Of the xrss. peace con.
terence. He expressed. great disappointment ovAr. ths
failure Of much needed legislation but reiterated hin de-
81 tetminationa not to be influenced by this to abandon his
trip sor call CONGRESS In his absence. In HID New York
address, ON the eve Of M aspafturs he stated ha ,ntsntion
g renaain IN Europe until tn, completion Of the work
q me conferences. md 70 labor unrenittinsly for the css-
n ttcn ~ the league Of nations. The New York meeting
NN4 = notabss eysnt ~ that there spoke from the same
1aatfsfm. Il ~supporte q tAs Ams grsa4 world lsasue, both
- tfsssnt head e - nation ana M predecessor, former
EstA1sntsTaft. MssTAt - tAsew6 hinsslf unressrvsa.
ialsstss sanpaisn ft ne fOtmalstsoAt u ,sbiic opinion
e@sssssr = ~ tseerporation AZ substantiAiiy tns present
Sglla1SSs - r ~ psaosstrssttss wAtch are IN process
sa@3ks sss4elNeenttsa ~ PastA