Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1919-02-16

"HAT life for them is not to be
one grand sweet song nor a
continued round of pleasure is
fully realized by the repub-
IIcan managers in Congress as they
look forward to the responsibilities
which will attach to their assumption
of power in Congress after March l.
They recognize that they VIII pick up
the load of legislation for the nation
at a time when IT has grown very
heavy. Congress in the future must
impose burdens upon the people in
lime of peace OF great magnitude. less,
to be sure, than in time of war, but
enormous at that, and lacking the
etinulant of war to enable their car
Tying.
The republicans are coming back
into power in Congress to find that the
expenses of running the government
in peace times, viii be more than
double what they were when last the
repubIicans held Congress 1t will cost
four to five billions of dollars a year
20 operate for some years to come. IN
terest on the war debt and q sinking
fund to extinguisa the debt will or
themselves be two items of enormous
amount. Every branch of the govern
lnent has expanded in cost of upkeep,
and departments are still clamoring
for wider activities and more appro-
priations. Heads OF departments think
nothing of requesting a billion dollars
from Congress- mere bagateile, part
of the days work.
The republicans will be responsible
TO the people for the raising of these
Great sums, as well as for their dls-
pensing. They must be raised either
ny taxation or bonds, both plans un-
popular. II the authorizations are re-
fused. Congress is charged with being
nigEardly and the party in power be-
comes unpopular.
Ono week from next Thursday the
republicans-elect of the next House
win meet in conference here to dis
cuss party problems for the next Con-
sress The newcomers VIII be tod
some Of the problems which confront
the marty, by the men now in the
House, and given an idea of what IS
ahead of them when they come to the
FIRST session of the new Congress, fun
Of ambition. pep and high ideals OF
what they propose to do to run the
government.
COneress busted itself with big
things, with large questions, during
the past week.
Week Just Ended Viewed IN re-
Prospect, It is
Saw Hal 1cBress. seen that the,
statesmen had a busy, serious and
an important week Congress some,
times spends time splitting hairs over
most inconsequential details. but when
there is big work to be done it does
Il in a big way
The future military and naval poll
icaes Of the government were two OF
the most important subjects discussed.
Final decision was not reached, but
progress was reported" ia the diree-
tion Of outlining policy. The House,
after a very spirited discussion ex-
tending over several days. ratified
the naval program of the administra-
ton, which is to extend over period
Ut three years, and passed the bill
carrying an appropriation of $50,
900, ooe, the largest naval budget ever
proposed in time of peace. The Sen
ate has yet 70 consider IL. There Is
every reason to expect renewal in
the upper chamber of the same oppo-
sftion which was manifested below.
The suggestion has been made tina;
the naval bill may fail, and be the
occasion for calling an extra session.
The military policy Of the govern
ment was proposed in the new Army
bin brought into the House. which
provides for a standard Army for the
next few years of sos. 800 enlisted men
and 27.579 officers. The Army bill
carries total appropriations of s1,117.-
2S1.4 400 for the fiscal year commencing
july / next. Consideration of this
bfl in the House brought UP discus
sion Of universal military training as
a permanent institution for this coun-
uy. This is big question, not likely
70 be settled between now and
March 4
AnotheP big question which came
ae1ors Congress during the week wa: