The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1919-08-04

CHAMP ION Bill
NIRODUCER
Smithwick is Reddest Head
ed Congressman - Other
Characteristic of Body.

Washington. d. c.. August 3.-Every
day the newspapers give Congress-
man Henry I. Emerson of Cleveland,
Ohio, an inspiration to introduce a bill
or resolution to correct some of the
terrible things told about in the news
columns.
But thsrs the Inspiration apparently
loses its power because Mr.. Emerson
has never. been known to afterwards
press the passage Of any of the various
measures before the committees, and
none of them have ever been known
to pass.
Emerson's introduction of bills and
resolutions has become such joke
about the house of representatives that
on any morning that the newspapers
carry a sensational story in regard to
something with which the federal gov
ernment might deal. Emerson's col
leagues expect him to present bill
or resolution during the day to cor
rect the evil. and they are but rarely
disappointed.
Some of his colleagues have been 50
unkind as to charge that Emerson SIM
ply introduces the bills and resolutions
on news subjects prominently before
the public for the purpose of figuring
in the news columns of the day "back
home and abroad. if possible, and then
forgets all about the matter.
The newspapers of Tuesday, July 20.
contained long accounts OF race riot
ing in Washington. Emerson intro
duced house joint resolution No. 155
that afternoon authorizing the presi-1
dent to use the military forces to pre-
serve order in Washington. The presi-
dent has the authority without con-
gressional action. But Emerson got in
the news columns.
Publication in the morning papers
of June 18th Of reports that the war
had directed the Ameri-
can forces on the Mexican border to
cross the border and chase away the
Villa forces brought forth Introduction
that afternoon by Congressman Emer-
son of house joint resolution No. 125
"Commending the secretary of war for
sending soldiers across the Mexican
border to defend the lives and prop
erty of citizens of the United States"
few days later, when the news
papers reported that lives and prop
erty Of Americans in Mexico were
again menaced, Mr.. Emerson intro
duced house joint resolution No. 132
Authorizing ana 0IecltnS the secre-
tary of war to use the military forces |
of the United States to protect the |
lives and property of American citi-
zens in Mexico" Mr.. Emerson's ap-
proval of Secretary Bakers course in |
apparently only lasted five
days.
The newspapers Of the morning of |
May % contained reports that French |
were overcharging the /
American soldiers on articles purchas- |
ed. so Mr. Emerson that afternoon in
house resolution No IS di- |
recting the secretary Of war to report |
to congress the extent to which the
United States soldiers. sailors and ma
rines were overcharged-
For several days prior to May 30th |
the newspapers published reports that /
labor organisations, r. W. w bands. |
socialists and others would hold pa
rades on Decoration. Day. carrying red |
1aGs i'm protest over MONEYS imprig-
Dnment and other grievances So onI
May 24th Mr.. Emerson introduced /
house bill No. 1858. Making 4 unlaW-
tu1 to carry any flag IL any parade /
,r procession other than the fln9 Of /
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