The Republican journal., 1919-02-06
Letter from Augusta.


Monday, Feb. 3, 1919
The Community Efficiency Congress
met here Jan. Gath and was in session
three days. 1t brought together men
and women interested in social, civic and
religious uplft from all over the State,
and from out the State came men of such
note and ability as Raymond Robbins of
Chicago, Harrington Emerson. Henry
Israel and Fred B. Smith of New York,
and DR.. Thomas N Carver of Cambridge,
Mass, all specialists in uplift work. The
meetings were held forenoons, after
moons and evenings, in the Y. M. c.
A. building, the churches, and closed with
mass meeting in City Hall, which was
filled to the limit by 1900 or more inter-
ested people. Mr. Orlando E. Frost of
Belfast was honored by an invitation to
preside at one of these meetings. The
Congress was the getting together of the
best people in the quest for efficiency in
doing the best things in the best way.
Augusta people in the social swim are
1ust turning their attention to the func-
tons which enliven the Legislative win
tel. The dancing assemblies at the Au-
gusta House are underway and prepara-
lions are being made for the Governors
Ball and Reception, which have always
been the most important affairs of the
season
The present legislature seems to be
more like peoples legislature than any
of the many others which the writer has
seen. The machine elements of botf. DO
litical parties have not yet appeared in
the lobby, nor have either machines
marked and active representation in the
Senate or House A younger set of men
has come to the front, and there is 10
evidence of bossism in either of the leais-
lauVe branches 1t does not seem prob
able that any radical legislation will be
considered this winter, although there is
feeling that there is something wrong
In the plans and procedure of the expen-
dlturc o. money by the State in the con-
struction and maintenance of highways.
This feeling is in no degree partizan, but
is shared by many of the conservatively
practical members of each party,
While 1t is openly evident that MANY
members are hostile to the methods of
the Highway Department nobody seems
ready tn ak fioh ia
we have heard more than one member
say the Highway Commission should be
abolished. This same feeling existed two
years ago but it is stronger now. The
budget hearings have been concluded and
those who are putting the budget into
shape for legislative consideration are at
work.
ne appropriations and taxation are the
most important things which the legisla-
ture will have to consider except new
educational bill which will probably be
introduced, 1t will be remembered that
bill is now before Congress which pro-
poses thai under certain conditions the
Federal government shall aid those States
which accept their conditions in carry-
ing on Ger ain specified educational work.
There is no expectation that the present
Congress will pass this bill but it will
probably have passage before our legis-
lature will meet in 1921 1t would seem
wise for this legislature to consider this
matter carefully and, il it is decided to
accept Federal terms, definite plans sho uld
be made to meet the Federal requirements
by revision of the budget relating to
appropriations for educational purposes.
Nothing of great Importance will be done
concerning the water powers A few
days ago two refined and estimable ladies'
appeared in the lobby, their purpose being
to persuade the members of the Senate
and House to pass resolution requesting
Senator Hale to vote for suffrage for
women. They went about their business
with a smoothness and finesse which
made the oldtime and experienced male
lobbyists look like am ateurs. Whether
their work will be rewarded by the pas
sage of the resolution remains to be seen.
If they are disappointed they can have
the satisfaction of Knowing they did good
work. Having seen the ladies in the
lobby we no longer condemn Adam for
eating the apple. We forgive him fully
and unreseryedIy.