Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1919-12-04
THURSDAY. DECEMBER 4, I9I
Caddish and Discourteous.

Not content with carrying partisan
politics to the limit In every phase ana
activity of it's special session, the Re
publican Congress, while III special session,
vent outside the fold Of strictly domestic
relations to embarrass the United States
abroad by Whist seems to have been
deliberate attempt to snub the nations
represented In che international Labor
Conference. now in session in Washing
ton under the auspices Of the League Of
Nations. After authorizingthe President
10 call the conference and placing the
United States in the position Of hest to
.he civilized nations Of the world, Con-
xress then proceeded 10 show every
possible sign of caddishness.
In the first place the United States
vas not officially represented in the con-
ference as member Of the league, to
which We were the official host, and it
was made apparent TO the conference
ahat not only was it not the desire Of the
Republican maiority that the United
States should participate. but that same
majority looked with contempt on the
League OF Nations. the parent Of the
conference, and had set out TO 'Anlie It
in the interest OF psrtisanshlp.
But this was not enough. probably
the most humorous act Of the recent
special session was when the Republican
partisans permitted Great Britain to buy
even the small American flag that decorat-
ed the table assigned 70 the United
States at the conference.
Early in October, when il was decided
that the Labor Conference should be
invited to hold it's meeting IN Washing
ton. Congress was asked to advance
funds. 1t was then definitely promised
by the representatives 81 the league
that this government would be reimbursed
bv the league for funds So advanced
the funds to be used in fitting out quar-
ters and providing the necessary ma
chinerv for the conference. That tins
agreement was acceptable 70 Congress
is apparent from the fact that al the
last moment an inadequate appropria-
ton was made, but not until after funds
had been advanced by the British tres
ury. The American appropriation did
not become available until three and .
half weeks after the start OF the confer
enoe and Just about one week before the
conferees had decided to adjourn
Congress was asked to advance 5000
900 TO carry the conference for sixty days,
All funds unused TO revert to the United
States Treasury and the government 70
be reimbursed for all funds used Con
gress eventually appropriated $50 ODD
which became available so late that
Great Britain, IN the meantime, had 10
advance funds In order that this country
might entertain. From these funds the
aforementioned American flag wa
bought. The conference 10 date has
cost approximately $4,000, to be paid
out of the League Of Nations treasury.
Several days ago the advance by the
United States Congress of So. 600 bc-
came available and il is doubtful whether
any of il will be used. The story Of our
penury has gone broadcast through the
necessity OF appealing 10 Great BrltaIn
TO supply funds The delegates to the
Labor Conference from all parts Of the
world are acquainted with 1t.
And thus is formed another chapter
Of the amazing manner IN witch our
Republican Congress, Of which 50 much
promise Of good was advanced, has brought
discredit upon the country. It made q
most reprehensible record during the
special session. VIII it do better during
the regular session that opened this week
or worse?