The evening herald. [volume] (Albuquerque, New Mexico) 1914-1922, 1920-12-28
T CONGRESSMAN

a ICOEDTNG 10 the Teeord scnT TO Tue TcTGIu NY UOHETU55WH1
A B. {. Hernandez Nc@ Mexico will be given another member of
IA the lower house Of congress a a result of the population increase
ing about our growth during the past ten years wall Doubtless regard
this as an mmerited reward. Nevertheless WE are glad to know that
the state will have another member of the house, even If we gain the
added representation by virtue OF a major traction oil M popuanon
required. .
One member Of the lower house has a difficult time of it, even
when he represents a state as small in population as New Mexico
His whole time is takcu up with masses of departmental detail. lfhe
sought to do, he has little time for anything else. II this detail be
divided much more Of it can be accompanied and more time can be
devoted to larger matters of statewide interest, as well as to the
duties devolving upon a national representative.
There are those who are raising a great cutlery at increasing the
number of members of the lower house; at the increased expense and
at what they term the increase IN hot air" We have no sympathy
with these, or with the critics who constantly ahege that oar CON
OF another age. Inc added expense IN a natlona Duuget he ours
IS a mere drop in the bucket and does not count. The charge OF ex-
eesdve 'hot air is not well founded. Congressman do not talk as
much-or as long-now as they did fifty years ago or even ten years
ago. There are more business men in congress, fewer lawyers and,
thanks he to Providence, fewer demagogues. '
The charge that congressman of today do not measure up TO
those of a quarter OF a century or more ago, Is usually brought by
imagination is not atrned to that of the adjacent population. Such
men are very prone to point out the small caliber' of the man his
Ihese criucs appear 10 overlook elrelyy ne aet tnt t Is Il rep
resehtative government and thHt when the size of a congressman
is criticized it is simply criticism of the population who elected him
and whom he represents.
1t is true that the lower house of congress is unwiedy because Of
dead level. II is true that few congressman become national figures
and national leaders. But it never seems to occur to the little critics
crease IN ability ami and an average growth in stature; that IN a
house of 400 congressman of average ability, as average ability runs
rise above the average than was the. ease when the house numbered
half its present ownership.
We do not mean to take the position that the personnel of the
lower house of congress cannot be improved; because it can be and
IS being improved right along. But the Improvement, like any other
permanent Improvement, must start at the source. Crhicising mem
eers Of congress who have been elected aecomplishes nothing much
except in the heat of a political campaign. When the people want
better and stronger representation in congress they will get it; and
they VIII get " by taxing m active personal interest, not hve or ten
days before election, when the nominations have been made, but by
they may criticize shortcomings inteligently, and by taking part in
the picking Of the men who are to run for congress.