The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1920-12-07
Democrats Will Not
Try ObStruCtiOnist
Tactics In Congress
BY DAVID LAWRENCE
Copyright by The Gntelltgencer)

Washington, Dec. 6.-This might we'll
ne called inaugural week in the national
capital. The festivities and ceremony
will come on March 4. but to all intents
and PURPOSES the arrival OF President
nlect Harding marks the beginning or
the new regime The Republicans are
lready in control OF both houses OF con-
gress and arc fully organized 80 they
need only take their cue for the present
session from the new leader OF the
party.
When Mr. Harding. moreover. appoints
his cabinet. the new neans OF the depar :
ments will be able Ia get familiar win
the executive bureaus OF the government
without waiting FOR March !. But the
important thing about this week - the
spirit with which the Republicans are
apprv aching their new responsibilities
They realize that much progress can be
made by way ~ public hearings and
committee meetings in formulating \
basic program OF legislation for the
extra session IF congress to be called oy
Mr. Harding Immediately after he takes
the oath Of office.
No Obstruction
There Is already a disposition on the
part Of the Democrats 10 defer to the
Republicans and 10 put no obstructons
in their path. Thus the session "t con-
gress which has just opened may Do
more productive than was tirst anticipat-
q.
itself that the element Of mystery and
doubt remains. Up to noon when con-
greSs convened the newspaper corres-
pondents were unaware whether tho
President would send his message 10
congress or come to the capital himself
and deliver IL. Indeed. the message itself
had not even been sent to the printers
or advance copies OF II given 70 the
various press associations 10 be heIo tor
release az has been the custom In the
past.
Back Of all this is a drama which the
public Is not permitted 10 see. woodrow
Wilson is struggling against the advice
Of physicians who have not thought II
wise for him To appear in person In
Congress. 1t was against the advice OF
physicians that nc took the famous
western trip which resulted in his nerv.
GUS breakdown. His advisers say he Is
we'll enough 10 deliver the message out
they see no reason 10 take the risk the
excitement Of which may bring on re-
lapse.
wants Action on Treaty
Still cherishing the idea that he may
b. able TO round out his administration
peace. Mr.. Wilson wants action by the
present congress on the treaty and
league Of nations covenant. He has been
urged TO send IL back 10 the senate with
compromise suggestions. MOST OK nus
advisers favor such a course. They de-
clare that the Republicans may ignore
the treaty but that the record OF ths
Democratic administration VIII thus
have been complied.
Characteristically. Mr.. Wilson has
kept his own counsel and given no ink-
ling of his plans to anyone. Even while
house officials rrofesSed Se<o}ute rtguor-
lnCe Of the presidents Intentions and
lid not say aS they have 80 often In the
oast that they but were forbidden to
tell. The fact OF the matter Is that the
.ra8edy Of the White House is the single
cloud that overhahss washington as the
new congress convenes. Few people
know how the president Is getting along.
Only the vagueSt kind OF Information
"omes from the White House. chiefly be-
cause there Is little to tell. Mr.. Wilson
drifts along with n minimum OF work
and a maNinr0ut - rest and quiet. He
Is more solitary than ever He holds few
conferences. sees his cabinet officers
rarely and transacts business In the in
ner sanctum without any outer evidence.
His recommendations to Congress are
made up by his cabinet officers, who are
,hy for the President Is growing as he
health and finish out his term. He is
4 year ago and better able TO function as
function as head Of the government than
he was But ne Is necessarily inactive.
He had hoped TO go 10 congress 70. a
farewell address and farewell plea for
he league Of nations His indomitable
viii remains with him. He thinks he is
we'll enough TO go TO congress. VIII his
physicians or his own will win out? The
InSwar will he given fOmOrrow