The Washington herald., 1920-12-12
What the World Is Doing
CurrentC Comment on Reconstruction Progress

has much the same sound of hope
to the ear, but 1t goes no further.
Yet the. approaches made have
somewhat cleared the atmosphere.
At least the lines are more definite.
The ''1fs" on both sides have been
quite clearly outlined. The British
demand as a preliminary, a com.
plete cessation of hostilities and that
the Irish leaders. especially the
head of the Irish Republican army.
surrender themselves.
: The Irish demand amnesty and
the release of all Sinn Feiners held
in custody. II looks like a complete
stallmate, but that the two sides
have begun talking more or less to
each other is hopeful. 1t Is q dis
tinct change from each merely
talking to its own public. 1t Is a
feeling out along the lines in the
wa ythat usually leads to settle-
ment.
Congress- Here Again.
Washington Is not like Grover
Cleveland This city likes to have
Congress on it's hands. The return
of the solons is much like the open
ing of the season at resorts. 1t
brings a large influx of guests
among whom the congressman are
regarded rather as members Of the
family back for prolonged visit,
It Is known that the interval be-
tween the final adjournment Of this
Congress March 4. and/the calling in
extra session of the new Congress
will be not much more than the
Christmas vacation,
This short term win be occupied
almost wholly with appropriations.
The only sure bet as to those Is that
the Republican majority will not
make them so small as to pile up de-
ficiencies for the next Congress, also
Republican. to make good. Also
there can be no tax reduction, nor
any tax revision. Tax revision will
come with the special session, but
the preliminaries as to this up to
framing the bill, will be completed
before March under the present
program.
Imnisratton Bill.
TWO or three measures of primary
i Importance may be passed. In
measure which started in the
House Thursday in rapid fire order,
the Senate may prefer a real i'm
upon Federal control at~its, source.
This would provide a Federal COM
mission to winnow the sheepGfrom
the goats. the desirable from the
undesirable, admitting the class OF
labor and type of immigrants this
country needs and wants, while re-
fusing passports to the rest. 1t may
be this or nothing at this session.
1t Is probable also the budget bill
laid over from the last session win
pass the Senate, where it halted
after the Presidents veto for lack
of time after its passage in the
House in amended form. The reor-
ganization of the appropriation
committees to. conform to ii foretell
this action.
The present flood of deficiency
appropriations and the enormous
increase in department estimates
also confirm its need. 1t is prob
able. moreover. that some action in
relief Of the farmers may be passed,
though this Is doubtful. 1t may be
considered wiser to await the or
ganization. now in process. OF the
500, 100000 corporation to finance
foreign credits. 1t is stated this
would provide a credit total of
$1,000, ,000,O00, covering all forms OF
exports. of which the bulk are al
ways farm products.
Beyond these measures, ii is not
believed any general legislation can
be undertaken, and two of these
may fail. But the way will be
cleared and a definite program
agreed upon so far as possible, for
a very active and resultful special
session. The Republicans realize
that they are on trial.