The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1921-08-26
Congressional
Impotency

The apparent impotency of the Con-
gressional bodies, in looking after the
interests Of the people, is rapidly COM
ing to be more and more criticised. In
fact, such criticism is now rapidly TAX
ing on more pronounced form, which
should pacified and allayed, for the
best interest of our supposed free and
liberal government. When such ad-
verse criticism becomes so free and
general, it 81 time that something were
being done to counteract such growing
opinion.
Yet, when the doings Of the Con-
gressional bodies in Washington are
viewed and considered, is there not
sufficient reason found there to justi-
fly such criticism. Is it not fact that
the Congressional bodies appear to be
putting in their whole time in trying
to fool, rather than serve their consti-
tuency? Does it not appear that
practically all Of them are SO en-
crossed in trying to feather their own
nests, and to perpetuate themselves
in office, as to leave them little time
or desire to put forth an honest effort
for the good of the people.
1t is not contended that there are
no honest men sent to Congress in
these days. There are many such. In
fact, there is every reason to believe
that practically all of them are filed
with noble desires and ambitions for
public service when they are first
elected to Congress. But if you could
keep every newly elected member in
sight as he wends his way to Congress
you would doubtless note constant
change in his method of procedure as
he becomes more and more "inspired."
It may be that few will go through
the first session without finding his
master, but chances ere wholly against
his getting through the second ses-
sion without feeling the restraining
of higher force-the financial power
that appears to have such complete
control of Congress at the present
time.
"Why is it that we cannot get some
beneficial legislation?" has been asked
us SO frequently Il late that we now
feel like passing the "buck" and ask
ing those in position to know
"Why?' Why is it that our supreme
lawmaking bodies, who should see and
understand such things when full and
complete presentments are laid before
them, still "quarreling" over the terms
of the proposed peace treaty, when it
has been truthfully said that three
high school boys, one from England,
one from France and one from the U.
s., could have agreed on satisfactory
peace terms in few hours. Do such
things not indicate that the U. S. Con-
gress is now under the control and do
minion of great financial influences,
which ordinary human nature is un-
able to withstand?
Think of the many, many things, of
greatest import to the people, which
should have been settled months ago,
still being paved over and trampled
under foot, simply because major
ity of the members of Congress are
apparently bought and paid for, and
cannot go contrary to the will of
their masters. What is the solution,
do you ask? Briefly stated, one would
be to dispense with Congress, con-
dense the law-making body and make
it subject to the national admiDistra-
ton. In this way governmental pow
er would be concentrated, and the par
ty in control would be absolutely re-
sponsible and accountable for its ac-
tions. In other words, there would be
no possible chance for it to pass the
"buck". While The Times has very
little hope of such course Of pro-
ceedure being adopted, it could not re-
frain from suggesting it, because it
believes that along some such line as
that suggested herein lies the only
hope of the perpetuity Of this govern
ment.