The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1921-06-18
FAKE PLEDGES
OF REPUBLICANS
Senator Harrison Opens
Democratic Attack on
Failure of Republi-
cans to Redeem
Promises


achievements during the first three
months of President Hardins's ad-
Led by Senator Pat
Harrison, of Mississippi. who held the
floor for more than an hour with
characteristic speech bristling with
satire and invective, the movement
bore all the aspects Of a concerted
attempt to precipitate general Do-
iitieal debate, the Republicans declin-
ed the challenge and made no re-
ply.
On President Harding, Senator Har-
rison's attack was frontal, as he be-
lapored the Republicans over the pas
sage of the emergency tariff Dill,
which he characterized as an utter
violation of party pledges" in its in
ception. ard Ian admitted failure" in
enactment; for their difficulties IN
the little job OF passing resolution
Of peace" with Germany, concerning
which he taunted Senator'S Lodge and
Knox, the Republican senate spokes-
men on foreign affairs; and for the
alleged failure to get together with
the. president to reduce taxation.
President Harding. he asserted. IN
vited tariff lobbyists for conference
to Washington, and adn''1istration
appointment, including those of Gov
ernor Bone, Of Alaska, and Chairman
Lasker, of the shipping board, he held
up to scorn, winding up with satirical
reference to Gen. Sawyer, the presi-
dents personal physician.
Speaking from the center Of a
group Of Democratic senator's, who
pointed his barbs with questions and
suggestions, he laShed out by name
at Republican senator's who refused
to be stung into retort. Only once
Senator Kenyon, Republican, Iowa,
Interrupted because there is so
much laughter on the Democratic
side can't hear the jokes"
Strange political acrobatic per
formances" they were exhibiting,
Senator Harrison told them, remind
ing them that the distinguished Sen
alor from Washington, Mr.. Poindex-
ter, N charge Of the naval bill, came
away from the White House with
gloom on his face. because Presf-
dent Harding could not sustain the
Berah resolution for naval Gisarma-
sment.
And then. like a clap OF thunder
out of a clear sky. the whole crowd
over there" he added, pointing to
the Republican ranks, Changed right
around
You promised to establish peace
Ight of the reel" he told them, yet
Your simple little resolution is not
passed yet. The senate resolution
framed by Senator Knox. of Pennsyl-
vania, supported by your majority
leader, Senator Lodge. whose name is
a household word, is demolishins in
the house. They have offered you an
insult and it is said the house reso
luton, not the senate's has President
-Harding's favor
"Yes." chuckled John Sharp Will
Hams. of Mississippi, they have min
ed the babies up
The emergency agricultural tariff.
which was offered TO raise the cost
of everything on the working mans
table" Senator Harrison said had
done mo good to the farmers of the
country. though You wouldn't let us
take the tariff off the things the
farmer has to buy"
You pass resolution by Senator
Lenroot Republican, of Wisconsin,
to Investigate agricultural conditions
looking for something to relieve the
farmers, tie continued, admitting
the tariff cannot bring the goods. An
resentatives keeps meeting constant
~ mere trying 20 DO something for
the farmers of the country because
they know they are in distress
Senator Gerry, Democrat. of Rhode
Island. interrupted to read a state
mens by Senator Reed Smoot, Repub-
Mcan, Of Utah, that taxes might have
to be Increased.
the people will find you out
sooner or later Senator Harrison
resumed gleefuly Where are your
pledges to reduce taxation
ana expenses of government? You
are passing the biggest deficiency APP
PtoRA4otAOi iIillS liip AidSN ''tA S,o'iN
through here with one exception
senat eller Democrat. Ten
nessee, suppfeT4sented this with the as
sertion that bills for more clerk
hire" and for more jobs We're be-
ing put through
Democrats got revenue bills into
senate inside Of thirty days" Sen
ator Harrison continued, but Rcpub-
iican committees have been working
months and months at the revenue
ard tariff measures promised and
they haven't gotten out yet
s. Senator King, Democrat. Ctah. said
seInething about tariff lobbies. aHd
Senator Harrison said:
They are swarmlng here. Presi-
dent Harding invites the lobbyists TO
come here for conference. and they
are coming. But don't blame them
so much as I do the Republican lead
ersl1ip which invites them.
president Harding offered the
place Of chairman OF the shipping
board to the head of the Stanard Oil