Evening star., 1921-05-19
OUTLOOK BRIGHTER,
VIEW OF CONGRESS
"Thinds Looking Up," Sub
stantiaI Belief Among Mem
berS of Both Bodies.
BY n. o. MESSENGER.

Among senators and representatives
| including those who have done their
share of cheerful graveyard whistling
in the past few months and have in
duced to optimism by exhortation to
keep a stiff upper lip, there is sub
stantial belief that really things
are looking up" and the country is on
the upgrade now. These public men
are in position to keep a registering
| finger on the pulse of the times. as
| they are in touch with their constitu-
ents and watchful Of events as reflect
ed in the governmental reports and
through its agencies.
This hopeful feeling entertained by
the national legislators and states
| mentis not. they say, just something
'in the air." but is born of conditions
| that are apparent. For one thing. the
congressman think that the farmers
will soon begin to feel the effects OF
the emergency tariff about to be-
come law. and the beneficient work
ings of the legislation heretofore au-
thorized for the War Finance Cor
poration.
Finance Corporation Aiding.
The War Finance Corporation is do
ing splendid work, according to re-
ports that come to Congress, Great
ing and extending credits to enable
foreign countries to purchase more
American products of farm and manu-
the anticipated early stabilization of
affairs overseas. following the ac-
ceptance of the allies demands by
Germany for reparations. Goods al
being shipped abroad and placed in
storage. ready for instant delivery
~
adequately met.
Another powerful impetus will be
given foreign trade as soon as technical
peace is established with Germany.
which looms UP as approaching at an
early date. After the recent confer
! ences between House leaders and the
President. the impression got abroad
that the administration regards affairs
between Germany and the allies to be in
a state satisfactory enough to hold up
now it will be Just a question Of COM
posing the differences between the
House and Senate as to the form the
resolution shall take.
Do Not Expect Miracles.
However. cautious men on Capitol Hill
do not expect miracles in merchandising
to be wrought by the mere declaration
that a state of peace exists between the
two nationS-a fact which the country
discovered before Congress did. It is
the psychological effect which is valued,
along with the removal Of some vexa-
cial relations.
To tell the truth, the average con-
gresham Is just now giving more
thought to domestic problems and plac-
ing more dependence in their settle
ment for home benefit than in prospects
Of foreign trade. They feel they did all
they could in stemming an inflow OF
foreign products by the emergency tariff
and to stimulate trade through the War
Finance Corporation, and now they are
looking to their home fences
Faith in Tax Issue.
And this prospect is beginning to
look better, this outlook for improv-
ing conditions. There is downright
faith in Congress in the possibility of
reducing expenditures and relieving
the people Of some OF the burdens of
will not feel so onerous. The will and
spirit with which the committees are
going At the subject cause general
favorable comment, and inspire con-
idence in the possibility Of getting
somewhere"
Secretary Melons statement on con-
ditions and outlook served to cheer
as it did by way of backing UP their
own heartening feelings He is not
regarded by congressman as being un-
duly opaimistic, his nature and train
ing compelling him to look facts in
the face. But they realize that he
knows what is going on and antici-
pates the outcome of events.
Congress toward the world and do
mestic situations is that the "sun
spots are receding" and clearer
weather is In prospect.