Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1921-12-09
.,.>nilin. the "I,loc system"

t HE significance OF President Harding 5
l reference in his annual message In the
Importance of party loyalty and party re-
Spousibility in the matter OF legislation
should not be overlooked. II is apparent
that he has realized at last that there is
40 party control over either branch Of Con-
Ercss and the result has been a division
geographically on according to pursuits or
personal following.
Although the executive disayows any pur-
pose TO "encroach upon the functions Of
Congress" or to dictate TO that body he
nevertheless finds occasion ;o dcplorc the
formation of blocs aud groups within the
ms mbership OF the House and Senate. each
dcdicating itself TO some special interest.
and more than one OF them achieving Sui-
ci"nt strength to drive through Legislative
programs in absolute defiance Of party lead
crs or party policies.
Whether the bloc system OF parliamentary
organization Is vicious or otherwise may he
" dchatablp proposition. hut there is not
the slightest question tina, il has super
seeded 10 large extent party leadership OF
tie present Congress ana has created Il
situation calculated To alarm an admins
tratiOn which has pledged itself 10 do Ger
tain definite things il has been unable to
COnSummatC.
share o; responsibility for the state OF af
fairs which hc now bciat eddy assaiS. He
was elected 10 the presidency by an over
whclming majority. lie became Immediate
~ the actual as we'll as the titular. leader
OF his party. He had the right To call
upon his party associates in Congress for a
strict execution OF the campaign promises
1t was not enough that he should deliver
well-sounding inaugural address or spread
before Congress accommodating for icEiS-
lation. He should have assumed vigorous
leadership OF his party organization within
Congress rs we'll as outside shat body. IL"
did not need 10 become an ''autocrat' or Il
political dictator" bat he should have
emulated the policy nj Mr.. Roosevelt and
Mr., Wilson in summonhg to his side tho
Republican majoritcs of the House and
senate. demanding of them tho utmos. party
loyalty in dealing with the problems which
h had undertaken To solve.
Instead. Mr. Harding took what he con
ccivcd to be lofty view OF his relation
ship toward Congress. lie rccuiIcd from!
al suggestions that he impose his will upon
the legislative bodies. lie talked yulubly
about the coordinate" functions oI the
Congress. and proclaimed again ana again
his purpose to keep his hands on the House
and Senate Those bodies took him at his
word. They have asserted their total indie
pcndenc" OF the administration.
This attitude Nigh, not have been so un-
fortunate il there had been at either end
OF the Capitol virilc Republican leadership.
This Was absent, and with the White House
without influence in the r,attcr OF lcgis-
lation. Congress simply ran At large through
The whole Of the extra session Almost i'm
mediately the blocs came into being. and
they HOW have become so potential that
il is 10 be doubted ii the President Will he
able during the life Of this Congress To
break their hold upon the legislative ma
Chincry.