Evening star., 1921-03-29
Congress at Coming Session
to Face Differences on
Pending Problems.
AFTER-WAR Settlements
FACTOR IN DISCUSSION
Old Guard Resolves to Steer Clear
Of Versailles Treaty and
League Issues.
BY N. o. MESSENGER.

When Congress convenes in ex-
traordinary session, one week from
next Monday, it will disclose the
existence of two different plans for
remedying the economic and indus
trial ills which beset the country. One
will be the contention that no legis-
lation can help business until there
has been an after-war settlement with
Europe. The other suggests a tempo
rary high tariff wall to keep out i'm
ports and turn the home market over
to home producers.
The aforementioned proposition Is
backed by the chambers of commerce
and by business men far and wide.
The second is put forward by the old
guard republican politicians, support
ed by an element of the manufac-
turers.
Old Guard Apparently in Saddle.
The old guard politicians appear to
be in the saddle at the outset, and in
position to give their proposed remedy
try-out. Their objection to the al
tentative plan is that it involves some
action on the treaty of Versailles,
with a squint toward a league Of ma
tions, and therefore unpalatable to
many republicans.
While it is iterated and reiterated
that the powers that be, residing at
the opposite end of the Avenue from
the Capitol and known as "the ad-
ministration.' recognize the necessity
for participation by this country in
the after-war settlement in Europe.
the fact is the Congress is preparing
to experiment with it's remedy first
The State Department has repeated
ly served notice that the United States
will jealously watch it's interests as
affected by the carrying out Of the
treaty of Versailles, although the
Senate has not ratified that treaty.
The department confesses that the
United States has a stake in the game
now being played in Europe and con-
tends that non-ratification of the
treaty has. not vitiated any rights of
provisions.
Attitude se the Democrats.
The democratic attitude in Congress
is that the United States is not doing
anything to help an after-war settle
ment in Europe. and that this. co,iu.
try cannot do anything effectively
until the treaty of Versailles is
recognized in some form. The demo-
Gratis scorn the suggestion that the
at home by building a high tariff wall
around imports.
From the moment the gavel falls
In the new Congress the democratic
play will be to insist that the ad-
ministration toe the line" and "ad-
INIT the economic truth that lack Of
foreign markets is the base of ali the
trouble with the farmers and with
business" They will contend that
what the republicans are proposing
in excessive tariffs will work out in
practice to cause reprisals and fur
thef
American goods.
Many republicans acknowledge that
there is much to be said in favor 81
this argument, and have their doubts
as to the practical efficacy of the
high tariff remedy, but they yield to
administration who apparently have
determined upon this course
Prompt action upon the Temporary
tarin bill is assured in the House, al
though members will be allowed TO
extend their remarks in the Congress
sional Record. and emphasize their
differing economic views Senator
Senate will not consent to a food Of
amendments to the measure as it
comes from the House and that rea-
sonably speedy action may be ex-
pected in the Senate.
o. The ne a democratic la9cr policy is expected
cessary delay and let the experiment
be tried on the country as soon as
the republicans can get their leris-
lation in shape. Believing as thew do
that the majority party is riding to DO
iiticai disaster through failure. from
measure Of relief. and anticipatine
an immediate rise in prices of ali
commodities. the democrats say. "Give
them all the rope they want"