Evening star., 1921-12-11
Congress Back on First Page
And Has Job Cut Out For 1t

power in every branch OF the govern
ment, and by maiorities phenomenal
in size, are accountable in the utmost
letter of the law for the bill.
1t is estimated now that the tariff
can be made into law by next May.
Granting that it turns out as hope
fully predicted, and that it becomes
operative Immediately, its force and
effect will be apparent by the time
the campaign comes on. What will
be its reaction in the political field?
There is one possibility holding out
comfort to the republicans, and that
is that employment conditions. now
Frightening. may operate to put the
people in better frame of mind. and
that this condition will be added to
whatever impetus is given industry
by the tariff. the republicans to reap
the benefit of it all.
Luck in politics is recognized
element. and the republicans still
hope that luck will smile upon them.
Goodness knows" they say. Eve had
our share of bad luck" contemplating
the feud of 1912 and the narrow mar
gin by which they lost in 1916. which
the old-time politician still AYERS was
lust cussed bad luck
There is said to be no reason to
doubt that industrial and business
conditions are on the upturn. due to
natural causes of action and reaction.
the philosopher and economist will
say. but due to the beneficent rule of
the republican party, the politician
will claim.
Well, it won't be long now until
the politicians will have an oppor-
tunity to try out their claim upon
the voters.
OF course, it would profoundly
shock President Harding and Secre-
tary Hughes to suggest that political
considerations should be taken into
account AT all in connection with the
arms conference. And we'll it might,
since their minds and hearts are fixed
upon higher aspects. But we now are
discussing the more sordld rank and
file of the politicians. who would not
hesitate a moment to attract unto
themselves the reflected glory of the
achievement looked for. The low
brows" are certainly looking forward
to political assets in this direction.
And there is no reason now to ap-
pre,end that the conference Will prove
anything but signal success. The
Congress came back from its brief va
cation to find the conference itself in
a recess extending over several days.
The pessimists and croakers had
taken advantage of it to groan their
dolefulest over the momentary ces-
satiou of progress evinced by visible
signs.
But when the leaders talked with
President Harding and Secretary
Hughes. Senator Lodge and Mr.. Root.
they were told to be of good cheer;
there was no change for the worse.
but, on tn contrary. everything looked
highly promising.
One of the cynical features Of COM
ment in circles surrounding the con-
ference has been the suggestion that
the administration has SO much at
stake in the success of the confer
once that advantage might be taken
to wiring concessions from the Amer
lean delegation. That idea has not
been harbored. however. by the con-
ference leaders, who have sensed and
appreciated the true attitude Of the
President and of the American dele
cation.
They know that with the President
and the administration the objects of
this world conference are far and
above all political or party considera-
tions. 1t is a question of principle
now. which applies to. every country
a party to the conference. 1t is ar
gued that the participating nations
are on trial before the whole civilized
world, and will be called upon to
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