South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1922-08-10
AUGUST 10. 1922
HICKEY EXPLAINS.

u you harpen to he dissatisfied with the tariff
iI with the measures which Congress has passed
wsh rs failure TO pass others and the fact that
IRE legislative machinery is in disrepute do not
blame Congressman Hickey.
is quite fortunate that he has been permitted
20 give the business organizations OF this city a
glimpse behind the curtains. for otherwise the vot-
srs might have reasonably expected that when they
elected a congressman he would have some power
for good evil some influence. at least
through the motions OF protest and demand.
not So For. according to Mr.. Hickey. a congress
man doesn't really amount 10 much when he gets
- Washington and the hest he do is TO carry
messages from his constituents the different
committees and then sit back and see what happens
All legislation. saws the member from this
trict is now handled by committees and when these
committees once agree upon bill. the other mem
hers simply vote for them and there no changes
Not sven the eloquence of Bourke Cochran.
ser that matter from any member OF the majority
could change in the tariff bir Mr.
Hickey from which YOU gather that oratory is not
a qualification for congressman
Further explaining or apologizng confessing
Is you will Mr.. Hickey hurriedy presents the fact
hat there IS a seniority rule in congress in which
age alone counts and that the old wise boys who
got into the game early COMPOSE these important
committees and their word is final and absolute.
The picture of absolute heplessness on the part
OF members. even though they are members of the
dominant party which presents is truly pathetic
or is it the picture which VI. Hickey gives of
himself and his activities?
II is a thing have carry mes
sages 10 committees. his triumphs
cording to his own statement. was the fact that he
actually did tell these committees that lot OF In
diana farmers protested against high tariff rates
on potash which he is not important in
dustry in this country
OF course the mails are still running. The tele-
graph wires are working and it might possible
that the same farmers could have sent their pro-
test to the committee by the simple expenditure OF
using one Of these methods instead OF sending
messenger under the title OF congressman
II Is lamentable that Mr.. Hickey does not present
the result OF effort keep down The tariff
potash. whether he voted against the rates upon
the floor Of the house. whether ne offered any
amendment from the floor in the name Of the peo-
PIE or this help them rid themselves Of
extorton for the benefit Of the few privileged fac
tories. He simply he delivered the message
% the committee. The inference that the Hickey
vote goes always to the committee and that the
farmers are ont OF luck If that committee happens
10 differ from them as 10 what the nation
The explanation given by Mr. Hickey of his
duties and activities is most admirable argument
f,r the abolition OF congress and the substitution
Of rubber stamps to do the work.
II no member dareS to disagree with his partisan
committee. II no member has the courage TO FRO
est against injustice II his voice carries weight
a deep cut might be made in the cost Of payrons
BY cutting out the salaries OF these high class
messenger boys.
Possibly the picture Is not altogether accurate.
1t might be possible to send a member there who
would Insist on being heard. 1t might be possible
20 send one who had the courage to oppose any
infamles framed in the little sessions of committees.
tt nlght be possible have some one there whose
voice when raised. would command attention and
who would expose wrongs boldly that not even
a committee would dare 10 ignore
There have been. such members of congress. II
hey are no longer there it is unfortunate Possibly
Ire women Of district viii remedy the condition
and restore the day when this high Office really
represents the people and Is longer reduced TO
he obIivious status Of approving caque for