Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1922-08-05
Congressional News
By George H. Manning
Especial Correspondence

Washington, D. c. Aug. 5,-Ad-
ministration officials are looking for
ward with keen interest to the recon-
vening of the House of Representa-
tives on August 18th. The members
of the House who have been visiting
their districts during the mid-sum
mer recess are expected to have some
valuable first hand information gath
cred from the folks back home on the
most important issues of the day.
Having spent about six weeks
building up fences" and feeling out
the general situation their return will
afford the Administration leaders and
the political managers an opportunity
to trim sails" to meet the breeze
| that will come at the November cleo
tions. The legislative program for
the remainder of the Congress ses-
sion will doubtless be adjusted to meet
the advices given by the Congress
members who have been out and talk
, ed face to face with the voters.
Evidences appear of another re-
adjustment by the Republican lead
ers in Congress Or three of the big
legislative issues of the day-the
bonus, tariff, and ship subsidy-to
meet the advice offered by the return
ing Congressman.
There has been conspicuous evid
ence recently that the general public
| is taking an unusual interest in pend
ing legislation. Much to the embar-
rassment of the republican party pub
lie sentiment has developed antagon-
istic to the party's legislative pro-
gram.
Three months ago there was little
interest manifested by the public in
the Fordney- McCumber tariff bill
1 Now, after a severe hammering from
democrats and iLsurgent republicans,
the country appears to be up in arms
against it.
1 Nor does the nationwide criticism
confine itself to democratic opponents
showing on the contrary that prob
ably more republicans and republi-
cans publications are lined up against
any Republican tariff bill in Ameri-
can political history.
On the bonus bill an almost like
situation prevails. Joined by large
portion of the ex-service men, the
entire business interests of the coun-
try are making open declarations that
the republican party will be held re-
sponsible for any further increase in
the expenditures of the treasury and
burden on the American taxpayer.
There is also a growing sentiment
! against the proposed ship subsidy
bin. 'sitfttft' ,'i'-ff, 400
Strictly speaking, republicans of
! the senate are on record as declaring
for finished action on the tariff and
&! the bonus before the session comes to
an end, or a general recess is taken.
President Harding has declared his
Judgment that congress should pass
the merchant marine bill before 1t
adjourns. In this way the party has
placed itself on record as promising
action on those measures before an.
other session.
Not to carry out these plans would
cause a revolt from that element
which the legislation is designed to
benefit. While on. the other hand to
complete the program would mean
greater reaction among those who are
now openly denouncing the party.
The situation is filled with pitfalls
either way the party may turn.
1t is expected that the returning
statesmen will advise the chief eXecu-
tive upon the merchant marine from
the view point of political eXpediency
mainly, as to the way pablo senti-
ment has crystallized. Needless to say
the bonus and tariff will be includ-
ed in the conversations also. Presi-
dent Harding has not considered the
ship subsidy from this angle parti-
curlarly, maintaining that it presents
an economic question and should be
disassociated with politics. An in
teresting reaction from these conflict
ing opinions is expected.
But greatest of all will be the
deep interest republicans will have in
the sentiment over the tariff bill. And
the judgment expressed is expected
to have q determining influence in
the final scope of the measure.
G.. H, M.