Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1922-07-20
How Congress Has Fallen Down

9 INCE the Republican party obtained con-
~ troll OF the legislative department OF
the government in 1918 the demands OF
changed and changing economic and polit
ical conditions have thrust upon the Coun
try more important issues pressing for So
luton than in any previous four years of
its history. The wise Diet termination of these
issues called for constructive ability and
vision of a high order. Unfortunately, the
results of the congressional elections OF
both 1918 and 1920 failed to choose men
for either the Senate or the House possess
ing the requisite qualifications TO grasp the
problems demanding legislative solution
With effective leadership in neither house
both bodies have displayed only confused
ideas Of how TO go about formulating any
constructive plan OF legislation to effect
remedial relief for multiplying evils which
nave hlndered the return OF the country TO
its normal of business and industrial ac-
tivity. Congress has completely fallen down
on It's job TO legisla,e wisely for the removal
OF provoking causes of business depression.
That conditions are not worse than they are
Is due, not to legislative energy and fore
sight, but rather to the extraordinary ability
OF private business enterprise to inject sys-
tom into muddled state of affairs.
The President is aware Of the weakness
TO carry out the policies of his administra-
ton and with due regard for the preroga-
tives Of the lawmaking body has sought to
impress ii with the necessity for prompt
action on suggested measures for public
relief of conditions which are not only inn
peding national progress, but are increas-
fngly provocative OF class feeling and OF
growing contempt for public order lie
seeks III vain TO point the way. Construc-
tive craftsmanship long ago would have
provided against the strike menace and
would have adjusted satisfactorily the rail
road wage reduction and the question OF
fair freight rates. The American people
ycarn form, better class OF men in both the
House and Senate. They realize the tre-
mendous problems of the present, cannot he
properly solved by men who do not meas
ure up to the highest standard of character
and ability
"ln his difficult and trying position" says
the Cincinnati Enquirer the President is
doing the hest that he can TO meet great
issues and direct far-reaching policies that
VIII inure to the benefit OF the nation and
the world. Tho Congress is not assisting
him as II should do. 1t Is not necessary
to specify particular instances wherein this
assistance is lacking The entire country
is aware of the fact. and the foes OF the
administration naturally are jubilant over
ITS apparent embarrassmcnts" In narrow
partisan circles this jublance NAV be much
in evidence. but with most voters concern
Tor the public welfare transcends the ad-
vantage OF mere party opportunity. Right
thinking Democrats as sincerely regret the
embarrassments to which sound policies of
the President are subjected ms do right
thinking Republicans.
Happily the coming primaries OF both
parties offer TO the voters the opportunity
to choose a better class OF men TO represent
them in the legislative department OF the
government. The results of Republican
primaries already held show that they have
not faiET 10 improve this opportunity TO
secure N"iroved talent. and character in
quite number of instances May Demo
cratic voters evidence similar good judg-
ment IN the choices they make from now
on.