Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1922-06-24
WOULD GIVE CABINET
PRIVILEGES OF FLOOR
Three Measures Before Con
grcss Permitting Executive
Officials TO Speak.
MONTAGUE SPONSORS NO,
Ikird District Member Author OF Biii
Allowing Responsible Department
1tcnds Right Ia lie Heard nm Sub
Jccts Affecting Their work.
ny uobcr, =. BENDER.
i.,i,ca %ows san cnrrnsnnpdcn,

ny hobcT' ~. bfnutr.
United News StaG Correspondent.
WASHINGTON June - a radical
change in Legislative procedure.
which would permit Of Cabinet mem
bc,s personals carrying 20 tho floors
Of Congress ia. EOycrnmen,'s views
on pending measures. is favored by
President Harding
The possibility OF debates in the
House and senate. during which en-
ccutivc department heads would en-
sage with Representatives and Scna-
tors over important departmental
measures and policies. developed
when il was learned that the Caoi-
ncT today devoted much time 10 con-
sidcrstion of The idea.
How Would Effect Change.
The change, i; was stated could
easily be effected In this way:
First. pass q resolution making it
possible for Canine; members to
speak from the floor. a; their own
reHucst or at tho request Of Con-
gross. privilege not now granted
uEdcr congressional rules.
Second, hN.ng OF practicable rules
governing such discussion. which
wDu'd permit not only % the expo
on measures, hmt Questioning OF tho
of'iclals 10y Representatives ana SEN
. ~:
:, Follow british Precedent.
SUCH procedure is the practice in
tho British Parliament. where mcm-
bei! OF the Cabinet personally lead
d,a..e on pending issues There
w!nld bc one marked difference. how
owes. under the proposal favored by
Hird!ng ana his Cabinet. In the
1~iish Parliament an adverse vote
ora mcasur" cSpouscd by the gov
criIncut is regarded as vote OF
iaek OF confidence. and frequently is
followed by resignation Of the Cab
me- This. OF course. would not he
followed here
rShrec Such Measures Pending.
Jhree measures already are pend
ints in Congress. designed to give ex-
rc!itiNr officials vote on the floor.
TYn of thrsc--onc by Representative
MfptaGue Virginia, ana the other by
REPRESENTATIVE Kelly. PENNSYLVANIA,
49,, Identical aud w"u,d permit mem
i'"!S az ih- Cabinet 10 have seats in
,avr chamber ,wo days gu; or each
week The third-by Senator Nc
lev WOULD give this privilege TO
he. leads not only pf the dcpar,,
".si~. bat numerous commissions.
iiNt the Shipping Board. The Kelly
h!ll' was considered BY the Cabinet
Fr.uay. II is the opinion OF Harding
autt>,' ~ Cabinet that IL would not
ne firatticablc to nave Cabinet MEM
n-.s. actually take seats regularly In
t;hcr chamber. hut merely 10 be
gir'a tho priviIeg" OF speaking from
ihe, floor when desirable.
Practice Halted In 1904.
i.b. idca Of cabinet members APP
asdi:"- personally before the House
and Senate Is an old one, and at one
tip,-was practicad. Since 1890. how
"te:u when Congress refused 10 hear
u milton. who desired TO personally
Hakr his repor, ON the public credit.
iAor- has heen continued abstention
hT . Cabinet members from personal
appearances. except when called be-
,"'.@ committee hearings.
S-'Tc,ary Hughes. In reccn,
na.t'a ~ Ann .'rbor. revived the old
~ Neithrr he. nor other oxccu-
% Er,ujm, Harding. favor Cab
-.o'H1erS voting in either house
!-"Hgr"ss-- permission for which
-. d" grantyd oni> 10y cons,itu-
=, amendment
,srt sara Hughes, IN MS speech.
= gu.te consisicH; win our sys-
'h.-iha' tn" head Of department
-@T!d have the oppOrtunity person
p.Io no heard where important de-
AMen'ai measures and policies are
HnurE consideration. Every facilitv