The Kennewick courier-reporter. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1914-1938, 1922-06-15
UP TO THE REPUBLICANS

AS the time draws nearer for the
"A summer vacation of congress 1t
becomes more and more apparent that
if the Smith-McNary reclamation bill
fails of passage, responsibility for its
failure must be laid to the republican
majority in congress and especially
to the house steering committee ana
the republican members of the rules
committee.
At no time during the session have
the democratic members OF either
house shown any opposition to the
measure. In fact in both the senate
and the lower house some OF It's
strongest proponents are on the dem
ocratic side, and there is an evident
disposition on the part of the minority
members to consider the bill on its
merits and not as party measure
although it was framed as a fulfill
ment of one of the republican party's
platform pledges.
The friendly attitude of the dem
ocratic side was shown in the house
on June 8 at conclusion of speech
by Congressman Summers of this dis
trict. With the aid of chart the
speaker presented very forcible ar
gument in favor of an enlarged pro-
gram of reclamation. He showed that
during one year 674 carloads of man
ufactured products were shipped from
the factories of the Middle West, East
and South into Boise, Idaho, which is
the shipping center of one of the rs
western reclamation projects. The
data presented by the congressman
was of full carload shipments and did
not include the millions of dollars
worth of merchandise in less than car
load lots. On the whole Congressman
Summers was one of the most con-
vincing arguments in favor of con-
tinued reclamation that has been pre-
scented at this session.
In view of the republican party's
prediction pledge, however, the most
interesting feature was supplied by
Congressman Garner, of Texas, one
of the most influential men on the
democratic side. At the conclusion
Of the speech the Texan questioned
Mr.. Summers as follows:
Garner-I take it the gentlemen's
argument is in an effort to show the
house that it is wise policy to continue
to reclaim these lands? Summers
That is my object. Garner-And, if
understand it, the bill now pending in
the house that has the approval of
the western people is known as the
Smith McNary bill? Summers That
is correct. Garner-Can the gentle
man tell us if we are going to have
an opportunity to vote on that bill
at this session? Summers am
sorry to say that cannot give you
any definite assurance as to that.
Garner-I understand that the
western people as we'll as the valley
people propose to pay their own way,
and all they ask is that Uncle Sam
go on their notes? Summers-That is
the plan. Garner-Up to date Uncle
Sam has not lost money going on the
notes of people in these various pro-
jects. Summers-The gentleman is
correct. Garner-If / understand it
. the gentlemen's (republican) party, in
its national platform and also in the
statement of the president, has agreed
to give some relief in this direction
Summers - Both parties have Sc
agreed. Garner-Both parties.
want to say that there are great
many on this side of the house who
are anxious to have an opportunit,
to vote on the bill. Summers-Car
the gentleman assure us how man,
votes there will be for the bill on tina
side? Garner-I cannot say but Their,
will be large vote in favor of tn,