The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1922-08-29
MONDELL AYERS
HOUSE MINORITY
FAILS PURPOSES
Congressional Floor Leader
From Wyoming criticises
Indifference.
CLAIMS FAIR MAJORITY
Says Republicans Crush All OPP
position Because Some
Proves Hampering.
BY REP. FRANK W. MoNDELL,

BY REP. FRANK W. MONDELL,
Republican, wyoming, Floor Leader
of the House of Representatives.
Copyright, 1929, by United News)
WASHINGTON. Aug. 29.-'Repre-
sentative Meyer London Of New York.
the sole Socialist in Congress, states
that a vigorous, courageous, militant
minority. with a philosophy and pro-
gram, would bring some fresh air into
Congress. Mr.. London does not think
the Democratic party has furnished
or can furnish such a minority, and
suggests that the Socialist group
might do so. At any rate he advo-
Gates that there should be a third
group-a real left wing, as he calls it.
Representative Arthur B. Rouse of
Kentucky, Democratic whip, agrees
that we need a strong minority and
states that in the present Congress
the Democratic party furnishes that
strong minority. He admits. how
ever, the failure of the Democratic
minority and attempts to put the
blame on the majority by saying. 1T
is hard to attempt to do anything
with a strong minority unless there is
a reasonable majority
Rouse Disagrees
Mr.. Rouse does not agree with Mr.
London's idea OF third group-a
left wing. He says it is not feasible,
or in accordance with our political
philosophy.
can, to a certain extent, agree
with both OF these gentlemen, though
in the main they are both wrong. l
agree with both of them that there
should be a strong and vigorous mi
nority, and I agree with Mr.. London
that such a minority should have
philosophy and a program
And If may add, It should have
policy which it conscientiously ad-
heres to. I agree with Mr.. London
that the Democratic party has not
furnished us with such a minority.
The minority has. to very consider
able degree, followed It's leadership,
but its attitude has, IN the main. been
one OF mere negation. The minority
has been content to take a position
of opposition to most OF the majority
proposals, without Offering complete,
practical, concrete alternative pro-
posals. The minority, with conspicu-
Gus individual exceptions, has failed
TO perform the important duty OF the
careful scrutiny and intelligent and
consistent criticism Of legislative pro-
posals with view to their improve
ment. he says.
Bloc Falls
Mr.. Rouse apologies for the fail
ure Of the minority by saying that the
majority is unreasonable. I do not
know just what he means by that
rather ridiculous pleading; for the ma
iority has certainly been fair and has
given the minority more advance infor-
nation in regard to the program than
ever before in the history of Con-
gress. agree with Mr.. Rouse in his
view that a third party, group. bloc,
or whatever you may call 1t, has not,
up to this time. at least, proved use
full in American legislation. Under
our form Of Government the majority
party is responsible for legislation and
the most useful and effective opposi-
ton is one grouped under a single
party HkdIAltiAu anu iSeiANA SAAAPs
But such a single minority must, to
be useful, have a definite philosophy
and clearly defined principles. and
adhere to them. 1t should. collectively
and individually, be active, attentive
and diligent in matters of detail, as
we'll as in matters of general policy.
1 agree with Mr.. London that the
Democratic minority has not meas
ured up to those requirements and to
that standard. Possessing individuals
of ability and diligence. the policy Of
the minority has been to hamper
rather than to assist, to embarrass
rather than advise, TO muddle rather
than clarity.
The object has been party advan-
tage rather than public benefit. That
is not the kind of a minority calcu-
lated, as Mr.. London puts 1t, to bring
fresh air into the Congress.
Tf-VI