Great Falls tribune., 1922-04-15

have become the great creditor nation.
as well as one Of the greatest carry
ing nations. The congress was called
in extra session upon the inauguration
of President Harding for the prime
purpose of enacting tariff law. The
bill over which the republican house
had been laboring for more than two
years came to the senate on July y,
1921, and is still, after nearly nine
months, before its committee on fin
ance, which is in disagreement with its
sponsors in the house on one Of the
vital features Of the measure. Mean
while, the business of the country. un-
able to forecast its fate or the form
the bill will eventually assume. re-
mains at standstill-
Republicans RebeIlious
Nor is this the only evidence of i'm
potency on the part of the party which
has undertaken to do the business of
the country. Within its ranks is dor
mant spirit of rebellion at practically
everything its leaders undertake in
large way. Yielding to a popular de-
mand for some substantial evidence of
the gratitude felt by the American
people to the men who offered their
lives for the country in the great war,
bonus bill was reported by unan-
imOus vote of the senate committee on
finance, was placed upon its passage in
due course, had been debated until the
time for final action was at hand. when,
upon the insistence of the president,
who. on July II, 1921. came in person
to the chamber to dissuade action46
was sent back to the committee, where
it still reposes.
I'm the address of the president on
pealed to for legislation to relieve the
distressed condition of the railroads,
objects Of his solicitous care. After
due incubation bill was reported look
ing to that end. but when. after debate
was well under way, there were dis
closed the plans of democratic mem
bers. supported by the distressingly
small remnant of so-called progressive
republican members to affix to it
amendments repeating Objectionable
features of the Esch- -Cummins law and
affording some relief from the intoler-
ably exorbitant freight rates, it was
hurriedly taken off the floor. leaving
the railroads to struggle along as the
ordinary individual must, as best he
can.
Record of Democrats
II refrain from contrasting this
Nd1l1dLluS COuISt. SlRHlltCiut VI pre-
vailing OppOrtunism, and a total lack Of
sustained policy founded upon any
principle, with the record of the demo-
cratic party in the last administration.
Its legislative achievements have no
parallel in our history. The critical
period through which we have been
passing would have been one Of wide
spread ruin but for three measures en-
acted during that period. namely the
federal reserve act, the farm loan act
and the War Finance corporation law
But for the 100000 loaned under the
last mentioned law to preserve the live
stock industry and agricultural invest
ments in Montana during the past win
ter. the dire distress which has pre-
vailed would have eliminated in wide
spread ruin.
i should like very much to review
the record that was made by the party
now in control in connection with rev.
enue legislation, but must defer that
duty for the present. Suffice it to say
here that it was characterized by an
obvious purpose, made manifest in the
action taken on numberless items to
relieve the overrich of large share
Of the burden of federal taxes, to which
they became subject under legislation
enacted by democratic congresses and
to impose it upon the general mass of
the consuming public, and particularly
upon those who find the task of sup
plying their daily wants no easy one
under any circumstances.
Render Public Service
Il cannot help but feel that you and
those who will join with you to renew
their devotion to the principles of our
party and to enlist again in the work
Of restoring through it government by
the people and for the people. are rem
dering a distinct public service.
Il am deeply indebted to the demo- !
Gratis of Montana for the multiplied /
evidences they have given of their CON
fidence in the rectitude Of my purposes
and l beg to assure them. through you.
that | am deeply appreciative of the |
signal honor they have done me and of /
the regret l feel at being unable at
this critical juncture. to join person
ally in their councils
Feels Like New Woman