The New York herald., 1922-06-24

person. President Harding has con-
tinued this practice. in addition to
transmitting communications in writ
ing to be read by the clerks of the two
houses. In addressing Congress Pres
idents Wilson and Harding appeared
before the members Of both bodies in
Joint session. except when the matter
they desired to discuss came solely
within the functions of the Senate, as
on subjects relating to foreign affairs.
Most other countries accord to gov
ernmental Ministers the privilege Of
taking part in the deliberations either
under legislative rules or as a matter
of parliamentary courtesy. In Great
Britain all of the acts of the Ministry
are liable to be questioned in Parlia-
ment and the holders of portfolios are
assigned to seats in either the upper
or lower house. where they may con-
stantly answer for the policies and ac-
tions of the Government.
In France the Ministers have the
right OF being present in the two
chambers and may be heard whenever
they demand. The German policy has
been to accord to Ministers the right
to be heard whenever matters affect
ing their departments were under con-
sideration. Cabinet Ministers in Italy
have no deliberate voice in either
chamber except when they are MEM
bers, as is frequently the case.
In Switzerland the members of the
Federal Council (the Cabinet) have a
consulting voice in the Assembly, as
well as the right to introduce propo-
sitions on subjects under considera-
ton.
Lincoln's View Recalled.
Agitation Of the project to give to
Congress a hand in directing the civil
war policy Of the Government led to
lively discussion Of the scheme,
which, authorities say. was not viewed
with favor by President Lincoln. The
agitation d;i not result in the passage
of bills to countenance the participa-
tion of Cabinet officers.
The plan was revived during the
world war, but Congressional activi-
ties in this direction were not ap-
proved by Mr.. Wilson. He objected
to the plan proposed by Mr.. Harding.
then a Senator from Ohio, to create
a Congressional committee to help him
manage war activities. The proposal
was not even submitted to a vote.
Senator Lodge. who has made a
study of the matter, displayed only
mild interest in the latest Cabinet sug-
gestion. He said the present plan of
calling on the heads of Government
departments to appear before the COM
mittees of Congress when tkeir advice
was required seemed to meet the Con-
gressional necessities.
Under the present rule, Cabinet
members are accorded the privileges
of the floor, although they are not per-
mitted to take a hand in the debates.
The Senate leader declared no change
in the Constitution would be necessary
to confer upon Congress the right to
interrogate Cabinet officials in the
Senate organized as a committee of
the whole, although it has never been
DONE
The Senator declined to express any
opinion regarding the effect the plan
to give Cabinet officials the same legis-
lative privileges as elected members
Of the two houses might have upon
the minds Of Senators and Represen-
tatives. Senator Underwood, minority
leader, characterized tie Cabinet dis
cussion Of the plan as most interest
ing"
Three Bills on Subject.
The impression prevailing among
Senate and House leaders did not
Justify the inference that the plan
advocated by the Cabinet would be
regarded with favor. Three bills to
confer legislative privileges on Cab
met members are pending in the two
houses.
One. introduced by Senator Mclean
(Rep, Conn.,, provides that in ad-
dition to members Of the Cabinet, the
heads of the Federal Reserve Board.
Tariff Commission, Federal Trade
Commission, Shipping Board. Bureau
of Efficiency and Civil Service Com
mission shall be entitled to occupy
seats on the floor of the Senate and
House Of Representatives, with the
right to participate in debates on mat
ters relating to the business of their
respective departments
The same bill directs that these Of
ficials and the officers of these de-
partments shall attend the sittings on
Tuesdays and Fridays of each week
ito give information asked by resolu-
ton or in reply to questions which
may be propounded to them under the
rules of the Senate and House." The
bill is still in the Judiciary Committee.
The Kelley bill. which prompted
Cabinet discussion, limits such privi-
leges to members of the Cabinet and
directs that they shall attend the ses-
sions on Mondays and Thursdays. The
bill'introduced by Representative Mon
tague Dem.. Va.) is almost identical
with that introduced by Mr.. Kelley.