The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1923-12-27
WORK OF CONGRESS
DELAYED BY SCRAP
SERVICE MEMS ADJUSTED CON-
PENSATION BILL MAY HAVE
TOUGH SHEDDING IS
BILLS GALORE OFFERED
1T is HOPED HOLIDAY RECESS
WILL COOL FIGHTING ARDOR
OF BELICERENTS
By WILLIAM DALEY
National Editorial Association

National Editorial Association
Special to Sank Centre Herald
Washington, Dee. 26-After three
weeks of petty pickering, Congress
adjourned for the holiday recess, and,
singularly enough, to observe the
Yuletide spirit of peace on earth and
good will to men," A survey of the
legislative situation shows that little
or nothing was accomplished, other
than the development of bitter par
tisanship. Leaders of both parties
are hopeful that the brief contract
with the folks in the home districts
will show the agitators the folly of
their ways. If constructive legisla-
ton is to be enacted more attention
must be given the peoples business
and less to personal glorification of a
few members of Congress.
1t was said here this week that the
insurgents efforts to dictate to the
leaders of both parties was founded
on their desire to make the railroad
and excess-profits tax matters lead
ing issues before Congress. The sup
porers of the Administration are de-
termined that Congress shall main
tain "hands-off" policy in regard to
the railroads. The legislators elected
on local platforms calling for the re-
peal of the Esch-C ummins law are
undoubtedly acting under the belief
that they were especially commits
stoned for this purpose. There are
others who are firmly convinced that
their particular section of the coun-
try will be benefited by the restora-
ton of the excess profits tax, and so
they are adopting parliamentary
methods with this end ir view. e,
..r.Js ~
The controversy over the bonus and
tax proposals now before Congress
has reached a critical stage. Many
members of Congress who usually
trim thier political sails in the direc-
ton of the prevailing wind, are adj
mittedly in a quandary. Some have
given pledges to vote for bonus leg
islation and tax reduction at the same
time. 1t now appears, however, that
they must make a decision. This va
cillating policy has demaralizing eff
feet on essential legislation. Senator
Reed, Democrat, of Missouri, believes
he is doing his, colleagues a favor in
demanding an inquiry into propogan-
da on the subject of the bonus and
tax reduction. Senator Simmons Of
North Carolina, Democratic leader,
has committed the minority to the
Mellon tax plan with certain provis-
ions that "the rich shall not be re-
lieved of taxes" Speaking for the
minority, Senator Simmons also ad.
vocted the enactment of bonus legis-
lation.
The bonus question is more or less
non-partisan in it's present stage.
Secretary of the Treasury Mellon
made it clear that the money required
for sinking fund and for interest on
bonds, in the event an adjusted COM
pensation bill is passed, would entire
ly absorb the present surplus upon
which the Treasury predicates its pro-
posals for tax reduction. In a let
ter to Congressman Andrews of Mas
sachusetts, this week, Secretary Mel
Ion declared that the bonus would
cost taxpayers $5,000,O00,000 direct
ly, while indirectly the cost is meal
culable. Mr.. Mellon expressed lie
opinion that the credit demand due
to the issuance of bonds would in
crease interest rates throughout the
country. 1t was estimated that the
drain on the public treasury would
amount to $211, 900, 900 per year for
at least 20 years, and, as the Nations
foremost expert, he fears the econom-
ic consequences of this proposed leg
islation.
From political point of view,
Senator Smoot, of Utah, chairman Of
the Senate Finance committee adj
mits that the bonus would pass the
Senate at this time. In other quart
ers it is said that the various pools
which show that the bonus would be
enacted over the Presidents veto,
could not be relied upon, as many
Senators now listed as favorable, be-
cause of their votes at the last ses-
sion, have been reelected for a per-
iod of six years and may be subject
to change of heart on account Of
pressure from the Administration.
While their seats in the Senate are
secure for this period of time, they