The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-03
THE NATIONAL CONGRESS

The new congress which assemblies in Washington today is nominally a Republican one, but in reality it is triangular, consisting of Republicans, Progressives and Democrats, with the Democrats in strong position to achieve or defeat legislation. Most writers give the balance of power to the Progressives, on the theory that the side to which they throw their in- fluence will be the side that controls. It is just as logical, however, to give the balance of power to Democratic solidarity. If the Democrats present united front the Democrats will carry the day in this new congress.
 Of course, in this period shortly preceding presidential campaign, pol itics will play the dominant role. And yet there are unparalleled opportuni- ties now for the display of construc- tive statesmanship of the highest type. In view of the Republican record of non-achievement and the Progressive unreliability, it looks very much as if the very best possible politics would be for the Democrats to advocate and support policies designed to accom- plish the utmost public good. If they should succeed in writing constructive measures on the statute books, their triumph Is assured. If their construc- tive measures are defeated, they will be still in the impregnable position of having honestly tried for their enact ment. That record, when contrasted with Republican opposition, would be almost equally effective in placing the Democrats in power.
 The prospects for the success of Democratic legislation of a substantial and wise sort are very good. The reason for this is the divergence be- tween the regulars and the recalci- trants on the Republican side. These two wings will probably refuse to unite on leading legislative questions. There fore, if the Democrats shall take the initiative in a broad and beneficient legislative program 1t is likely that they will enlist in its support one or the other of the two party extremes among the opposition. Either extreme would contribute enough votes to win on any measure. The Democrats could also profitably join either wing in SUD- port of any fundamentally wise meas ure of national importance.
 The Republicans have played pure politics to finish. It now seems that any party to attain public approval and recognition must try something diff ferent. The people are fed up on political knavery, evasion and manipu- lation. They are no longer allured by brilliant promises, but they are hun gry for the substance. If the Demo- crats will give them legislative bread where they have been dining on legis- lative husks, it is reasonable to SUD- pose that the people are wise enough to grasp and not to spurn the hand that feeds them solid food.
 Naturally, success depends upon initiative. The Democrats, however, cannot propose all the laws. But they can support all laws which merit passage and which will confer a public benefit. The opportunity for such legislation is unlimited. There is no need or room for freak legislation. The principles of government and the laws of political economy are sufficient guide to the rightminded. The session offers the Democrats an exceptional opportunity to make an appeal to the American people that would be ire sistible. It will be the part of wisdom to make fullest use of that opportu- nity. Success at the polls next fail will be the party reward.
 INTERNAL TARIEE UARC