The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1923-11-29
Direct Primary Has Eliminated Par,

Democrats Won't JOIN WIN rae
tions of Republican Politica
Groups-Bonus Proponents Con
fident-Muscle Shoals Contro
versy.
Washington, Nov. 24.-Surfac'
movements in the political worlt
here indicate the need of strong
leaders in Congress. AS the time
approaches for the converting of thu
legislative branch of the Federal Gov
eminent, the haze surrounding the
probable achievements becomes more
dense. The first week in December
will witness bitter struggle for par
liamentary advantage. Conditions
have changed since the advent of the
direct primary. 1t is no longer
a contest between parties. Party
dissension has reached stage where
party lines are obliterated. 1t is now
"bloc" against "bloc" for control OF
the House and Senate Spokesman for
parties and "blocs" freely admit the
charge that tumultuouS days are
ahead.
The organization of the House and
Senate is giving legislators problem
of importance. The statement of
Representative Finis Garrett, of Ten
nessee, Democratic floor leader, that
he would not countenance an alliance
with factions of Republicans and
minor political groups, has aroused
widespread interest. Unstinting praise
is given Mr.. Garrett for his declara-
ton as his attitude will exercise a
wholesome influence in the re-organ-
ization. There are certain small
groups out to prevent committee as
signments and selection of House
leaders for the major parties. 1t is
understood that overtures were made
to the minority for the express pur-
pose of bargaining for these appoint
ments. The position taken by the
Democratic leader has thwarthed
what was presumably movement
toward "bloc" rather than party
control The candidates of these
groups have not been announced. 1t
is generally agreed that when a SEM
blance of harmony is restored the
present Speaker of the House, Gill
cite, of Massachusetts,, will be re-
elected. Likewise, opinion of political
observers favors the election of Mich
olas Longworth, of Ohio, as Republi-
can floor leader. Graham, of Illinois,
has announced his candidacy for the
job, but Longworth's long record in
public life and his prominence in
committee work, gives him the edge |
on his Illinois competitor.
o.
Proponents of the bonus advance
the claim that they have sufficient
voting strength to pass measure
at this session and even override a |
veto. The fact that President Cool
idge agrees with Mr.. MELONS pro-
gram of tax reductions indicates that
he does not believe the bonus legis-
lation is advisable at this time. An
adjusted compensation bill passed
over Presidential veto would de-
velop an unusual political crisis to
influence the approaching campaign.
If the Secretary of the Treasury's
contention is true, and few have
doubted that tax cuts are impossible
with bonus grant, the issue will be
well defined.
Fax reduction plans are beset with
difficulties. Senator Capper, Repub-
licah, of Kansas, and spokesman for
the so-called Farm Bloc" finds con-
siderable merit in the proposals of
Secretary of the Treasury Mellon for
downward revision. The Western
Senator takes exception to reducing
sur-taxes on big incomes. He has
declared against a sales tax and tax
freebonds of all kinds. Relief for |
the millions of small taxpayers would
come in the plan for exemption of all
incomes under $4,000. The agitation
by Senators LaFolette, Brookhart and |
Magnus Johnson for restoration of |
excess profits tax as part of their
campaign against big business may
seriously impede general tax reduc-
ton for this tax was very unpopular
in industrial sections until removed
DCiiOSidIo arc dioO vi dltiHS JILL
which must be considered.
D
1t appears that the controversy |
concerning Muscle Shoals may yet be
rescued from CONSUMPTION in the lJ14 |
campaign. The President indicated |
this week that he was in sympathy |
with the proposals of Chairman mar
tin Madden of the House Appropria-
tions Committee for the construction
of steam plant by the government |
and the operation of the nitrate plant, |
at loss, if necessary, in order that |
farmers may be supplied with this
fertilizer. The Madden plan contem-
plates the maintenance of plan un-
der government enterprise, but pre-
ferably under private control, possib-
iy by Henry Ford. The suggestion
has been made that Ford would do
well to submit his proposition, as it is
plain that the government means to
operate or sell Muscle Sholes proper
ties. If the matter drags over the
Congressional session, it will be an
iy,onny.f nj no1ifiocI icc,,o ~, fbn C,,,4l