Evening star., 1923-02-07
PRESIDENT SCORES
BY SHIP BILL PLEA
Executives Request for Ac-
ton Proves Surprise to
Members of Congress.
REPUBLICANS JUBllANT
Friends of Merchant Marine Leg
islation Hope Measure
Will Be Passed.
BY n. O. MESSENGER.

President Harding sprang surprise
npon the joint session Of the House
nd Senate today, when he supplement-
d his submission of the report OF the
ereign debt commission on the fund
ing of the British debt with an earnest
appeal for action upon the merchant
marine bill. 1t had been intimated from
White House quarters that the Presi-
dent would make an appeal to Congress
TOR action upon this measure. in Il
time when the bill appears to be
languishing in the Senate, by a letter
written to some member of the Senate.
To-day, in a dramatic manner. he
aid the situation before the joint
meeting of the two houses. as
i'd. n,!a to his remarks on the British
iebt Ii vas a complete surprise TO
he senators and representative as
>embled AS he proceeded with his
:orccful argument in favor of dispo-
-itiun of the merchant marine bill al
t4liS session. even in the recognized
pongcsted condition of other impor-
tant legislation. republicans OF the
House and Senate indulged in pro-
3unged applause. There was notlcea-
blc silence on the democratic side.
Asks Definite Action.
President Harding said that the pub
- is unwilling to continue the ap-
FALLING losses to the public treasury
when il is known that the govern
ment is operating with no prospect
uf relief or of ultimate achievement.
He held that Congress owes II TO II
elf. to the executive branch OF the
government and to the American
public some decisive action.
Mere avoidance" lie said, by pro-
lunged debate is ~ mark OF impotence
IL nrf n n
lion ! plead for n decision. II there
is "A favora BILE ajority the bill should
he enacted. If a majority is opposed
defeat will be decisive. Then, IL Con :
eresS fails in providing the requested
alternative measure, the executive
branch OF the government may pro-
rred as best it can to end the losses
IN liquidation and humiliation.
President Harding then went on to
place the responsibility squarely upon
@'nngress Il speak frankly he said.
because the situation demands frank
ness. I am trying TO emphasize re-
SponSibility which cannot be met by
ore branch of the government alone"
There was loud applause from the
republican senators and representa-
rtveS Al this declaration. Continuing,
he President said: There is call for
'ongre ssonal expression. not mere
avoidance.
Il am not seeking now to influence
me senate ueclSlo1l, out am appeal
ing for some decision. There Is time,
abundant time, for decisive action
upon both these tremendously i'm
portant questions. l have brought up
he shipping bill because I can fore
see the possible conflict for right of
way, but it ought and can be avoided.
There is time for essential debate Of
both. and each carries its own appeal.
either is fiji to be recorded a chapter
in great achievement, both will mark
N
arably related to our good fortunes
At home and our high place in the
world"
Friends of Bill Pleased.
After the adjournment of the joint
session. senator's faVorably disposed
to the merchant marine bill thought
that the President had made a ten
View was that he had weakened the
position of the small group in the
Senate who are understood to be de-
Lermincd to prevent a vote being
reachsd upon this bill. His declara-
ton that the settlement of the mer-
chant marine problem is not within
the sole purview of the administra-
i've branch. but can be attained only
ny the participation of the Legislative
body. was analyzed as being strong
st kind of appeal toward diScoun-
r"naucing suggested filibustering tao
tics against the bill in the Senate.
Senators friendly to the measure
came away from the joint session
much encouraged by the Presidents $
rank and vigorous statement and
declared themselves intent upon ~e-
uewinE their efforts to bring the bill
"a vote in the Senate before March
!. In any event, they said. after the
Presidents strong presentation or The
situation today, the responsibility for
failure to act upon this vital measure
Of Legislation viii be easily placed.