The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1924-01-24
(By William L. Daley, National Edi-
torial Association.)


legislative measures in the Con-
gress. 1t is obvious that the Repub-
licans will find it difficult tt write
the recommendations of President
Coolidge into the statute because the
present revolt against majority rule
has tendency to bring about disin-
tegration of the party. There is
new majority in the House-an alli-
ance of Democrats and Republican
insurgents-which apparently has the
power to enforce it's bipartisan de-
mands. They have displayed their
strength in changing the rules of the
House in order to exercise control
over important legislation. 1t is pre-
dicted in many quarters that nothing
but political chaos will come of this
strategy. With the bipartisan ma
jority in position to amend the
tax bill by the inclusion of bonus
!. yroposal and President Coolidge OPP
sosed to alterations in the Mellon
plan and the bonus, tax reduction is
nothing but pleasant dream at the
present time.
The bipartisan leaders believe that
much good could be accomplished by
liberalization of House rules whereby
100 or $50 members could demand
the discharge of a committee from
consideration of a particular bill, Mr..
Madden of Illinois, one of the most
influential Republican leaders, de-
clares that this procedure would cost
taxpayers billion year and it would
be nothing more than play into the
hands of professional lobbyists.
The advocates contend, however,
that it will prevent the practice of
"pigeon-holing" important legislative
proposals. Conservative leaders ex-
press the opinion that those now fav-
oring changes will be as quick to
sponsor repeal in event insurgents or
other minorities become majorities at
other sessions. The claim is advanced
that referendums on proposed bills
will not prove practical. 1t is a note
worthy fact that a formidable per-
centage of Democrats refused to join
the bipartisan movement. With the
campaign year at hand, these legisla-
tors are thinking of the future of
their party. Meanwhile, the calliope of
dissension keeps everybody jumping.
n
From the West comes reports that
Senator Hiram johnson will withdraw
from the race for the Republican
nomination. The fact that party lead
.ers are not cordial in states where
primaries are held is said to have dis
couraged the California candidate.
While there is much propaganda
circulated on all sides, it is generally
admitted that the nomination is a
"cut and dried" proposition for Mr..
Coolidge. A man inside the White
House looking out is generally more
popular among politicians of his
party than a man on the outside seek
ing entrance. Several surprises may
be in store as the convention will not
be held for five months.
H.
The deluge of bills intended to re-
lieve the farmer continues undated.
If only small percentage of the
meaures were considered by Congress
the agricultural situation would be
relieved somewhat AS the matter
now stands, the legislative situation
is likened to hunter using bird shot
when high caliber bullets are needed
to bring down the game. Too many
panaceas are offered.
D.
+ OF 70
leader of the insurgent group in the
Senate, has introduced joint resolu-
ton calling upon the Interstate Com
merce Commission to reduce sub
stantially to pre-war levels the
freight rates on agricultural pro-
ducts, including live stock, and upon
the materials and implements requir-
ed on American farms.
Mr.. Hoch, Republican of Kansas,
introduced less drastic measure
along similar lines.
Senator Lenroot, of Wisconsin, in
troduced bill intended to assist
farmers marketing live stock pro-
ducts, dairy products, etc.
Senator Capper, of Kansas, seeks
to amend the Packers and Stock
Yards act of 1921, which would pro-
hibit packers from diverting live
stock from competitive markets,
etc.
Mr.. Ketcham, of Michigan, offered
a bill to promote agriculture by MAX
ing more extensively available and
by expanding the service now render
ed by the Department of Agriculture
in gathering and discriminating in
formation regarding agricultural pro
duction, competition, and demand in
foreign countries in promoting the
sale of farm products abroad.
Senator Cummings, OF Iowa, IN
troduced several bills to amend the
Interstate Commerce Commission act
but it is doubtful if they will receive
attention at this session because OF
the complexion of the |. c. G. COM
mittee. He also introduced bill to
prevent bribery and corrupt trade
practices.
The immigration problem will un-
doubtdly provoke nationwide con.
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