Milford chronicle., 1924-12-19
OUR WASHINGTON LETTER
By National Editorial Association
Special to Milford Chronicle


national legislation 1t is expected that they will
give an attentive ear to the folks back home.
The feeling exists that legislators will return
to the Capital with a more complete knowledge
of what their constituents want. In other words,
it is believed that they will be criticised for
their failure to enact any helpful legislation in
the last three weeks, and will settle down to
business.
Those charged with the responsibility for
legislative activity have worked hard during the
last three weeks without material results. For
instance, Senator Curtis, the Republican leader,
has frankly admitted that some of his associates
are shifty and sanguinary. In the House Con-
gressman LongwOrth reports similar difficulties.
The Democratic leaders have also counted noses
to determine the dependability of their col
leagues in partisan voting.
Talks with these leaders show that the aver
age legislation is now confronted with the need
for decisions. He must make choice in keep
ing prediction pledges. For instance, there
are numerous members of the Senate and House
who were elected on promises to support Pres
ident Coolidge in his administrative policies.
Many of these men find themselves in a quand-
ary because of previous pledges to various
groups. It is a very embarrassing situation.
Spokesman for the Administration point to their
promise to uphold the President, if elected,
while others insist that pledges given at the last
session should be fulfilled before the adjourn
ment of Congress. Of the few who have definite
" decided to retire voluntarily from public life
a move one way or another is of relatively little
importance. The great majority remaining over
as result of the election know full well that
the Administration holds the key to their po- |
litical future The average congressman prides |
himself upon his ability to corner Federal pat
ronage for his constituents. They know that |
their chances are lessened by voting against |
Administration plans. 1t is a political rule
which has prevailed since the foundation of the
Republic.
Official Washington is laughing quietly at the
spectacle presented by those seeking high Of
fees 1t is a custom to provide political berths
for those who failed of reelection, especially if
they served the dominating party faithfully.
1t is the old story of the Tame duck and his
place in publicaffairs. Ordinarily skillful poll
ticians find it best to suit their opinions to cir
cumstances. 1.-The manual of the perfect lame
duck" if ever compiled, would have this main
principle remember the with the gift
bag" The men retiring from Congress, on
March 4, are having this repeated to them by
heir well-wishers.
It is known that President Coolidge and his
advisors are making survey of the Federal
departments and Independent establishments l
where the high offices are filled by Presidential
appointment. Already an imposing list of sena-
Ors and congressman have been suggested for
nigh honors The problem is to find the jobs
or the deserving few Some of the senator's
Who have large personal fortunes are quite will
ng that the President should appoint them to
diplomatic posts. Others in less prosperous cir
,umstances would be grateful for any Federal
OBJ carrying title and substantial salary.
There is some talk of reorganization of the
of the Federal Trade Commission and 1
he Tariff Commission. These two groups have
een a source of trouble to the Administration 4
or considerable time. 1t is expected that with
n few months Mr. Coolidge will enforce
Ian which will make the commissions more
Elective. The law creating the Federal Trade
Commission requires that at least two members
hall be of the minority political party.
There is a proposal to transfer the Shipping | h
oard to the Department of Commerce. The
mott bill for reorganization of Federal de- s
artments creates Merchant Marine Bureau in
he Department of Commerce. While it does
Onfer that body's duties on this new bureau, it
said that simple amendment would accom- n
lish this purpose.
The growing evidence of prosperity will
oubtedly reduce attempts to enact Legislative
cure-alls." The American Bankers AssOca-
on meeting here this week reported a general 4
Onidence in the sound conditions of the nation
18th prospects favorable for expanding prosper h
y. They said particularly encouraging sign
that this spirit of optimism is tempered by an
ttitude of judicious caution.
It is interesting to note that the Treasury is
to restore the standard silver to the
lace which it formerly held in the currency
tructure. In doing this the Treasury is actu- n
ted by two motives; first, to improve the quail
y of the paper money particularly in the one
ollar denomination ;and to effect in this way III
material saving in the expense of supplying
le country with fit currency. The cost to the
overnment of manufacturing and keeping in q
REGULATION One-dollar bill is II cents The 0
easury says that it is evident that if a months
lpply of silver dollars, which have almost n
ldefinite life, can take the place of an squal
mount of paper dollars, an annual saving of 81
bout one million dollars will accrue to the Gov
-nment The Treasury desires to put in cir Il
1lation about 100000 silver dollars. In the
+ west the so-called "cartwheel" has always "
aen DonuIar buf in tho 7otduyast and east fhe NJ