Milford chronicle., 1924-09-19
OUR WASHINGTON LETTER
By National Editorial Association
Special to Milford Chronicle

Special to Milford Chronicle
Washington, Sept. 17-Taking stock of tn,
Presidential campaigns is relatively a simple
matter when the usual seasonal buncombe is
discarded According to well-informed and i'm.
partial observers, the stumbling blocks to pro-
gress are obviously a public becoming less inn
aginative and dissension within parties. Per-
haps the squabbles within the house are more
damaging because of the ultimate effect on par
ty spirit. Attempts are made everywhere to cover
up the signs Of friction but it is admitted that
men find it easier to SOW dissension than to re-
store harmony.
Outside the constant chickering's over manage
ment and policies of the cOntesting parties, the
most conspicuous example of internal warfare
is afforded by the United States Tariff Commits
sion. The dispute has reached a stage wherein
the Commission is helpless to proceed. The feel
ing prevails here that the solution of the prob
lem will rest entirely with the Congress- It is
conceded that the organization is too important
to allow its abolshment by legislative whim.'
Comment upon this subject is soft-pedaled at
this time in a studied effort to keep the issue
out of political debates. The tariff problem had
almost faded from the political arena into the
of a few men, comprising the Commission may
have the effect of pulling tariff matters to the
forefront again.
The Institute of Economics, non-poltical or
ganization, has given a thorough study to the
question and reached the conclusion that reform
is needed to cure the fundamental errors that
cause criticism of every new law. Suggestions
offered by the Institute call for revision of the
work required of the tariff body. 1t is said that
sentiment has developed for legislation at the
next session of Congress to deprive the Commits
sion of some of the powers relating to the fex-
ible provisions of the new law. 1t will all de-
pend upon the majority mustered in the House
and Senate by the Administration. Argument
has been advanced by Thomas Walker Page, for
mer chairman of the Commission and now an
official of the non-gOvernment Institute that the
Commission should furnish Congress with facts
needed to judge whether proposed duties should
be enacted into law. He assumes that the duties |
would not be controversial or partisan but sole
" statistical Offering base upon which either /
protective or revenue tariff can be built. The |
Tariff Commission and its fate is alllc.Ig the /
irst of the issues which the present and outgo-
pS Congress must meet.
Precinct captains and the lesser fry of the
are complaining of the changing at
itude of the voters Some raise the cry that the
san, is giving way. Too much thinking makes
difficult for petty leaders to deliver their dis
'icts. Maybe these district captains believe that
ONE men have just imagination enough to spoil
leir judgment Appeals to the imagination for
erly made drastic changes in the votes for the
Imagination is more sensitive than the heart.
here is much speculation as to the outcome of
le election but nobody in Washington is pre-
lred to place heavy bets They realize that
lie public is tickle and local leaders promises
re reeds too wobbly for comfortable assur-
ices.
Considerable unemployment is noted by the U.
Employment Service in its report issued this
eek. Harvesting and threshing has brought an
creased demand for farm labor and absorbed
me of the surplus labor released by the clos
g down of factories. An encouraging sign is
tied in the gradual resumption of operations in
dustrial centers, particularly the steel trade.
creased activity in several branches of the
xtile industry is taken for a hopeful sign of
tier times.
That the slough of depression is not as deep
first suspected is revealed in the survey of
mestic business conducted by the Department
Commerce. Sales of the leading mail-order
uses increased materially during August, steel
oduction was above the total for the preceding
onth, and trade picked up in many lines. 1t
stated by government experts that the western
rmer will profit greatly by the increased i'm
rtation of food products by European nations.
e increased purchasing power of the farmer is
imated at a billion dollars. Naturally, this
1sperity will be reflected throughout the coun-
as the money will be used to replenish stocks
o support new enterprise and to make i'm
and extensions. Much significance
attached to the evidences of stabilized condi-
ms in the western states and the Importance
the European economic recovery. With the
zens prosperous, the troubles of the govern
Mt diminish accordingly. All these factors are s
sidered by those holding important posts in
Federal Service and others seeking popular
or at the polls.