The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1924-05-08

extra session is the plan now under
consideration by Senate and House
leaders. 1t is particularly desirable
that the legislative business of the
nation should be concluded at that
time as the Republican and Demo-
craic conventions are scheduled for
June. The fact that the present Con-
gress paid little heed to the legislative
program outlined by the President is
not regarded by the legislators, at
least, as deterrent factor. Many of
these lawmakers are determined to
return to their districts to put their
political "fences" in order for the
election contests this fall. AS a re-
suit, every effort is being made to
expedite bills already on the calen-
dar or to properly squelch proposals
which would consume the time of the
national legislative body during the
summer and fall months.
Whether any good could be ac-
complished by keeping Congress in
session all summer Is debatable
question. 1t is stated in many quar-
tiers that the Legislators, finding strong
candidates for their offices and con-
ditions topsy-turvy in their home dis
without undue delay. Statements
have been advanced from responsible
sources that business men would well
come an adjournment as they find
that unsettled conditions in trade are
due to a large extent, to ''tinkering
and meddling by Congress" On the
other hand, it is argued that the farm
er has about abandoned hope of leg
islative relief but would approve a
longer session with a prospect of real
help, not empty promises.
One of the big surprises of the ses-
sion has been he marked decline in
the power of the ''1arm bloc Adj
mittedly, one of the strongest combi-
nations of legislators interested in
agrarian problems, this clique has
apparently faded out of the picture.
1t may be revived at another Con-
gress but a movement of this kind
now would not have sufficient cohe-
program is at low ebb. Even the res
Howard, of Nebraska for keeping
Congress in session until the prime
problem of the hour-legislation to
relieve distress in agricultural zones
shall have been accomplished by
legislative enactment" failed to pro-
woke ripple of enthusiasm. 1t seems
that the attitude of the executive
branch of government is founded on
the belief that the existing fiscal
agencies Of the federal government
together with private enterprise will
ameliorate the troubles of the farm
erS.
The Mellon tax plan, once consid-
cred the trump card of the admins
tration for election year, Jared the
same in the Senate as in the House.
Certain features of the proposal have
been incorporated in the Revenue bill
but the basic principles have been
beaten. Just now the Senate and
House leaders are wondering what
will happen when their joint effort is
presented to the President for sig
nature.
Political observers are comment
ing these days on Washington's So
cial whirl as an antidote for so-called
radicals" 1t is pointed out that a
certain Senator who was elected on a
platform calculated to strike fear into
the conservative element on both
sides of the Senate chamber has been
subdued. No amount of criticism
could have effected the change of
front but the desire for social pres
tige brought about the conversion.
The law of association in social ethics
is exercising more influence in official
Washington than the ballot box.
The Bonus bill is now before the
President, who must make known his
decision within ten days. Proponents
of the measure believe that it can be
passed over Presidential veto.
The Naval Appropriation bill,
which has passed the Senate, in
cludes a provision calling for an in
ternational conference looking to the
limitation of the construction of SUBJ
marine, aircraft and war vessels of
less than ten thousand tons. Official
Washington is greatly interested in
this proposition as disclosures by nau-
teal experts indicate that this country
is below Great Britain and Japan in
naval efficiency. There is move
ment under way to inquire into the
military and naval defenses of the
nation and to provide plans to meet
conditions of modern warfare.
#"
Pending on the Senate calendar is
bill of Importance to the executive
branch of the government. 1t is a.
resolution sponsored by Senator Edge,
of New Jersey, to establish a. Congress
sional committee to consider ways and
means through legislation to tighten
responsibilities of the President. The
increased burdens of the Presidency
are such that they impose tremen-
dous mental and physical strain upon
the Chief Magistrate which tends to
shorten his life. 1t is generally be-
ieved that former Presidents Wilson
and Harding were broken in health
and ultimately died from the effects
of strenuous official duties. The pro-
posed Congressional committee would
be empowered to recommend changes
in the existing law and system Of the
administration of government in ord
er to bring relief to the Chief Exc
cutive.
With the approach of the conven-
tons, attention of office-holders and
candidates for office are turned to
the question of party platforms which |
necessarily involves the issues of the
-