The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1924-06-14
CONGRESS- IN REVIEW


urday evening. leaves a record in
legislation that will not be termed
wholly a failure, but it is one that
can not be ranked as great sue
cess.
People long ago learned not to
expect the maximum results from
any legislative body when ma
tional campaign is just ahead.
There has also been the lack Of
effective leadership. Republicans.
with a slight majority in both the
House and Senate, had difficulty in
organizing either because of the
antagonism Of the LaFOllette
group. Concessions on House
rules had to be made and in the
Senate deadlock resulted in Sen
ator Smith, Of South Carolina,
Democrat, being chosen chairman
Of the interstate commerce commit
tee
The Democrats showed more
ability to stand together. They did
not produce legislative program
OF positive character, but drifted
situations that developed.
Out of this tangle there emerged
a new tax law, which in some re-
spects is better than the one re-
placed. but is not nearly what it
could have been, had there been
closer adherence to sound princi-
pies.
In replacing the present immi-
grafton act which will expire on
June 80. there was strengthening
of the bars against undesirable
aliens, but a needless giving of Of
Tense to Japan.
An amendment to the Constitu-
ton giving to the federal govern
ment the right to control hours
and conditions of labor for persons
under the age of IS has been sub
mitted to the voters
Each state now has the privilege
of prohibiting the exploitation of
childhood. AS drawn the proposed
amendment would deprive both the
state and parents. if Congress saw
fit. of the control of children in
matters of work.
Should three~fourths of the
states. through their legislatures,
approve of the proposal, it would
be tremendous advance in CEN
tralZation of government powers.
of which people already are COM
planning.
Congress kept close to budget
| figures in making ordinary appro-
| priations, but authorized an eX
penditure of more than $4,000, 000,-
600 to be paid over period of 20
years, as a bonus to World War
veterans.
| President Coolidge courageOusly
vetoed the bill. but it was passed
over his veto. On pension increase
legislation for other veterans his
veto was sustained in the Senate
by one vote. In the closing hours
of the session the President also
vetoed a bill increasing salaries of
postal employees.
The passage of the bill to bring
the navy up to the 5-5-3 ratio
agreed on at the Washington con-
ference, and measure to reorgan-
ize the diplomatic and consular
services are included in the small
remaining list of measures.
A 40-mile filibuster just before
adjournment left Enacted on an
urgency deficiency bill carrying
5000. 900 to pay this years
share of the bonus and a SIT ,O00.-
900 measure to carry out the navy
construction work. Americas en-
trance into the World Court, rail
roads and shipping, farm aid
Muscle Shoals, foreign debts and
reclamation also are left over.
President Coolidge comes out
of his first experience with Con-
gress stronger than when the ses-
sion began. The approval that has
greeted his course is in great con-
trast with the reception accorded
much of the work of the legisla-
tors.
He would have none of the eco
nomic fallacies, even though they
were supported by powerful 'blocs
and cliques. The President has
done good work and would have
done much more had his party
membership in Congress sustained
him.
There are some members that
stood out for economy and effic-
iency in such way that they need
not .be ashamed, but for Others
judgment day in November should
be-and probably will be--one of
fear and trembling. - Indianapolis