The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1925-02-19
WASHINGTON LETTER
Especial to Sank Centre Herald)

Washington, Feb. 18-One of the
few exciting things in Washington
these days is the struggle for COM
plimentary seats at the inaugural
ceremony. Even the interest in this
spectacle is waning. The insistence
of the President as the star perform
er, for the utmost simplicity in the
interest Of economy has sounded a
sad note. The plans as approved by
Mr.. Coolidge indicate that the entire
ceremony including the parade, will
take up less thar one hours.
Though the President is never di-
rectly quoted he is, nevertheless the
publicity agent for the Cabinet. A
few years ago it was customary for
Cabinet officers to tell newspaper
correspondents what transpired at the
sessions on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Nowadays, the Spokesman for the
President" whose real identity is
known to everybody, gives the writ
ers the official Interpretation as to
what the Chief Executive and hif
ministers of state discussed. Ont
member of the Cabinet told the writ
err this week that Mr.. Coolidge very
frankly sought the advice of the de-
partment heads. This high official
said that the impression had been CIV
en- to the country that the President
did not take his official family into
his confidence. This, the Cabinet
member said, is not true.
The aggressive attitude taken by
certain members of the Senate in re-
gard to executive appointments has
brought aabout a switch on the part
of Mr.. Coolidge. Rather than con-
sent to a showdown on voting
strength, the White House has eased
up on his efforts to obtain confrma-
tons in the Senate at this session.
Word has been passed to Administra-
ton forces to keep the nominations
pigeon-holed until an extra session
can be called March 5. The reason
is obvious. In the new Congress
numerical strength is assured and the
Administration will have working
majority. It is proposed to have the
new Congress meet for a day or two
for the purpose of confirming ap-
pointments rather than proceed with
the consideration of general legis-
lation.
The controversy over presidential
appointments has brought about de-
mand in many quarters for the abo-
lition Of secret sessions of the SEN
ate. Senator Dill, Democrat, Of
Washington, has advocated open ses-
sions except when it is determined by
a two-thirds vote of the Senate that
the business for consideration is so
grave that secrecy is necessary.
Years ago when Senators INDUCED
in snuff, it was necessary to have
snuff boxes near the entrance to the
Senate chamber. The snuff contain
ers are still intact. Senator Dill says
that secret sessions for the confirma-
ton of postmasters in small towns is
comparable to keeping snuff boxes In
the Senate, Gas both are relics of the
past and are equally needless and
useless.
There is rule calling for the ex-
pulsion of a senator who violates the
secrecy of the executive sessions. If
it were strictly enforced, there would
be few, if any senators allowed on the
floor.
There are some members Of Con-
gress who are very sensitive about
their ability to think for themselves.
Some objection has been made to the
employment Of legislative counsel, a
group of experts who are required to
draft legislation. It is said that as a
result of their services the govern
ment has been saved millions of dol
lars in law suits which would nave
developed from poorly-drawn legis-
latiye measures. Some member of
Congress believe that they are quail
fid to draft their own bills but the ma
jority of their colleagues view the
unaffar in diffnrnnt 1ipht and $40