Milford chronicle., 1925-01-30
OUR WASHINGTON LETTER
(By National Editorial Association
Especial to Chronicle1

L~ESS~NN~ w. ~@@~S-@S~SI
Washington January international affairs
have forged to the front during the week as top
les for discussion by men in public life here.
Not even the eclipse, rare phenomena casting
an unearthly shadow, could divert some legisla-
tors from their plans to subordinate domestic
matters. The international atmosphere seems
to permeate the Senate and House at present
Senator Borah, Chairman of the Senate For
eign Relations Committee, has been giving vent
to some of his personal views on the French
debt He has indulged in what may be rightly
termed a long-distance debate with a member of
the French Chamber of Deputies. There has
been some criticism here that it is not the best
form of craftsmanship and even lacking in dig
nifty. Some have gone so far as to say that the
speeches in the American-French assemblies
bordered on the theatric. The subject has re-
ceived some consideration in the House where
many members are concerned over the possibil-
tiles of cancellation of the French debt. Mem
bers Of Congress are indignant at the attitude of
some American citizens who spend large part
of their time abroad and are constantly going to
the French authorities representing themselves
as spokesmen for American opinion. It was
stated in the House this week that many French
officials are deluded by these individuals who are
usually self-persuaded in the pleasing belief
that they represent sentiment from Congress.
Inasmuch as the foreign debts will be talked
about for sometime, it is interesting to note the
position of this country in this matter. The to-
tai amount of indebtedness of foreign nations at
this time is in excess of twelve billion dollars
including interest About AZ per cent of this
debt has been funded but more than half still
remains without any definite agreement as to
the time of payment and other matters It is
to extend the life of the World War
Debt Commission which otherwise would go out
of existence on February 8. According to Sen
ator Borah the French would not be asked to
pay more than so cents on the dollar on their
loans which he regards as a generous attitude
on the part of this country.
The immigration issues which raked the
country last year will, in a small way be re-
vived within few days. The House will be
asked to enact more drastic deportation laws.
The supporters of this legislation insist that
.hese changes are essential to the welfare of the
country. 1t is proposed to simplify the proceed
Ire in deporting aliens who violate American
avs particularly the Volstead Act. The pro-
)osed bill would permit the deportation of those
ntering the country illegally and those who I
,ver-stay authorized visit. There are several
PROVISIONS to cover aliens who might become
ublic charges. Though this bill may pass the !
Iouse, it is doubtful if it will receive consider
tion from the Senate before adjournment. I
There has been much talk concerning the I
arm relief bills. An organized movement to OBJ {
ain support for modified agricultural meas
re along the lines of the recently defeated Nc
Iary-Haugen measure is sponsored Dy the Am L
rican Council of Agriculture 1t will be re- a
allied that the McNary Bill was defeated prin- 2
ipally because of the price ratio provision. A .
sntative bill modified to meet the objections of t
everal legislators contemplates the, establish b
tent of a farm export corporation financed to 0
lie extent of $5O,OOO,OOO by the Federal Govern 9
ent. 1t seems that there is a division of opin- 7
n among Legislators as well as agricultural "
rganizations as to the exact economic status Of n
le American farmer. There are certain groups u
hO claim that the farmer can work out his G.
wn salvation without legislative paneceas. g
Tiers declare that the emergency in agricul- a
ire still exists and Federal aid is needed. !.
Anticipating nominations of certain members "a
the Senate and House for Federal posts, ~ N
cir opponents in these bodies are preparing to h,
age war against confirmation by the Senate. th
many instances it gives Legislators an oppor- OF
nifty to pay old-time grudges, political or per- ~
nal. Likewise there are many fair-minded W
en- in the upper chamber who believe it un- tn
Sc to appoint men to Federal jobs who have eli
en- turned down by the electorate. These ap- y! wv
intees are known as lame ducks" and their io-
ason is at its height just prior to the final ad- tn
lrnment of the Congress. Their wives and ST.
Ter members of the family often conduct a wa
,ial lobby in order to remain in official life. 81,