The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1925-01-29
WASHINGTON LETTER
Especial to Sank Centre Herald)

Especial to Sank Centre Herald)
Washington, Jan. 27--Intern atior
al affairs have forged to the fror
during the week as topics for discus
sion by men in public life here. Nc
even the eclipse, rare phenomen
casting an unearthly shadow, coul
divert some legislators from thei
plans to subordinate domestic mat
tiers. The international atmospher
seems to permeate the Senate an
House at present.
Senator Borah, Chairman of tn
Senate Foreign Relations Committee
has been giving vent to some of hi
personal views on the French debt
He has INDUCED in what may b.
rightly termed a long distance de
bate with 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 dignity. Some
have gone so far as to say that the
speeches in the American-French as
-semblies bordered on the theatric. The
subject has received some considera-
ton In the House where many men,
bers are concerned over the possibili-
ties of cancellation of the French
debt. Members of Congress are in
dignant at the attitude of some
American citizens who spend large
part of their time abroad and are
constantly going to the French au-
thorities representing themselves as
spokesman for American opinion. 1t
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.
lnasmuch 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 for
eign nations at this time is in ex-
cess of twelve billion dollars, includ-
ing interest. About AZ per cent of
this debt has been funded but more
that half still remains without any
definite agreement as to the time of
payment and other matters. 1t is
proposed to extend the life of the
World War Debt Commission which
otherwise would go out of existence
on February 9. According to Senat-
or Borah the French would not be
asked to pay more than so cents on
the dollar on their loans which he
regards as generous attitude on the
part of this country.
The immigration issues which raked
the country last year will, in small
way, be revived within a few days.
The House will be asked to enact
more drastic deportation laws. The
supporters of this legislation insist
that these changes are essential to the
welfare Of the country. It is pro-
posed to simplify the procedure in
deporting aliens who violate
American laws particularly the Vol
stead Act. The proposed bill would
permit the deportation of those enter
ing the country illegally and those
who over-stay authorized visit. There
are several provisions to cover aliens
who might become public charges.
Though this bill may pass the House,
it is doubtful if it will receive con-
sideration from the Senate before adj
journment.
There has been much talk concern
ng the farm relief bills. An or
sanized movement to obtain support
FOR modified agricultural measure
along the lines of the recently de-
seated McNary-Haugen measure is
sponsored by the American Council
If Agriculture. 1t will be recalled
hat the McNary Bill was defeated
because of the price ratio
provision. A tentative bill modified
% meet the objections of several leg
slators contemplates the establish
nent of a farm export corporation
to the extent of $5O,O0O,OO
~ the Federal Government. It seems
hat there is a division of opinion
lmong legislators as well as agricul-
ural organizations as to the exact
economic status of the American
'armer. There are certain groups
Who claim that the farmer can work
tut his own salvation without legisla-
i've paneceas. Others declare that
he emergency in agriculture still
Exists and Federal aid is needed.
Anticipating nominations of certain
members of the Senate and House
or Federal posts, their opponents in
hese bodies are preparing to wage a
var against confirmation by the Sem
tie. In many instances it gives leg
slators an opportunity to pay old
ime grudges, political or personal.
likewise there are many fair minded