The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1926-01-06
Congress Back at
Work January a
for New Session
RECESS USED BY SOME MEN,
BERS FOR SURVEY OF POLIT-
ICAL SITUATION; CRIME WAVE
TO BE STUDIED.

In instances where members of
Congress have returned to their own
districts for the holiday recess 'the
folks at home" so often referred to
in debate, are having their innings.
Organized groups of constituents are
making known their views on current
or pending legislative measures in
order that their legislators may not
entertain mistaken notions as to the
wishes of their constituency.
AS the primaries in many states
are held in the early spring this brief
respite from official duties in Wash
ington gives the legislators their
only opportunity to put their fences
in order and set the machinery in
motion for their denomination. In
these days of direct primaries those
who are ambitious politically make
it point to call upon influential
civic as we'll as political leaders for
there is gradual recognition of the
fact that the best laid plans of pol
iticians are often upset by organized
groups of voters who differ with their
proposals.
Perhaps those most interested in
ascertaining the real trend of public
opinion in national and international
affairs are the thirty-two United
States Senators whose terms will eX-
pire March, 1926. These men must
make thorough survey Of the politi-
cal situation for there is usually a
large array of candidates in the state
for the office.
Those aspiring to seat in the
Senate are usually former governors
or congressman who have the back
ing Of large groups through their
studied care in distributing political
patronage and otherwise building up
a political organization of their own.
OF the two classes, the governor
whose term is expiring is usually the
most formidable opponent Of the sem
ate incumbent. In the more dense
ly populated states they serve their
constituents over long period of
years, recognizing the advantages
that governor possesses and fire.
quently aspire 10 the honor as a step
ping stone to the Senate.
The congressional recess will end
January 4. 1t now appears that the
tine Of the Senate will be occupied
with World Court discussions and
sporadic debate on domestic issues,
principally taxes and partisan man.
euvers. The time Of the House will
be fully occupied during January with
appropriation measures.
The mere mention of the United
States Secret Service provides thrill
for the ordinary citizen. There is
something of mystery and romance in
its operation that impresses the juv-
emile and adult alike. The tremend-
Gus circulation of books dealing with
criminal investigation and mysteries
attests to the intense public interest
in roguery and its suppression.
The House has just passed the
Treasury Appropriation Bill which
provides for the continuing of this
work. The Chief of the Secret Ser
vice, testifying before the House Ap.
preparations Committee states that
HIS ulNlSlOH IldO record OIL SU per
cent convictions. Because of the
general controversy as to the relative
growth or decline of criminal tenden-
cies in this country it is interesting to
note the views of the Secret Service
chieftain. .....
In testifying before congressional
committee, Chief Moran said thai
their percentage of convictions was
not as high as five years ago and that
statistics showed that it was probab-
ly due to leniency. Quite significant
ly he stated that the "old line crooks,
such as burglars, holdup men and
thieves generally, up to within five
or six years fought shy of Federal
offenses." He declared they seemed
to feel that they must keep away
from crime against the Federal Gov
ernment but that condition does not
exist now. The Secret Service leader
said that the old line crooks who had
confined themselves to other lines of
endeavor were going into the counter
feiting game today.