The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1927-02-17
Washington Letter

nizing the principle that politics
is the science of exigencies".
Members of Congress are doing
their best to salvage pet measures
from the present legislative tangle.
The Senate has already embarked
on night sessions as a means of
reducing the congestion because
only few days remain before ad-
journment. There is no secret
made of the fact that many legis-
lators' political careers depend up
on developments between now and
March 4. The Senate and House
leaders have notified their friends
IN social circles that social engage
ments are not interesting to them
while political factors dominate at
the Capitol. 1t is truly remark
able how much may be accomp-
lished when Congress is hard
pressed for time an fearful -f
consequences back home.
Unquestionably the most absorb
ing topic IN Washington is the at
tltude of the President in regard
to the farm relief legislation. It
is a matter which transcends party
lines and has direct bearing up,
on the 1928 presidential campaign.
The comments in official circles are
divergent. Some say that the
President will uphold his previous
position and veto the McNarv-
Haugen farm relief bill; others
say he will sign it, believing that
IL IL Will result IN court test as to
the constitutionality of the legisla-
ton. Belief exists that CONGRESS-
has passed the responsibility for
farm Legislation to the President
knowing full well it will influence
his plans for denomination. It is
probable that the conferees on his
bill may reach a compromise,
which would lessen the political
tension.
The proposal of the President
to the four principal world powers
for a naval arms limit has brought
international affairs to the fore
again. At present those familiar
with international affairs in Wash
lngton take pessimistic attitude
on the proposition. It does not
seem probable that negotiations
will begin for sometime, but the
reaction to the Presidents invita-
ton will have a vital bearing up
on the activity of this govern
ment in the building of war ships.
The merchant marine issue has
been presented to Congress at a
late hour. Senator Jones, Chair
man of the Senate COMMITTEE on
Commerce, has introduced bill
for a federal-owned merchant ma
rine. The question will not be set
tied at this session.
1t is expected that the Senate
will vote on the McFadden branch
banking bill this week. This
measure has been pending for con-
siderable time, and has been SUBJ
jected to lengthy debate. Advo-
Gates of the Boulder Dam legisla-
ton are making an earnest attempt
to obtain consideration before ad-
journment. 1t is obvious that tax
relief legislation will not he re-
vived during the last days of this
session, as test votes last week
showed that the Senate was anita
gonistic toward emergency tax
legislation.
Party leaders realize that the
country must be interested at all
times in political issues. There
fore, spokesman for various
groups are busy agitating the pro-
hibition matter. Senator Borah,
an opponent Of notification of the
eighteenth amendment to the Con-
stitution, has challenged a fellow
Republican, DIR. Nicholas Murray
Butler of New York, to test of
strength on the wet and dry issue
within the party. It may result
in putting on record every candi-
date who may aspire to the re-
publican nomination for President
and Vice President.