Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-02-25
COOLIDGE CHANGES
FLOOD PLAN STAND
Now Willing to Compromise
With Congress on Mis-
sissippi Valley.

With Secretary Hoover clinging to
the principle that communities should
contribute to payment for flood control
works, President Coolidge. who has held
the same view. Is willing now to COM
promise with Congress 90 far as the
Mississippi Valley IS concerned, If the
legislators insist upon complete Federal
payment.
Not long after Mr.. Hoover gave hts
views to a Senate committee. declaring
that at least portion of the cost should
learned that the President Is ready to
agree to Federal footing OF the bill
only If that Is applied to the Missis-
sippi area flooded last year. He holds,
moreover, that Congress should first
determine how and to what extent 1t
will provide control works for the val
ley and then decide upon the financial
end OF 1t.
Commission Favored.
Mr.. Coolidge believes the formation
OF a commission which he recently
suggested would be helpful in study
of the economic conditions of the val
ley and that the commissions findings
would assist Congress In placing the
burden of the cost. TeStifying before
the Senate committee. Secretary Hoover,
who made several trips to the Missis-
sippi flood area. urged consideration OF
the Presidents suggestion for creation
Of commission. He supported the adj
miniStration's flood control plan for
fioodway. spillway and levee strength
ening but declined TO say what portion
OF the cost should be paid by local
communities.
As President Coolidge sees 1t. Congress
Is putting the cart before the horse in
attempting first to determine who shall
pay the bill before 1t decides the manner
and scope Of the food protection to be
afforded II he eventually does agree
to Federal payment Of the total bill In
the case OF the Mississippi. he wants 1t
understood that hts action Is not to be
considered precedent.
Moratorium Discussed.
Mississippi Valley States TO the Federal
ling Of floods was discussed late yester-
day at conference between Mayor
William Hale Thompson OF Chicago and
Republican leaders Of the House.
The Chicago mayor. who also had
luncheon with President Coolidge at the
White House. reported that the "presi-
dent wants TO do the right thing for
the valley III relieving It's sufYerings and
will be generous"
Chairman Madden OF the House ap-
propriations committee. who particle
pated In the conference mt the Capitol.
said that the moratorium was being
considered as n likely solution Of the
flood control financing question He
predicted the States which would pe
unable to bear further payments and
had suffered greatly In the past from
foods would receive consideration In the
waving or postponing OF contributions
In the legislation that probably would
be framed.
Besides Madden. Mayor Thompson
met with Speaker Longworth. Repre-
sentative Tilson. Republican leader. and
Chairman Smell OF the rules committee
After the meeting Thompson indicated
that Il satisfactory compromise between
the advocates In Congress OF full Fed
erai payments Of the projects and pro-
ponents of retaining the present policy
of local contribution was being effected.
The mayor whose Chicago food con-
troll conference last Summer proposed
full Federal payment. predicted that
legislation would have
Uncle Sam pay for the food works In
the lower valley"