Evening star., 1929-11-15

IL Is one L1lng 10 IeaQ the senate 10
water, and another thing to make it
drink. This has been proved many
times in the past, but never more
clearly than yesterday when an adjourn
ment resolution was submitted by Sem
ator Simmons and, although it has been
clear for q long time that deep in their
hearts more tllAn a majority favored a
recess before the opening of the regular
session, the motion was defeated by a
substantial vote Twenty-four hours
earlier the ways had been creased for
prompt passage of the adjournment
resolution. But almost in the twinkling
of an eye the situation changed and
majority of the Senators, sternly Spar
tan, determined to remain in Washing
ton and continue with the tariff bill.
Indeed, standing order was adopted
to have the Senate hold night sessions
in addition to sitting all day long. The
night session order, however, was pro-
posed in pique, and SUPPORTED by some
of the Senators who heartily wished
that the adjournment had been voted.
The principal diflculty. so far, a. the
adjournment resolution was concerned,
arose from the fact that group of
regular Republicans kicked over the
traces. They have watched the Repub-
lican Progressive group, which is de-
manding that the Senate remain in ses-
sion to deal with the tariff, although
some of its members are privately not
averse to vacation. And this group Of
regular Republicans, some of them the
younger" members of the Senate, de-
termined that II recess is to be taken,
the Progressives and Democrats, who in
coalition have determined the course of
the tariff bill in the Senate upsto date,
must bear the responsibility for adjourn
ment, along with the regular Repub-
licans
If the upshot of this turmoil in the
Senate over adjournment turns out to
be fl1al action on the tariff bill, so
much the better. The country would
welcome the passage Of the bill by the
Senate and its reference to the con-
ference committee of the two houses
before the regular session OF Congress
begins in December.
There are many chances, however,
that the Senate will get over its At of
Ill temper, which prevented in large
measure the adoption Of the adjourn
ment resolution yesterday. The various
groups may lay aside their efforts to
make political capital out Of an ad-
journment at this time without final
action on the tariff bill. Senator Cope
land Of New York, Democrat, who be-
lieves that the Senate should adjourn
in order to safeguard the health of its
members, who have been in Washing
ton for months now, Immediately offered
new adjournment resolution after the
defeat of that presented by Senator
Simmons.
The coalition" which has func-
toned smoothly in the disposition of
amendments to the tariff bill, has split
finally, however. over the question of
adjournment. The Progressive Repub-
licans from the West apparently do not
wish to have it said of them that they
quit" on the tariff bill, which was
originally promised to the farmers as
an additional measure OF relief. The
Democrats, on the other hand, are not
so concerned over the passage Of Re-
publican tariff bill. They are per-
fectly willing, apparently, to see the
agony prolonged. It Is an Ill wind,
however, that blows nobody good, and
If the n1aneuvering in the Senate brings
about action on the bill In the present
special session, good will have been ac-
complished.