The Wolf Point herald. (Wolf Point, Mont.) 1913-1940, 1930-12-26
NEWS AND VIEWS
FROM TIE CAPITOL
BY National Editorial Association
Special to The Herald

Washington, Dec. 16-School
books will tell you that the White
House and the Capitol are ap-
proximately one mile apart. That
is true, geographically. Recently
events have shown that the two
places are as remote, mentally at
least, as the north and south
poles. The country is treated TO
the spectacle of the inhabitants
of these two official buildings
shaking their fists in dramatic
gesticulations. When the first
impressions of tolerant amuse-
ment are replaced by sobriety in
thinking the scene is not inspiring
or helpful In these days of unrest
and concern. A President and a
Congress at loggerheads offers no
solution to urgent economic prob
lens of the hour.
The 10 or Is days recess OF
Congress over the holidays may
break down the fear of COLLINS
liza Lldi Nd lliC CAIhdu6t vi CIlLl-
cism between the Chief Execu-
tive and the legislative body. 1t
is obvious to fair-minded observ-
ers that a special session will be
inevitable If the warning factions
are in turmoil at the beginning Of
the new year. The President ap-
peared for the first time in his
career in lighting clothes" at the
press conference a few days ago.
The ordinarily cool and deliber-
ate Mr.. Hoover was so emphatic
in words and actions that veteran
political writer's were honestly
amazed. The Congress smarting
under his criticism came back
with characteristic inveGtfves.
The strangest feature was the
fact that not a single forceful
voice was raised in defense of the
White House occupant. No Hoov-
er champion took the floor in
either the Senate of the House.
From the smaller towns and
cities where citizens go beyond
the current sensational headline
of bitter political quarrels, ques-
tions are raised as to underlying
motives, not surface shatter. The
eternal why" is sounded. From
an impartial, yet intimate view, a
variety of answers could be given.
AS an illustration, an inquiry in
representative quarters showed
that Hoover has lost his popular
ity which may account for the at
tacks from Congress. 1t would be
another story if the President had (
developed a strong personal fol
lowing and times were better. !
The political opportunists. and +,
this has no partisan boundaries,
are playing tag with current re- I
against business depres- c
sion and widespread ~unemploy- !
Congress acts like any (
object and the drift i
is, according to their observations, ,
away from Mr.. Hoover.
1nCle ID d hldl hCd ollllldil Ivy y
between the dismissal Of school (
children at the close of the dav 6
and the recess of the Senate and (
House of Representatives. True, 2
there is more studied restraint in I
Congressional circles as becomes :
high position. Watch the !
meetings of Senators, in particu- Z
lar, in the private elevators and 6
subway trolley which conveys y
them TO their offices and you will {
discern more than is possible by !
study of their actions in the SEN 4
ate chamber. 6
Frequently a Senator will pub Z
Iicly express admiration and af- :
lection for his colleagues. 1t all I
reads well in the Congressional z
Record. Usually their greetings o
private do not measure up to \
he friendliness professed public {
y. Sometimes the conversations =
are forced and guarded. A few z
greet political foes as real friends 9
without regard to party brands. J
The current chickering's are dis &
many long established 3
friendships at the Capitol. It is
tensity of the situation and :
he rancor of defeated legislators 7
hat contributes heavily to the Ill I!
and distrust. 8
A remarkable, yet futile, ges- \
.ure for the relief Of unemploy- {
nent was made recently by Rep 2
.esentative Hare Of South Caro- q
ina. He proposed a $500, 900, 900 =
fund to erect a post {
office building for every second z
md third class post office in the Y
He estimated that this 8
,lan would mean the erection Of 4
n average of 80 Federal buildings (.
n each Congressional district. q
Nothing was said, of course, as to e
this scheme would build polit- ::
cal fences" in the home dis y
Post office buildings are g.
cal "plums" for enterprising in o,
umbents in Congress. 1t would "
practically S III lifetime jobs Z.
the taxpayers payroll. u