Evening star., 1932-11-28
The Short Session.

The Seyenty-second Congress assem-
bles one week from today for its maj
session. It could, if it would, deal with
many important subjects before the
Congress expires March next. What
will be the temper of the Congress, now
that the presidential and congressional
elections are out of the way, remains
to be seen. Had the short session neen
staged before the electicns, 1t Is a sale
bet that nothing would have been done'
under the present makeup of the House
and Senate. But now 1t appears that
the Democrats would like to get the i'm
perative subjects awaiting consideration
out Of the way during the winter
months in order to make it possible Tor
their newly-elected President to avoid
calling a special session OF Congress IN
the early Spring. This may make
difference, certainly so far as the Demo-
cratic-controlled House is concerned.
In the Senate, with its rule OF unlimited
debate. there are still pitfalls which may
prevent the disposition OF important
measures before March 4.
In view Of the pledges of the Demo-
Gratis in their national PLATFORM II
would appear impossible for them 10
avoid q special session OF the new Con-
rress early in the Roosevelt admins
tration unless at the coming short ses-
sion of the old Congress it IS found
possible to act on prohibition and farm
relief, The vets and the farmers were
promised much by the Democrats, as
well as by the Republicans. Gov. Roose-
Welt will be under great pressure to hold
q special session Of the Congress unless
something is done about them now
And in spite of the assertion OF the
president-elect while in Washington re-
Gently that he would not undertake to
dictate to the present Congress, he Is
reported now to be consulting with Sen
ators at Warm Springs regarding the
program for the short session. m
ciuded In this program Is farm legls-
lation. Some Of the Democrats have
no desire whatever to undertake q re-
writing Of the entire tariff law at this
time. Indeed, the Democrats seem to be
not united on definite tariff policy and
to believe that long session for q gen.
eral revision would not help recovery
Of business.
The Congress at its coming session,
In addition to prohibition and farm
relief, will have before 1t measures for
the independence Of the Philippines,
and for greater economy in Govern
ment expenditure, and the annual sup
ply bills for the Government. Even If
the legislators should give up their
Christmas holidays, 1t is doubtful that
oil Of these important matters could
be handled and disposed Of before ad-
tournment. The Senate has the World
Court and the st. Lawrence waterway
treaties as its own special problems
The question of the foreign debts has
already raised Its head and may be
thrust into Congress for consideration.
Regulation of motor busses and trucks
in interstate commerce has been await
ing legislative action for several years,
and also Federal regulation Of electric
power which goes into interstate COM
merce.
There have been many threats, too,
to revive the soldiers bonus bill at the
short session Of Congress. notwith-
standing the fact that such measure
would appear to have no chance of
passage. particularly in view Of the at
titude taken by the Senate against It
ut the last session. The passing of the
Same duck" Congress promises to be
marked by pep and ginger.