Evening star., 1933-01-16
SENATORS MAY AIR
DEPRESSION PLANS.
Resolution by Harrison Pro-
yides Survey With Prom
inent Witness.
BY DAVID LAWRENCE.

Seeking enlightenment for the new
depression, the Senate has before 1t a
resolution introduced by Senator Har-
rison Of Mississippi, Democrat, future
chairman of the Finance ComIsittee,
providing for a survey Of all plans deal
ing with current economic problems.
1t is likely that when the resolution
passes q subcommittee will be appointed
TO prepare invitations and arrange for
extensive hearings on all phases of the
economic situation. Leaders of every
ground affected by questions OF the
hour will be summoned with the idea
of obtaining the best thought of the
country in preparation for the tasks OF
the new administration.
While nothing has been said about
this aspect, it is taken for granted that
President-elect Roosevelt is in thorough
sympathy with the plan and is looking
forward TO the testimony. believing it
may result in a clarihcation of the
pressing problems that lie ahead.
Views Of Noted Men.
There would not be time enough to
hear all the people who have plans to
solve the depression, but. on the other
hand, there are outstanding men in
business, banking, political science au-
thorities and economists rejecting vary
ing points of view. who may be expected
to throw light on the job before Con-
gresS.
Relatively little is known as yet on
Capitol Hill as to the exact way that
Mr.. Roosevelt plans to tackle the eco
nomic dilemma that confronts the Ma
tion as well as the world, but he is
represented by his friends here as de-
string to proceed cautiously until he
feels sure of the plan that seems best,
and then to carry on aggreSsively in
executing such plan.
With the coming Of new adminis-
tration it is felt that politics, at least,
for the time being, will be adjourned
sufficiently to focus attention on solu-
tons Of economic ills and that leading
men will be willing to come hsre and
really express disintereSted judgments
on what ought to be done by the Gov
eminent to accelerate economic re-
eovery.
Heretofore the. opinion Of outStand-
ing leaders has been sought in piece
meal fashion by various committees and
the questions have been viewed from
o controversial angle and often with
the presidential campaign in mind. 1t
Is assumed that general survey taking
into account the situation as a whole
will lead to constructive suggestions that
will have been weighed as to their
soundness by the authorities who will
sponsor them.
Would Limit Invitations.
An effort will be made to prevent
the inquiry from becoming free-for-
ell on quack plans by limiting the in
vitations to persons who have achieved
positions OF prominence in the aca-
demic as well as the business or pro-
fessional world. If necessary executive
sessions may be held to obtain the testi-
mony Of those who do not care to be
placed In embarrassing positions with
reference to their customers or stock
holders, and yet from whom frank
statements as to cuwent conditions and
remedies will be desired.
The hearings may furnish clearing
house for the many plans that have
been mailed to members of the legisla-
tive and executive branches of the
Government ever since the depression
began, some of which reveal by their
analysis accurately what Is happening
In various lines of business, though they
do not always project sound solutions
The idea of undertaking serious
study cf s'l manner of suggestions re-
lating 20 the economic situation has
taken root in Congress and adoption
of the resolution within the next few
days may be expected.
(Copyright, 1933)