The Bismarck tribune., 1935-04-11
Dehind the Scenes
~ in Washington

Washington. April u-As often as Roosevelt an
nonces plans for vacation, his neutenans begin "a
Last spring while he was of fishing Congress wreck
ed what was left Of his economy program This year
the president has hardly left town before Senate and
House conferees were cumming up his huge and vital
Fears OF lesser New Dealers seemed justified.
Roosevelt certainly needed the vacation But there
were more factors IN what happenedand they apply to
much else that happens these days-than his alb
sence.
First Roosevelt has slipped In prestige and IN ever
number o. Democratic members have been willing
coherent popular support for his q used
to keep senators and representatives in line.
HIS friends continue to hope that F. D., with his
old briance will soon again stage spectacular
psychological coup which viii summon that strength be-
hind him once more
WOLVES HOWL FOR MEAT
second the congressional appetite for patronage is
g keen and much less inhibited by fear Of the
White House.
When the Senate tried to provide that all appoint
to its confirmation it wasn't sharpening its for Hop
kins Or Ickes Or Tuswell Is commonly reported.
..n,s,: w.: cut . after hun hundreds e. thcas.ad:
created In the states and feels should be included
in the spoils system.
to be nasty about Hopkins Ickes Tugwen or Ill three
II they can't get promises Of fair treatment"
LOCUsTs SWARM m
Third. the locust-swarm Of lobbyists which already
infested the town was vastly susmsned By new swarm
largest prize dangled before the eyes Of anybody
Few Of the resident lobbyists failed to find some
thing In the program that didn't interest themas for
plans for rural electrification.
The new crowd is especially interested in contracts
Hail the corporation executives in the country to
oe mere ior one purpose or another. Senators have
proved pabe. If the administration avoids an Orgy
Of graft and scandal, It will be lucky.
Fourth the administration itself Is racked with dis
agreement and lack Of cohesion, especially to the
program It's officials ana agencies chiefly
have been short definite plans. long on
conflicting ideas.
They have disagreed among themselves when called
before congressional committees and have lain awake
nights figuring how best to under-cut each other.
BLASTS AT MELLON
Senator Jim Couzens Of Michigan: 1T ka
matter OF record, on high authority. that the
former secretary Of the treasury asked the COM
there were Of avoiding tsxstion D and The tns COM.
missioner advised the secretary that there were
eight well known ways and means Of tax avoid
ance. It has been disclosed at the hearings be-
fore the board Of tax appeals In Pittsburgh that
MI. Mellon used seven Of those ways and means
OF avoiding taxation, and there Is not q record
anywhere that he ever appealed to Congress to
put an end to these methods Of tax avoidance"
ROOSEVELT MUST ACT
Disagreement uncertainty and evasiveness have
hampered the New Deals best friends in Congress and
attack.
This gummy situation as to Roosevets biggest
must measure Is reflected elsewhere and assures q
continued dismal outlook for most other "nusts" un-
less Roosevelt reasserts his once peerless leadership
ARMY KEEPS DRINK SPOT
Army officers and other Washingtonians will con.
ttnue to buy and sip highbals ct the Chamberln-
derblt hotel at Old Point Comfort va favorite week
end resort on reservation long ago ceded by Virginia
70 the United States for military purposes
Senator Harry Byrd and Congressman Bland Of Vir-
gnia introduced resolution to give their state iris-
dicton over the hotel, which is alongside Fort Monroe
80 the sale Of liquor could be stopped Under Virginia
law, only state dispensaries can SELL
secretary Dern advised the Senate such dual jris.
dlcton within military posts might create "intolerable
SITUATIONS So the resolution seems dead.
(CopyriRht, 1895. NEA Service Incl