Plentywood herald. [volume] (Plentywood, Mont.) 1908-current, 1935-04-18
AMAZING SPECTACLE
AMAZING SPECTACLE
PRESIDENT MUST DIRECT
WHOLE PROGRAM FAlTERS
CONGRESS IN A JAM
MANY MEASURES PENDING
TALK OF THIRD PARTY
WHAT 1T MIGHT MEAN
CCC TO BE EXPANDED

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Washington. Here we have a Presi-
dent who carried all but six States
in 1882 with a party that swept the
nation more completely In 1884 and
many members sitting in Congress
because they pledged themselves to
support the Chief Executive and for
little other reason.
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So what? Mr.. Roosevelt comes
back from his Florida fishing trip to
find that, after more than three
rSOnths in session, the overwhelming
Democratic Congress has done little
or nothing for the Administration
program, except to pass, after inter-
minable wrangling In the Senate, the
largest single appropriation bill ever
made in time Of war or peace. He Is
aware that bitter criticism is extant
among the ranks OF his own party,
that his administrative agencies are
under violent attack and that some
Of his own leaders are anxious to
give up part of the legislative pro
! gram that he laid down some weeks
ago.
Naturally, Republicans are jubi-
liant, although truth to relate, the ma
tional picture presents M solid basis
for such JOY. Nevertheless, it is Wit
ally necessary for the President to
take a stronger directing hand in the
affairs of legislation If he expects to
bring anything like order out OF the
mess that now confronts Congress.
Our own idea is that he will not de-
lay positive action much longer, now
that the huge work relief bill Is in
hand, and that the nation will again
witness firmness and determination
in applying pressure upon the mem
bers of his own party organization
After two and a half months Of
consideration the enormous sum Of
$4,SOO, 0OO, 900 was given him by a
vote OF Sc to 13 in the Senate and
317 to 70 in the House. Despite the
prolonged delay in the upper cham
Der the President virtually got what
he wanted, and is ready to spend
something like $3.50, 900, 900 a month
for relief, work relief, and to in
crease employment by providing for
useful projects" This is about $780,
100000 more per month than present
relief costs, but it is hardly expected
that increased expenditures will get
under way for several months.
ss
Congress has before 1t many i'm
portant proposals. some Of which will
involve prolonged dispute and de-
bate. The Legislative situation appals
leaders, who hope that some OF It
will be allowed to go owe until the
session next January. How far the
President will recede from his plan
ned program remains to be seen, but
1t Is possible that insistent demand
from him will force action, which, In
most cases, Is bound to be favorable.
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The economic security measure
providing old age pensions, unem-
pioyment compensation, security for
children and public health, Is sure
to cause much discussion and take
time. The Republicans in the House
were not united last week ON the
issue and the Democrats were divid-
ed into two groups contesdng over
the procedure to be followed In hand
ling the bill. Moreover, there was
sentiment in favor OF dividing the
objects sought, with the idea OF act
ing ON the old age pensions part
alone, but alterations made by the
House committee have frightened
prospects for the entire bdll. How
ever, when 1t gets into the Senate
there Is the prospect Of delay, II not
material modification, and undoubt-
edly advocates OF various plans will
seek amendments to widen or curtail
it's effectiveness.
Space in this column does not per
NIT a full summary OF the many
view points expressed or to give de-
tailed analyses OF many issues that
still loom before Congress. Some Of
them, notably the extension OF MIRA
new capital for the Hole, the nuis-
ance taxes and regular apprOpria-
ton bills, must be passed II the con-
duct OF the agencies and the govern
ment Is to continue AFTER various
dates upon which present legislation
expires.
These win get through the jam In
some form but other controversial
matters are on the calendar for &C.
ton, including, besides the security
program, the bill to control public
utility holding companies, the new
banking measure, amendments to A
Ala, the revised Pure Food and Drug
bill, and certain measures sponsored
by various groups OF legislators or
| citizens who have received some as
surance that they will have their day
In court. These include the bonus
controversy, silver and initiation leg
islation, and amendments to increase
income and capital stock taxes.
Moreover, in TIL background,
ready, perhaps, to be precipitated in
to the arena, are the labor disputes
bill OF Senator Wagner, strongly
urged by labor; the 30-hourweek pro-
posa1, transportation legislation, and
some measure relating to the coal
industry. Add to these the move to
take the profit out Of war, agitation
OF various groups to remove what
they consider restrictions ON national
recovery as measured by their pri-
waite interests, ship subsidy legisla-
ton and a few other issues thzr may
bob up from investigations underway
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