The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1936-12-07

Every once IN a while the VIII
er addresses a few words to the
readers of Looking at Washing
ton" in order that they may have
some idea Of the plan pursued in
this. eo-umn. Scattered through
out the United States, in almost
every state, they comprise men
and women of widely differing
opinions and of all shades of po-
litical thought.
Obviously, a columnist read by
Republicans, Democrats, J.aborites
and other ties as wei must walk
a tight rope" to avoid criticism
from rank partisans. 1t is impos-
sible to please them, anyway, un-
less the writer addresses himself
to a selected group and plays to
their prejudices and current pho
bias. Frankly, this column is not
apt to please rank partisans be-
cause, in essence, it attempts IL
to depict the important activities
of government and politicians, q
report current trends of public
thought. 81 explain legislative
acts and prospects, (4) inform
readers of events and happenings
most likely to occur and, (5) an
alyze situations that develop IN
the nations affairs.
Most of the news in Washing
ton revol"es around the party IN
power, its legislative plans ana
the actions of it's leaders. This
was true under Presidents Hard
ing, Coolidge and Hoover. 1t is
just as true under President Roose-
Welt. What Republican leaders
decided when the government
was controlled by Republicans was
important. 1t was news because
they had the power to translate
intentions into legislation. Today
the news focus is changed. 1t Is
what the Democrats decide that
really counts and makes news in
the capital because the Democrat:
now control the government, with
power to act in ways that vitality
affect Americans.
The same observation apple:
to Presidents. When Mr.. Hoover
sat in the White House it wa:
important to know his thoughts
and what he intended to do al
though, at that time, few persons
were interested in the views o.
Mr.. Roosevelt, then the Governor
of New York. Today the picture
is changed. What Mr. Roosevelt
as President, indicates is vita
evidence of what is to happier
but what Mr.. Hoover thinks il
California is not to be, classed al
hot news except in the midst O
a campaign. And so it happen
that where Looking at Washing
ton" used to pay much attention
to Mr.. Hoover it now centers at
tention on Mr.. Roosevelt but il
each case its job was, and is, t
keep up with the President o
| the United States.
Newspapers print this featur
article because readers want t
know what is going on in Wash
/ ington. This is interesting regard
less of whether Democrats. Re
publicans, Socialists or Hottentot
happen to control the government
Every citizen is affected by Fed
eral activity and its ramifications
they often desire explanation o
legislation, and political implica
tons and spotlight played upo1
various situations, conditions an
persons. -, air 7ss1
Next month Congress will as
semble and Americans eyerywher
/ whether. Democrats or Repuh
licans. will want to know abou
proposed legislation on farm ter
ancy, crop insurance, neutrality
relief, taxes. government reorgan
ization, reciprocal treaties, tn
RFC, PWA and other emergenc
agencies, a revived NRA, housing
labor standards and many othe
matters. What is done and HOY