Evening star., 1937-01-17
1888 EMANCIPATION
IN VIVID CONTRAST.
Long Time Rather Than
Temporary Legislation
Now Is Discussed.
By the Associated Press.

By the Associated Press.
The approach of the second Roose-
welt Inauguration, with debate CEN
tered on longtime rather than tenn
porary legislation, presents a sharp
contrast to the call for immediate
action four years ago.
For the first time in history, the
pre-inaugural atmosphere at the Cap
itol was one of order. Instead Of
lame duck" Congress rushing
through its bills before adjournment,
an expectant quiet prevailed.
The legislators speculated about
how specifically the President would
re-define his program next WedneS-
day-the new Inauguration day.
Three actions by the President in
closing his first term intensified the
expectancy: The warning to the courts
against marrow" construction OF the
Constitution, the reminder to buSi-
ness that budget balancing depends
on unemployment, and the recon-
,mendations for a sweeping reorgani-
cation of Government.
The fact Mr. Roosevelt chose TO
speak out vigorously before lnaugura-
tion appeared to some to indicate he
may amplify his viewpoint on those
questions this week, after studying
national reaction, in words as direct
as four years ago.
Powers Granted by Congress.
At that time. with banks closing
and depression rampant, he said the
emergency warranted war powers for
the Executive Congress readily
granted all he asked in a staccato
special session of 100 days.
81. The Nation went off gold. Labor
and industry were placed under
Mr.. A. Major farm crops came under
A. A. A. control.
With party lines virtually ignored.
Congress voted the first of what was
to total S13,OOO,oOOO in funds for
relief, public works and other ways
TO succor the needy, make jobs and
prime the business pump"
Greater control over banks, rail-
roads and stock exchanges, authority
for the President to negotiate reclp-
xocal trade treaties, establishment OF
unemployment insurance and old-age
pensions. development of the Ten
nessee Valley and other great water
sheds for power and conservation, In
surance of bank deposits, guarantee
of collective bargaining-so the pro-
gram was translated into law by the
last two Congresses.
National Income Gains.
National income rose from s38 ,00o.-
900 900 in 1882 to over $50 100000, 900
in 1886. The public debt jumped to
over s34, 400, 600, 900, but the actual In
crease is in controversy because OF
redeemable assets. Some 100000 un-
employed found jobs. Relief rolls stlli
carry more than 2,500,OOo.
Getting much of the program oy
the Supreme Court was another mat
ter. The justices ruled unanimously
that N. r. A. transgressed States
rights. InValidation of A. A. A.. the
Guffev coal act and several other
major enactments followed.
Although Mr.. Roosevelt contended
no change in the fundamental law"
Is needed, Senator Norris, lndepenoent'
of Nebraska, and others have begun
to organize a conference on constitu-
tional amendment. They want either
to restrict the Supreme Court or to
enlarge Federal powers.
n. r. A. Substitutes Sought.
Still others in and out Of Congress
are working on plans to reinstitute
the wage and hour and business prac-
tice standards sought under N. r. A.
Secretary Wallace is planning for
crop control like that under A. A. A.
Congressional support is widely taken
for granted.
So the situation stands as between
the judiciary and the other two
branches. Paralleling that as pros
pective subject of contention in the
next administration is the dispute over
executive and legislative powers.
The President wants all independent
agencies, many of which now report
directly to Congress, placed under
cabinet departments. Some leading
Democrats intend to join Republicans
in opposition.