Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1937-04-15
THE NATIONAL
GOVERNMENT
BY PAUL JOHN KVALE, NJ. {.

sions in the clOahrooms and quiet
places in the Capitol. For, in addi-
ion to last weeks threat to impose al
ditiOnal taxes on the smaller inoivi4u-
al incomes, this weeks news brings
the suggestion-until now informal
and without official authority-that
the lesser corporations and those who
have been Grating at a loss need
some immediate relief from their cor
porate tax burdens, and that the Con-
gress should act at once to ease that
burden and permit them not only to
avoid the excessive taxes, but to put
some monies into repairs and eXpan-
sions of plant which would mean
added employment and better wages.
1t is certain to provoke pl o.olged
argument, and still further retard dd-
journment of the present session. 1t
also projects the tax question into
current issues in a big way, particu-
larly with the treasury reports of in
coming revenues of diScOuraging
note, and with relief problems mount
ing.
Speaking of the relief situation, it
will interest Minnesota readers to
know that her governor, Elmer Bell
son, was one of four state chief eAecu
tives who waited upon the President
yesterday, together with spokesman
for two more, urging continuance OF
WPA rolls at present strength through
the coming fiscal year.
Appropriations are now in process
of formation of course, and the Pres
ident will shortly come to Congress
with a special message Incorporating
his recommendations
1t now appears more promising
situation to those who have been
pressing for a more expansive federal
relief and WPA program. State head,
have evidently been able to impress
the administration with the truth OF
their assertions that states and mum
iCipalities are no longer able to cope
with the heavy burden, much as they
would like. The wave of industrial
disorders has added to the picture.
Legislatures in many states have ad-
journed without making proper prep
aratiOns for the emergency.
G.. cups of COngressmc n and Senators
have instigated organized appeals to-
ward the same end. So, when the is
or soon thereafter, it is thought likely
that more generous policy and more
liberal appropriations than had at first
been planned will be adopted.
Other Minnesota officials visiting in
the Capital the past week included
cur Director of Forestry, Grover Con-
yet; the head of MinnesOta's anti-tu-
bercular activities in state institu-
tions, DR.. Herman HillebOe, and for
mer Chief Justice John P. Devaney.
The entire Minnesota delegation
joined, as for forests, in addressing
sincere appeal to the appropriations
committee to increase the cOntem-
plated award of funds for fire proven
ton. Calling attention to the fact
that Minnesota we'll understood the
need for preventing fires before they
started, instead of putting them out
after they had gotten under way, the
delegation stressed the value of such
federal expenditures in governmental
forest and park areas as a simple
ton to the safeguards to life and prop
erty. The fight will be carried to the
floor when the bill is reported, in the
event that it is not approved by the
committee.
Representative William Lemke Of
North Dakota, last night told a Wash
a sit-down strike. 1t is not far from
the truth. Partly the result of stag
nation in committee of vital issues
that await some conclusive settlement.
of the Supreme Court controversy, and
partly blameful the natural slownesS
of committees, there has been little
of significance before the House.
True, the Rules committee offered
two resolLt ;ons proposing investi a.
lions into strikes and into un-Amer-
lean activities, but both were rejected
by the House by decisive vote. The
appropriations committee continues to
grind out its routine work; the mill
tary committee resumes its study of
the sOcalled bill to take profits out of
war, and other committees are func-
tiOning in leisurely way.
But, as stated last week, a general
apathy seems to have overcome Con-
gress, with the feeling predominant
that adjournment is most remote any
how, and that there will be ample
time to consider the necessary sub
jects in orderly style before the time
comes to pack up and leave. So ses-
sions are short and dull for the most
part, members are permitted to speak
on any pet subject, and nothing of
consequence, as rule, is brought in.
The House considers minor measures,
and adjourns over Friday and the
weekend. The Senate occupies itself
with the Supreme Court issue when
nothing better offers itself, and the
strife and dissension mounts with each
day that Masses