Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1937-08-04

The economic map of the country
looks much better than it did a year
ago. Improvement has been more
rapid in some sections than in others.
But the general level of business, in
dustry and agriculture is higher than
it was with the Congress convened
last January for what has been one of
the longest sessions of the last fiji
teen years.
Evidence of the widespread improve
ment in our national economic struc-
ture is found in the uncertainty sur
rounding the legislative course to be
followed before Congress adjourns.
There are many precedents for the
present situation. In times of emer-
gency, when there is great pressure
for new laws to meet conditions threat
ening the stability of our people, the
Congress has always moved quickly
to enact needed legislation. But when
times get better, legislative action is
usually slower and moro studied.
Strong sentiment against new expert
mentS is always the rule rather than
the exception.
Some members of Congress now feel
that it is time to adjourn. They con-
tend that the country is more pros
porous, that men are going back to
work, that crops are good and that
things are moving along in an order
ly fashion. In this group are those
who oppose controversial legislation
and believe that it should be post
poned until a later date.
The other group, those who believe
h 0f c110
sion until it completes it's work, feel
that such action is essential to pre-
serve the gains already made. This
group strongly opposes any delay in
the enactment of new legislation af-
fecting industry and agriculture
Whatever the merit of each of these
schools of thought, and sound argu-
ments can be advanced for both sides,
there is a growing relief among the
members of Congress that they need
to discuss current conditions with the
leaders among their own constituents.
First-hand information on local de-
ve0opments and needs are eagerly
sought. How will some particular
affect the workers of nv
State? What do the farmers themsel-
yes feel is necessary? And the views
of constituents being accurately pre-
sented by pressure groups? What are
the facts? These and other questions
are being asked daily by members of
the Congress as they study pending
legislation.
It is a hopeful sign. It is a sign
that legislation is more and more
the acid test of true pub
lie opinion. It means. that the village
store and the town hall are still great
political forums. 1t is evidence that
our citizens are more alive to the
important part the Federal Govern
ment plays in their daily affairs.
One. unfortunate condition in the
effort to draft a national pattern of
laws, is that some piece of legislation
may help the country as a whole, but
be extremely bad for a particular state
or section. The Administration
speaks for the country as a whole.
An individual member of Congress
speaks for his state. It is becoming
more and more difficult to reconcile
the national good with that of the in
dividual states. Farm legislation is a
case in point. What may be a fine
thing for agriculture generally, may
be harmful to one or more elements
of the farm population.
An indication of this is the attitude
of the Senate Committee on Agri-
culture in favor of a subcommittee
holding hearings at strategic points
throughout the country as preli-
minary to drafting new farm legis-
lation. Such a course would delay a
new measure, but some contend that
the law finally drafted would be more
constructive. There are some grounds
for the belief that it might result in
legislation free of some of the red
tape now vitality affecting administra-
ton of farm aid. In any event it
would secure the views of the "dirt
farmer" who is without the time and
means to present his views in Wash
ington.