The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1937-09-30

something to do with the fact that
fewer members are in Washington
than perhaps at any other time in
recent years. Virtually all are in
their home areas comforting with
with constituents. AS this is being
dictated, only one of my Senatorial
colleagues and myself are in the
large Senate Office Building to see
visitors, handle mail and take care
of departmental matters. Seldom
has the building been as empty of
Senate members, even in the vaca-
ton season.
Reasons are not far to seek. With
special session threatened, men,
berS of Congress have found it de-
sirable to be prepared by spending
as much time as possible in their
respective states, securing the views
of farmers workers and business
men on important legislative ques-
tons.
Fortunately, the fact that North
Carolina is so near the national capt.
tai, has made it possible for the state
delegation to spend the necessary
time in the state and still be in
Washington when necessary. It has
also meant that the delegation has
always been able to keep in very
close touch with the people of the
state.
AS regards to special session, ad-
vocated by farm leaders and those
who seek early action on labor
standards, there is little crystalized
opinion on the subject. Some pre-
dict that it will be called in Nov
ember and others contend that there
will be no special session. No one
can correctly interpret the views of
the White House and only the Presi-
dent can issue the call that will
bring members of Congress hurry
ing back to Washington.
There seems to be some reason
for the belief that the Presidents
trip through the West will have an
important bearing on the final deci-
sion. He will be in close touch with
the agricultural needs and labor
conditions in a large area of the
country Should reports from spoke
Sman for the various elements of
the people indicate that things are
moving along satisfactorily, it is
doubtful whether the Chief Execu-
tive will call Congress into special
session. However, having recently
visited the South, should the Presi-
dent find in the West a need for
early action on farm legislation and
labor standards, he will undoubted-
ly issue the session call for around
November Is. These statements re-
present the general viewpoint of
students of Congressional affairs.
Of course, a sudden emergency in
international affairs might change
the whole situation momentarily.
While there is a general determina-
ton on the part of the President
and the Congress to keep a Hands
off, policy with regard to the
strife in the Far East, no one can
foretell what might happen at any
time which would make the situa-
ton most serious.
Other factors enter into special
session. Up until the Seventy
fourth Congress, beginning in 1885,
regular sessions always began early
in December, instead of January,
which is the case at present. This
extra month was of more vital
Importance when the Congress was
faced with heavy legislative sche-
dule, with Congressional elections
soon to follow, as is the present Sit
uation. This may be taken into &C.
count by the President should other
factors tend to give weight to the
arguments for special session.
Meantime, regardless of whether
desired legislation will be consider
ed at special session or the regular
session in January, much field work
is being done by Congressional Com
mittee members and staff members.
This is particularly true with refer
ence to the agricultural situation,
and hearings in widely scattered
areas have been scheduled. 1t is
recognized, however, that from the
present schedule, it is questionable
whether these hearings will be COM
pleted in time for special session.
1t is entirely possible that the Sen
ate Committee on Agriculture may
insist that these be held and the
findings drafted before considera-
ton is given to farm legislation,
which has been agreed upon as the
first order of business when Con-
gress convenes.
In addition, unannounced legis-
lative proposals which the Presi-
ent has in mind for submission to
Congress. NAV also have a bearing