The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1937-08-05

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 9TH
ers. But the general level of bust
ness, industry and agriculture is
higher than it was when the Con-
gresS convened last January for
what has been one of the longest
sessions of the last fifteen years.
Evidence Of the widespread i'm
provement in our national economic
structure is found in the uncertainty
surrounding the legislative course to
be followed before Congress adj
journs. There are many precedents
for the present situation. In times of
emergency, when there is great
pressure for new laws to meet con-
dltlonS threatening the stability of
our people, the Congress has always
moved quickly to enact needed leg
lslation. But when times get better,
legislative action is usually slower
and more studied. trong sentiment
against new experiments is always
the rule rather than the exception.
Some members of Congress now
feel that it is time to adjourn. They
contend that the country is more
prosperous, that men are going back
to work, that crops are good and
that things are moving along in an
orderly fashion. In this group are
those who oppose controversial leg
1sIatlOn and believe that it should
be postponed until a later date.
the other group, those who be-
Ieve that Congress should remain
IN session until it completes it's
work, feel that such action is essen
to preserve the gains already made
This group strongly opposes any de-
lay in the enactment of new legis-
lation affecting industry and agri-
culture.
Whatever the merit of each of
these schools of thought, and sound
among the members Of Congress that
sides, there is growing belief
among the mebers of Congress that
they need to discuss current condi-
tons with the leaders among their
own constituents. First-hand infor-
nation on local developments and
needs are eagerly sought. How will
some particular proposal affect the
workers of my state? What do the
farmers themselves feel is neces-
sarry- Are the views of constituents
being accurately presented by pres
sure groups? What are the facts?
These and other questions are being
asked daily by members of the Con-
gress as they study pending legisla-
ton.
1t is hopeful sign. It is sign
that legislation is more and more
undergoing the acid test of true
public opinion. 1t means that the
village store and the town hall are
still great political forums. It is evil
dence that our citizens are more
alive to the importa;1t part the Fed
ertl Government plays in their daily
affairs.
One unfortunate condition in the
effort to draft a national pattern of
laws, is that some piece of legiSla-
ton may help the country as a
whole, but be extremely bad for a
particular state or section. The Ad-
miniStration speaks for the country
as 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 individual states. Farm
legislation is case in point. What
may be fine thing for agriculture
generally, may be harmful to one or
more elements of the farm popula-
ton.
An indication of this is the atti-
tude of the Senate Committee on
Agriculture in favor of a subcom-
mlttee holding hearings at strategic
points throughout the country as a
preliminary to drafting new farm
legislation. Such course would de-
lay a new measure, but some con-
tend 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 af-
fecting administration of farm aid.
In any event, it would secure the
views of the "dirt farmer" who is
without the time and means to pre-