The times-news. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1927-current, 1937-10-15
THAT SPECIAL SESSION OF CONGRESS


Can President Roosevelt vindicate his
action in calling a special session OF Con-
gress TO convene ON the 18th of November?
Perhaps the concrete results of the special
session will have to be definitely known
and seen before q certain and satisfactory
answer to this question can be returned;
but there are at this time many doubtful
views aS TO the wisdom of the Presidents
action among a large number OF the cOun-
try's most intelligent and best Informed
citizens.
First, it may be noted that the special
session will convene only few weeks be-
fore Congress would meet again in regular
session. Any argument to the effect that
there is an emergency confronting the
country which could not await the atten-
ton of the regular session of Congress falls
flat. There is no information or argument
10 sustain that contention.
The fact iS-every citizen of the country
knows this TO be true-the calling of Con-
gress in special session at this time and
under present conditions will have unset
Ting and mfavorable effects. A session OF
Congress at any time-regular or special
is more than likely to have that effect on
the country; but with the results of con-
gressional action for the past three or four
years plainly in evidence. and lively UNI
Outstanding of the character Of the present
Congress, based on its record nothing can
be clearer or more certain than the fact
that the converting of this special session
will have highly unSettling and harmful
results.
The nduStrialiStS and other classes OF
the.counrry'S business men do not trust the
President. They honestly believe that their
disuust is justified by the record of the
administration. They see in his calling OF
the special session ample evidence, If any
is needed. to confirm the belief that by
this move he is manifeSting his continuing
determination to try to compel Congress to
go all the way in enacting his program OF
radical and unconstitutional legislation.
Clearly, the President is determined to
force this on the country by hook or crook,
by fair means or foul. He has not receded
from his determination TO make of the Re-
public at least a centralized, paternalistic
bureaucratic government; if not tOtalita-
rian dictatorship. Practically all his legis-
latiOn proposed for consideration of the
special session is driving hard in that di-
rection.
Certain it is that millions of business
men controlling the vast business interests
of this country, have no confidence in Pres
ident Roosevelt Their confidence in the
present Congress is but little stronger than
their almost total lack of confidence in the
President. They have vivid recollection,
and concrete evidence on every side, to
stimulate this attitude.
In considering the special session call it
is evident that there was no necessity or
justification for it; no emergency demand
ing it; no vociferOuS demand by the peo-
pie of the United States for it. 1t is just
as dear that the move is purely political
move by the President; part of his plan
for having his way in spite of all opposi-
ton and opposition opinion. 1t is move
to put the screws on Congress in an effort
to compel the legislative body to yield to
his demands and proceed with his program
of enactment of radical laws.
The simple results of calling Congress
in session at all will be disquieting, un.
settling and harmful to the country. What
the ultimate results will be, if Congress
submits to executive dictation and coercion
and enacts the insanely dangerous laws
demanded by Roosevelt, nobody knows
There are, however, millions of intefigent
thOqghatIy patriotic citizens who have