Evening star., 1937-01-25
WASHINGTON OBSERVATIONS
BY FREDERIC WILLIAM VILE.

fense of his reciprocal trade program
He did not pull his punches when Re-
publican members quibbled and heckled.
In the course Of torrid exchanges with
them Judge Hull, who at one time
pounded the table to emphasize his views,
coined a new phrase for small pota-
toes" He denounced inconSequential
questions as "chinquapins," species of
dwarf chestnuts common in the South.
The Tennesseean bitterly resented chin
quapins" in connection with a subject
involving, as he said, the momentous
issue Of world peace. Under the circum-
stances, he had contemptuous impa-
tience with figures showing "a few dollars
more or less in the value Of imports or
exports" As battle-Scarred Ways and
Means veteran, Secretary Hull has all
tariff facts at his tongues tip. Chairman
Doughtons committee found him eager
and able to trade blows on any and all
phases Of the revenue problem, especially
its international aspects.
HE
It's now the League OF Nations which
Is absorbing New Dealers. Geneva has
just announced appointment of two
former important members Of the Roose-
velt high command. Winfield William
Riefler, who In 1933-4-5 was the admin
istration's interpreting economist" has
been named substitute American men,
Der of the Leagues permanent Finance
Committee, while DR.. Henry F. Grady,
until recently chief of the trade agree
ments division of the State Department,
will join the permanent Economic Com
y11ftfoo Mr. P{adar will fako tho v,1o ~
Norman II. Davis, who remains men,
Der Of the Finance Committee, but has
not attended session since 1884. Two
other Americans newly designated for
League service are former Surg. Gen.
Hugh S. Cumming as q member Of the
Health Committee and Mitchell Carroll
as member Of the Fiscal Committee.
Three opening weeks Of the Seventy
fifth Congress have provided prompt and
graphic evidence that smooth sailing
awaits major Roosevelt measures. With
out opposition worthy of the name
recommendations regarding Spanish neu-
trality, dollar devaluation, the stabiliza-
ton fund and renewal Of the Reconstruc-
ton Finance Corps life were approved
in rapid-fire order. Three-year extern
sion of the reciprocal trade act Is Sched-
uled to ensue in the same expeditions
fashion. The Presidents first real leg
lslative hurdles will be faced when his
reorganization scheme reaches the pas
sage stage.
Those big-hearted philanthropists In
Congress, who are bent upon spending
another 81, ,000, ,000, 900, more or less, for
relief, take fresh heart from President
Roosevelt's inaugural reference to "one-
third of q Nation ill-housed, ill-clad, ILL
nourished." Advocates Of fatter appro-
priations than either the White House
or Mr.. Hopkins favors are sure to seize
upon that contention as an alibi for
their demands Republicans, on their
part, probably will not overlook the
political opportunity of pointing out that
If some 10000, 900 Americans are still in
distress 1t is hardly consistent to gloat
that the depression is conquered.
y y
Democratic plans to raise q SIC, ,500,0 900
war chest between now and 1910 cause
wonder whether Jim Farley aspires to
bring about conditions whereby prac-
tically only one political party would
exist, or at least could prevail, in the
United States. Manifestly he means to
annex during the coming four years as
many a. possible Of those stray 1900. .00o-