The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1939-10-05
OUR CONGRESSMAN
Letter Written The Ely by
WILLIAM A. PITTENGER
Member of Congress, Eighth Minnesota District

Washington, D. c., october 5.-My
last report to the District was made in
July at at that time I announced I
would discontinue discussions of Wash
ington activities until January. All
plans have been changed by the call of
President Roosevelt for Special Ses-
sion of Congress on September 21st. I
Immediately proceeded to Washington
and attended the opening session {
that date.
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE-Presi-
dent Roosevelt delivered his message in
person and stressed the desire for peace
and the fixed purpose to keep this
country out of European wars and to
keep American soldiers from European
battlefields. With that aim and hope,
I agree fully.
THE 1885 EMBARGO ACT-The
Presidents message stated clearly that
he wanted repeal of the Embargo
Provisions of the 1885 law. Most sig
nificant was the clear statement that
he made mistake when he signed that
law and that he regretted having done
so. The 1885 law prohibits the sale of
arms and munitions to belligerents but
does not prohibit sale of materials out
of which arms and munitions are made
and does not prohibit the sale of any
other commodity The Presidents mes
sage openly advocates the repeal of that
law and the passage of legislation which
may be somewhat inaccurately des-
cribed as "Cash and Garry" legislation.
THE DUTY OF CONGRESS During
the Presidents address he indicated
that he wanted Congress to pass certain
legislation and then Ego home" With
that attitude I am in entire disagree
ment. I think the President needs the
help of Congress and think Congress
ought to stay in session so that men,
bers can study and observe changing
world conditions. I believe am mod
crate in my statement that this is the
most important session of Congress
since the Congress that convened while
the World War was on and declared war
on the sixth day of April, 1917. Anyone
who wishes a copy of the Presidents
address on September 21st, will receive
one by writing my office at Washing
ton. This document is worthy of care
full study.
SESSION LIMITED TO NEUTRAL
TTY AND EMBARGO QUESTIONS
The party leaders Democratic) have
held conference and have indicated
that the only legislation they will con-
slider at this extra session of Congress
is that having to do with the embargo,
neutrality and other problems affecting
foreign countries. To those who under
stand legislative machinery the pro-
cedure is simple. We can introduce
bills but the Chairmen of the various
Committees have been instructed not to
hold meetings and this means that not
thing can or will he done with any
bill unless and until the proper Com
mittee acts favorably on it. Otherwise
it never reaches the House.
THE AMERICAN LEGION Signifi-
cant of the attitude of the men most
interested in what is going on in Wash
ington is this statement or resolution
adopted by the American Legion in
convention at Chicago on Sept. 9th.
I'm the present world crisis, conditions
may change so rapidly that pronounce
nent by the American Legion at this
time on specific legislation may be
wholly inadequate in the near future y
AS a Representative from the Eighth
district, consider it my duty to keep
an open mind on all legislative pro-
posals and to study legislation from an
impartial and not prejudiced view
point, so that when vote, will record
convictions as to what is best for the
future of America. I believe this at
titude is what the members of the
American Legion demonstrated in their
resolution, and that most sincere people