Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1957-01-11


Nation and its relation to the
rest of the world. The speech
considerably shorter than mos
of its annual predecessors
aroused only infrequent APP.
plause.
Later comment by in.
dividual legislators indicated
many thought the message wa.
too sketchy to provoke more
than otfhand criticism at this
time. even on such matters a:
civil rights and imitation. But il
gave several Democrats an OPP.
portunity to insist that Congress
must have the final say on the
form and content of Legislation
sought by the administration.
Some Signs of Trouble
In the House shortly after the
joint session there were signs
that the White House might en-
counter trouble getting the exact
kind of action it wants on ma
Jor measures. Speaker Rayburr
said the Federal aid for school,
construction bill is likely to be
brought up fairly soon in the
House, as President Eisenhower
requested. But the measure, al
ready introduced by Representa-
tive Kelley. Democrat of Penn
sylvania. contains provisions dis
liked by the administration.
Moreover, Representative Pat
man, Democrat of Texas, spon-
sored resolution for an investi-
cation of monetary problems
The President stressed the de-
STABILITY of such a study but
would have it made by a special
commission. The Patman resolu-
ton proposes setting up a special
House committee.
Speaker Rayburn said it woulC
be "a very proper thing for the
House Banking Committee to e
ahead with such an inquiry. Anc
Senator OMahoney. Democrat
of Wyoming, predicted Congress;
will ignore Mr.. Eisenhower.
suggestion for a special com.
mission and will itself investi.
gate the administrators tight
money" policies.
Mr.. Patman said administra.
ton fiscal planners ARE getting
ready for depression" with
tight credit and high interest
rates.
The administration has sale
these are needed to help curl
imitation, and the President eau
TONED yesterday that THE dan
ger 'of inf1ation) is always
present
johnson Reserved
A further sign that Democratic
leaders might insist more
strongly this year on holding the
top hand in legislative programs
was seen in a comment by Senate
Democratic Leader johnson. He
commended the Presidents mes
sage for its comprehensive and
thoughtful analysis of problems. /"
He nevertheless added:
In a cooperative and con-
structive spirit. am confident
We will legislate the best judg-
ment of our members in an eff
fort to avoid dangers, secure
lasting peace and promote to
ever higher planes the general
welfare of the American people. I"
Speaker Rayburn summed up
the message as being lone of
those kind Of usual things" He
remarked. however, he was not
at all certain that people who
have been buying things believe
the cost of living has been rela-
lively stable" as the President
said.
Event Not So COlorfuI
Despite a capacity attend
ance on the floor and in the
galleries of the House chamber,
and the presence of the full
bench of the Supreme Court
ano every Cabinet officer, the
occasion yesterday was far less
exciting or colorful than many
similar Joint sessions in the
past.
One reason may have been
that the President addressed a
joint session only last Saturday
on the Middle East situation,
and that House and Senate met
again in Joint session last Mon
day to count the electoral votes.
Still another reason could be
that the annual message may
purposely have been made gen.
erai so as not to take the edge
OF the inaugural address jan
uary 81.
Differs on Living Costs
In any event. reporters
scratching around for congress
sional comment had a fairly
fruitless afternoon if they sought
anything specific or spectacular.
Here are some samples:
Representative Albert of Ok
lahoma. Democratic whip in the
House: THE message was
couched in such general terms
that there is no basis for COM
ment on the Presidents overall
legislative programs. The
cost of living is at an all time
high and there is serious ques-
ton whether has been checked,
as the President said"
House Republican Leader Mar
tin: "A realistic appraisal of our
domestic and international poll
cies for a continued peace and
prosperity"
Senate Republican Leader
Knowland: "A substantial part
of the Presidents recommended
tons will be supplemented by
the Congress-"
Senator Russell, Democrat of