The journal. (Caldwell, Ohio) 1934-1961, 1958-05-29
M' M'Wa4hl;nagtoln
with Rep. John Henderson

What do 435 members Of the
House of Representatives talk
about? Most often, they are tell
ing the story of their own dis
trict. Seldom do they testify be-
fore Congressional committee
or speak on the Floor Of Con-
gress without mentioning the
strengths, weaknesses, and spec
ial aspects of a particular geo.
graphical section of the nation.
They seldom discuss abstract, in
tangible factories, farmers, and
people. They talk about ''My
veterans" MY villages" my
farmers" This is as it should be,
for. in the House of Representa-
tives, the needs and desires of
the individuals are accorded con-
sideration. 1t is perfectly under
standable that there would be a
difference of opinion between
the cotton farmer, the coal min
er, and the bond salesman on
what is best for America. Ger
tainly, a program which would
benefit New York City might be
harmful or detrimental to Mari
eta or Woodsfield.
For that reason, there are vast
differences of opinion Tin ad-
dition to political differences)
which make it necessary for de-
bate, argument, and, more than
anything else, compromise.
The vast differences between
various segments of the nation
will be illustrated dramatically
when the question of foreign
trade and tariffs comes to the
Floor of the House soon. In this
field, interestingly enough, poll
tical party differences hardly
appear. The question cuts
through party lines, for neither
party can be regarded as entirely
protectionist in philosophy. Re-
| gardless of party affiliation,
members of Congress will give
some careful consideration to the
composition of their districts be-
fore voting on this issue. Those
whose industries are producing
for world market or who have no
industries adversely affected by
foreign Importation, would favor
a measure which would enlarge
those markets. Those who have
substantial industries which will
| encounter increased competition
from foreign importation will
endeavor to obtain changes in
the legislation to eliminate the
unfairness of the competition.
| We have some industries in
the 18th District which have
been hurt in the past by competi
ton from lands where the work
men are paid at virtually starva-
ton wage levels. The American
industries are those in which the
labor cost is a considerable fac,
tor in the final cost, Further
trade concessions to nation.
abroad will be increasingly harm
| full to them. Hence, | feel it i'm
perative to attempt to find way
to phrase the legislation so tina
these industries need not bt
| sacrificed. This is the stage o
legislative process where debate
| anu al
employed, and where the Amer
lean form of government be
comes truly representative.
Veterans of World War
AS Memorial Day approaches
we become more aware of tn
changing picture of the tradi
tional Memorial Day parade. TIL
ranks of the 1917 Doughboys ar
diminishing. Hairlines have re
ceded or disappeared altogether
The average age of the veteran
of World War | is SO. Of tn
original 4,744,000 who were il
the Armed Forces during Worl
War I, only 100000, or approx
mately 81 percent remain.
: Since their years for usefu
employment is almost at an enc
. legislation has been introduce
by many Members of Congress
seeking to provide for a pensio
) for them. The suggested month";
: pension ranges from $75 to $40