Evening Star Newspaper, January 8, 1935, Page 10

BYRNS OUTLINES CONGRESS PLANS Speaker, in Forum Address, Says Congress Will Take Constructive Steps. Assurances that the Seventy-fourth Congress would not “run wild” but would take definite and constructive steps to facilitate the recovery pro- gram were given by Speaker Byrns last night during the National Radio Forum. The forum, arrarged by The Wash- | ington Star, was broadcast by WMAL and a coast-to-coast network of other National Broadcasting Co. stations. Byrns sketched the outstanding fea- tures of the legislative program of the current session, and expressed belief that the movement for immediate payment of the bonus would be the only issue to cause “embarrassment.” The first constructive piece of legis- lation to be tackled without delay, he said, would be designed to extend the life of the Reconstraction Finance Corp. Early consideration also will be given, he declared, to the program of President Roosevelt to substitute work for the “dole.” Text of Address. The text of Speaker Byrns' address i follows: The organization of the House of Representatives recently accomplished with the utmost order and the mini- mum of friction is & hopeful sig that the Seventy-fourth Congress w prove a helpful force in the rehabili- tation program so ably launched by President Roosevelt. I think I can say with assurance that business need have no fear and that this Congress will take no steps which will impair or delay recovery. Problems of vast importance are confronting the Nation and Congrass is fully aware of them. We will meet these as they are presented and, I am confident, will leave a record which will make this an outstanding session in the history of the Nation. More than that, I am hopeful we will be able to settle controversial measures amicably and, since the Democrats overwhelmingly control both House and Senate, there is no reason to assume we cannot work together for the common good of the Nation and the party as well. There has been much speculation in the press and elsewhere over the character of legislation this Congress may be expected to enact. The fear has been voiced that Congress may “run_wild,” as some have expressed it. I am confident such fears are groundless and, while it is not unlikely some bizarre bills will be offered, they are reasonably sure to be either killed or so modified as to leave no just cause for alarm. This expressed fear of what Congress may or may not do is nothing new. It bobs up every two years with remarkable regularity and, for the most part, comes from critics, who, for one reason or another, are not wholly sympathetic with the existing form of government in the United States. Congress Is Balance Wheel. On the one hand we have the pred- atory gentlemen, sometimes called rugged individualists—resentful of restrictions placed on their acquig- tive activities by Congress: and on the other we have the radicals— angry because Congress, as a whole, rejects their leadership. My abserva- tions, covering a membership of nearly 30 years in this body, con- vince me that each Congress fairly represents the combined sentiments of the Nation for the period in which it serves. It is fallible, of course, as are all human agencies, but no more 80, and in the long run proves to be the balance wheel of the Nation. ‘The present Congress, I am sure, will measure up to its predecessors and pardonable pride prompts the belief that, having chosen me for its presiding officer, it will be just a little superior. In this connection, however, it should be borne in mind that it is not the function of Con- gress to initiate executive policies. ‘That is properly the duty of the President, and the Nation is fortunate in having at its head a man with both courage and vision, who recognizes his responsibilities and has proven his capacity. This Congress—any Con- gress—is and should be proud to ac- cept his leadership. I think it is safe to say it will do so and while the measures he proposes will have to run the gauntlet of committee ap- proval, they will be enacted in pretty much the form he wants them. That is as it should be, for in the stupend- ous task to which he is devoting his . heart and brain President Roosevelt should have the wholehearted co- operation of Congress and, in so far as my influence goes, he will get it. As I see it now, there is but one Relieved You can have rest tonight. Coughs caused from colds need not disturb you and members of your family. Hall’s Expectorant, a pleasant, soothing syrup, quickly relieves irritated membranes and tickling, helps expel mucus, and warms throat and chest. Makes you feel better right away. If cough bothers tonight, take Hall’s ll::kxpegtorznt. ‘There’s nothing ike it. Ralliexsscronant AT ALL DRUG STORES 356, 60¢ and $3 issue likely to come before Congress which will occasion any embarrass- . ment. This is the demand of the Night Coughs ex-service men for the immediate pay- ment of the bonus, more properly known as the adjusted service certifi- cates, due in 1945. Pru'lg:n;‘ltbou- vent opposed this during - gress on the ground that it would unduly tax the Treasury and seriously interfere with his recovery program. In the absence of any statement from him to the contrary, it may be as- sumed he is still of the same mind. There have been, however, a number of proposals suggesting ways and means by which this demand might be met without undue inflation, and if this can be accomplished to the satisfaction of the Administration and the ex-service men it certainly would be “a consummation devoutly to be wished.™ Security Important Goal. Although it is still too early in the session to attempt a prophecy as to the legislation whicn will be enacted, I think it is safe to say that the most constructive will have to do with what President Roosevelt ted in one of his fireside talks last Fall—security for the home, the job and old age. Congressmen have been thinking along those lines and many of them now are but waiting an opportunity to submit their ideas. From this mingling of minds around the com- mittee tables and in the cloak rooms will emerge legislation which I am hopeful will accomplish the purpose which the President had in mind. Just what form it will take, no one can say at this time. Security for the home, I think, will be brought about through an increased authorization to the Home Owners’ Loan Corp. and, if needed, to the Farm Credit Administration as well. Both of these agencies have proven their worth in what I feel has been the most trying time in the history of our national existence. They have saved the homes for hundreds of thou- sands of our citizens who have been able to utilize the credit of their Gov- ernment to that end with scarcely any expense to it, since their activities were financed through the sale of bonds for which the property involved is ample security. ‘Thus, while increased security for the home may be provided through the extension of ncies already in existence, those dealing with security of employment and protection from want in old age may not be disposed of so easily. The first of these in- volves a number of questions, such, for instance, as whether the Federal Government will co-operate with the States by making defined appropria- tions, leaving the details of admin- istration to State authorities or under- take to solve the problem on a na- tional scale. Each of these proposals of course has its advantages and dis- advantages. These must be weighed, one against the other, with a view to determining which one offers the greatest hope of success with a mini- mum of red tape in its administration. ‘The same is true of the proposals designed to protect the aged, no longer able to work, from want or becoming the objects of charity. It is scarcely to be hoped that the first laws enacted with these ends in view will accom- plish all that their sponsors desire. However, they are certain to point the THE EVENING STAR, 'WASHINGTO way, and subsequent Congresses can correct defects which may develop from time to time, Certdinly the pur- pose for which such legislation is de- signed is worthy of the best thought of the Nation and if launched at this session, as I am confident it will be, the Seventy-fourth Congress will be assured of a place In history. ‘Would Extend R. F. C. The first piece of constructive leg- islation this Congress will be called upon to enact is one extending the life of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation. I think it is generally agreed this will have to be done, and it should be done without delay. The R. F. C. has proven to be the right arm of the administration in its battle against business depression, and while gains have been made, as even the most skeptical must admit, éhd victory appears in sight, the President should not be hampered by any faltering on the part of Congress. I think I can say with assurance that the House will not fail to do its duty in this particular. There are other emergency agencies set up by the last Congress at the in- stance of the administration, which, if they are to continue, must be given a new lease on life. These include the National Recovery Administration and the Agricultural Adjustment Admin- istration. Both of these agencies have been the objects of bitter attacks fram within and without, and yet I think it will be generally conceded they have accomplished much good. Business, I am sure, has no desire to go back to the era of unrestricted competition— the rule of fang and claw—and the recent referendums by farmers on the continuation of the hog-corn, wheat and cotton control programs indicate faith and hope for the future. Both of these agencies, of course, were in the nature of experiments. This was pointed out by President Roosevelt himself, and in the light of the experience gained there may and I expect will be modifications in their continued set-up, whether it be perma- nent or for a limited period, which will be designed to allay much of the criticism directed against them. The difficulties of administration which have been encountered and overcome by those in charge will be the best criterion by means of which Congress will shape this legislation to provide the greatest good for the greatest number. “Tax Legislation Necessary. It is going to be necessary for this Congress to re-enact some tax legisla- tion. There were emergency levies in- cluded in the last bill which other- wise would lapse and the revenue from which is necessary for proper finan- cial operations of the Treasury. How- ever, unless some exceptional and un- foreseen burden develops, I don’t look for any substantial change. The rapid recovery in business may even afford an opportunity for the elimina- tion of some of the so-called nuisance taxes and certainly will insure a grati- fying increase in the national revenue. One of the very important duties devolving on Congress and with par- ticular emphasis on the House is the passage of the nine regular supply bills. These provide the funds for D. ‘Sees Constructive Steps SPEAKER BYRNS, the maintenance of the several de- partments of the Pederal Government as well as the independent agencies, both temporary and permanent. The Appropriations Committee of the House already has been in session for more than a month, holding hearings on these, and as they are reported they will be given right of way. ‘The general public may not be aware of it, but the fact is that each year this committee goes over the various activities of the Government with painstaking scrutiny. Responsible heads of each department, under whose supervision Federal money is spent, come before subcommittees and describe in detail what was done with funds previcusly allotted them and what they plan to do with those recommended by the Bureau of the Budget for the ensuing year. In addi- tion to the regular supply bills, it is also necessary for Congress to approve one and sometimes two deficiency appropriation bills, and they must all be enacted or the business of the Government comes to a standstill. In his official relations with Con- - < —Star Staft Photo. gress, President Roosevelt has adopted 8 course somewhat different from that of his predecessors in apprising them of what he desires in the way of legis- lation. Other Presidents have con- tented themselves, for the most part, in making general recommendations in their annual messages and leaving to Congress the details of working these out. President Roosevelt, how- ever, has adopted what I feel is the better course. His annual message deals mainly with the state of the Union, but throughout the session, from time to time, he sends to Con- gress special messages dealing with specific legislation which he and his advisers feel should be enacted. In this way Congress is called upon to deal with a single measure. It knows in a fairly concrete way just what the Chief Executive wants. This results in clearer thinking and speedier action. Thus, with this in mind, it may be assumed that as this session pro- ceeds President Roosevelt will favor Congress with special messages re- questing specific legislation. He has C., TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 1935. gress. I assume all of you either heard or for co-operation between industry and the Government which has called forth praise not only from his friencs but his political adversaries as weli. ‘The keystone to the arch of this pro- gram is his recommendation that a work roll be substituted for the ex- isting relief roll. “Dole” to Be Corrected. To this, I am sure, Congress will devote early, earnest and sympathetic consideration, for every one must realize that the national situation is far from healthy when we have mil- lions on relief rolls, drawing what are in effect doles from the Treasury and for which they render no special serv- ice. This condition I believe can be corrected and I think President Roosevelt has pointed the way. ‘The great national resources of this country are a heritage which we of this generation should hand down to our posterity with as little impair- ment as possible. Some of these, we may say it it our shame, already have been squandered and this makes it all the more imperative that we preserve or restore what is left. That is the task which President Roosevelt has outlined to the Nation and to which Congress will direct spe- cific attention. His plan, as I gather it, is to provide work on worth-while projects, many of which in the course of time will prove self-liquidating, and all of which are destined to be bene- ficial to this and succeeding genera- tions. Meanwhile, provision must be made to care for those people willing and able to work during the transition pe- riod. These public works projects, widely scattered throughout the coun- try, can not be set up by waving a magic wand and it will be necessary for Congress to supply not only the means, but the authority under which they will be launched and at the same time provide for such continuation of the present relief set-up as is needed to put them into operation. This, is prepared to do. Although this program is for an emergency—such a one as the country never faced before—and will be car- ried forward only so long as it is nec- essary to prevent starvation it can be curtafled and deferred as rapidly as the recovery of private industry takes up the slack in employment. As men are called back to work at the lathe, in the mill and the foundry, they will on the Government been substan- of these will call for fabricated steel, cement and other supplies which the Federal Government itself will have to evidences of which are widespread, I think there will be greater recovery in business, and as the pendulum swings up for private industry the necessity for work relief naturally will diminish. Partisanship Predicted, As we proceed with this session it is highly probable that partisanship will manifest itself. It could scarcely be otherwise with a national campaign less than two years off. The minority will be endeavoring to make issues and, as I see it, it is not only the right but the duty of the minority un- der our form of government to criti- cize that which it cannot accept or with which it cannot agree. However, I hope the country as a whole will not give undue weight to what some of these critics may say. The Nation has declared in unmistakable terms its faith in a Democratic President and a Democratic Congress. Ours is the power and ours is the responsibility. We accept it, firm in the faith that the trust reposed in us will not be sbused, and that the Nation as a whole will rise to high levels under the guidance of President Roosevelt and the Seventy-fourth 3 P A s El Dorado Elects Tucker. Albert W, Tucker was elected presi- dent of the El Dorado Club last night at a meeting in the Hamilton Hotel. Other officers chosen were George Kennedy, vice president; S. Hardy Burgess, secretary; Wilton T. Allen, treasurer; F. Charles Brown, sergeant at arms; Hebe H. Straw, historian. Elected to the board of governors were Jack L. Hooker, Capt. William P. Steil and Dr. Elliott H. Hunt, [ Baby Dies of Burns. ‘Three-year-old Julia Connor, col- ored, died at Casualty Hospital yes- terday of burns suffered a month ago while playing with matches in her home at 708 Nineteenth street north- Best Remedy Is Made At Home You can now mi §ra7 Bair remedy you can buy by ollowing this simple receipe: To half- th ce of glycerine. druggist can put this up or you can mix it yourself at very little cost. AD- ply to the halr twice a week uniil the | | desired shade is obtained. | | __ Barbo imparts color to streaked, fad- or eray hair making it soff and jossy. * It will not color the scalp, is not icky or greasy and does not rub off. Advertisement. | DEMOCRATS INVITE _ FIRST LADY T0 BALL Members of Cabinet and Diplo- matic Corps Also Asked to Birthday Fete. Mrs. Roosevelt and members of the cabinet, Senate, House and diplomatic eorps have been invited to a “Presi- dent’s birthday ball” to be held at the Mayflower Hotel on the night of Jan- uary 29 under sponsorship of Young Democratic Clubs of the District divi- sion. Proceeds from the ball will go to the Warm Springs Foundation at Warm Springs, Ga. Mrs. Braddish Carroll, wife of the chief clerk of the N. R. A, will be chairman of the Box Committee, and Florence O'Donoghue of the Social Committee. Dancing will be from 10 to 2 am. Tickets can be purchased from members of the Social Commit- tee, from club officials or at the door. The regular meeting of the local division of Young Democratic Clubs will be held Friday, January 18, at 8:30 pm. Secretary Ickes has been invited to address the session. Church Home Group Meets. The incorporators of the Episcopal Church Home will meet in the parish hall of Epiphany Church Priday at 4:30 pm. The yearly reports will be read. All friends of the home are invited to attend. R Electrical Engineer Dies. MONTREAL, January 8 (#)—W. C. Adams, head consulting engineer of the Northern Electric Co., died yes- terday. He was born in Minnesota. FOR CUTS USE Vaseline REG.U.5.PAT. O PETROLEUM JELLY