MOMENTOUS ISSUES

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 17955, 6 December 1932, Page 5

MOMENTOUS ISSUES

AMERICAN CONGRESS CONTROVERSIAL SUBJECTS prohibition; comes first (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) WASHINGTON, Dec. 4. The final, or the so-called “short session” of tlie seventy-second Congress will be convened at noon to-morrow and will continue until March 4 with the most important legislative calendar for many years.

At the very opening the highly controversial subject of prohibition will be injected, when the Democratic leadership will offer a motion repealing the Eighteenth Amendment, and request that the rules lie suspended to allow of an immediate vote. A two-thirds majority, or about 275 votes, will be needed for its adoption. As prohibition repeal was one of tlie cardinal features of the Democratic campaign platform, it is believed that the success of to-morrow’s vote, is necessary to maintain the party’s sue. cessful leadership. Other legislation which is tentatively included is that dealing with Philippine independence, beer, general unemployment. depression relief, and, most important, of all, fiscal legislation and war debts.

Efforts will be made to revive the sales tax which was; defeated last, session. To balance the Budget, which has to face a tremendous and-continually growing deficit, it is expected thfit some inflation legislation will he introduced, including a great scheme for the expansion of currency. The payment ot soldiers’ compensation will be offered, but its defeat is expected. FEAR OF DISORDERS

Mr. Hoover’s message, which may include tlie war debt recommendations, is also expected, although this may be, included in a special foreign relations message, and it is anxiously awaited. The nature of the debts communication is beifig carefully guarded. It is thought possible that it might give a detailed answer to the British note with a recommendation that the War Debts Commission be reorganised. The seriousness of the national economic situation is intensified by the presence in Washington of some 3000 socalled “hunger-marchers,” a movement inspired by the Communists among the unemployed, who have journeyed to Washington to petition Congress for relief.

The police, who are taking every precaution to prevent riots, similar to the bonus army evictions last summer, have prohibited public parading, which tlie leaders say they will ignore. During the last- tew days there has been considerable disorder in neighboring States between the police and several contingents en route to the capital. The marchers are short of provisions, and in a sullen mood.

COUNTRY STILL DRY REPEAL MOTION REJECTED t (Received Dec. fi, 11 a.m.) WASHINGTON, Dec. 5. The House of Representatives to-day rejected Mr. Garner’.s resolution for prohibition repeal. The vote rejecting the repeal .was 2(1 for repeal to 144 against. A two-thirds majority was .necessary for. the approval of the resolution. A 'change of six votes would have brought about its adoption. ~ Inasmuch .as Mr. Garner has said he would not permit another vote on repeal this session, the vote is believed to have killed the question, at least until the new Congress meets. The resolution had support from the Republican leadership. Senator Joseph Robinson, the Democratic Leader, stated that tlie Senate Democratic programme for the prompt consideration of the prohibition proposals would not be affected by the House vote.