MESSAGE TO CONGRESS

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17219, 10 December 1923, Page 2

MESSAGE TO CONGRESS

FAVOURABLY RECEIVED. By Telegraph—Pres* Association—Copyright Australian and N.Z. Gable Association. NEW YORK. December 8. The counij-y appears to have reacted favourably to President Goolidgg’s first Congressional message. The newspapers unanimously praised his courageous, outspoken opposition to the soldiers’ bonus and his advocacy of tax reduction. Some newspapers express regret over the President’s alleged timidity in approving only of the World Court, instead of entry into the League of Nations. The popular reception of the message centres approval chiefly upon the President’9 attitude regarding taxation and the bonus. Congressional action upon President Coolidge.’s proposals seems difficult to predict owing to vigorous Democratic opposition. The Democrats will be assisted by the Radical Republicans, who are eager to forestall constructive attempts of the Republican Party in order to cancel any possible advantage at the political convention next* summer. Republican leaders predict that the bonus proposal will be passed by Congress and be vetoed by the President. The taxation proposal will be bitterly opposed anti the fate of- the proposal to enter the World Court is doubtful in view of judicious “ jockey • ings ” by Democrats and radical Republicans. The latter witf undoubtedly hold the whip hand during the ensuing session. They openlv reveal their intention to lash Republican and Democratic regulars mercilessly.