CONGRESS

The session of Congress which starts to-day, coming as it does between two widely differentiated administrations, is of significance to every voter throughout the country. Though the session in itself will be a short one, there will be great opportunities for good work, and just as great opportunities for bad. The question is, which path will Congress follow?

There is a possibility that, taking advantage of the Democratic majority in the House and the powerful minority in the Senate, Congress will force through bills which may hamper the coming administration in carrying out to the fullest extent its program. Such a course, after the unmistakable voice of the elections, could only be followed through stubbornness and petty vexation; it seems unlikely that this will be the case. Vice versa, Congress, feeling that everything Democratic is to be shunned, may reject many helpful suggestions merely because they are originated by the losing party, thus handicapping itself and the country by partizan action.

Another, and, it would seem, a better policy would be to proceed along more general lines. Bills such as those concerning the establishment of an aeronautical department, and the relief of the agricultural depression by legislation can have no effect upon either party, and would certainly be of benefit to the nation as a whole. There are times when "playing politics" may be interesting, but destructive. Keeping to the middle of the road for a short time, however, especially when the government is changing, can never be very harmful. That way, at least, lies progress.