The Bismarck Tribune

AID IN NEW CONGRESS

"Progressives" Planning Active Hand in Organization And in Legislation
BONUS PASSAGE SEEN

Generally Admitted, But View of President Coolidge on It Is Uncertain

Washington, Oct. 22.—Republican progressives of the west who will hold the balance of power in the new Congress are mapping out a program both as to legislation and the organization of the House and Senate and are preparing to enforce their demands by every available means.

Because of the rather unusual situation this will develop and the fact that the 1924 campaign is in the offing leaders of the two dominant parties in Congress look for the enactment of little affirmative legislation at the session beginning December 3.

Adjournment probably would be taken in May for the national conventions and much of the time to that date will be taken up with the framing and passing of the annual appropriation bills.

Enactment of a soldier bonus bill is freely predicted but leaders are not inclined to commit themselves. Efforts will be made to put through some kind of railroad legislation but there are so many conflicting views that the task of harmonizing them into a concrete measure is regarded as difficult. Much of the same situation is expected to develop as to coal legislation. Tax and tariff revision are looked on as only a remote possibility.

The modified excess profits tax, a levy on the undivided profits of corporations and other major changes in the existing laws are being considered by the progressives and they probably will be proposed in bills.

Generally speaking the passage of a bonus bill is viewed at the capitol as a certainty.

President Coolidge's position with respect to this legislation has not been defined but proponents believe they will have enough votes to override a veto should the executive adhere to the policy of the late President Harding.