Jasper County Democrat, Volume 22, Number 42, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 August 1919 — “CHICKEN FEED” [ARTICLE]

“CHICKEN FEED”

Republican inability or unwillingness to arise to a great emergency was never more brazenly confessed than in a recent debate in congress when Representative Mann of Illinois characterized the legislation now on the congressional calendar as “chicken feed.” Mr. Mann was Republican house ■ floor leader in the last congress, and is his party’s real leader on the floor now. He dominates the so-called steering committee, which allows nothing to get to the floor without the Illinois statesman’s O. K. Mr. Mondell is leader ini name only. The day following President Wilson’s address to the joint session of congress, when he requested the immediate enactment of legislation to strengthen his hands in his fight to bring down the prices of foodstuffs and rescue the people from the clutch of the profiteer, Mr. Mann made his striking and brazen characterization. Mr. Mann was probably “peeved” at the defeat of his plan for a recess, and so far as he is individually concerned, he declines to have his vacation plans spoiled by any public business, no matter how serious it may be. He very frankly said so. He bluntly served notice that he wasn’t going to “stay on the job.” It will require the services of a sergeant-at-arms to keep him in Washington during the hot weather, he told the house. “Chicken feed” is on the calendar, said Mr. Mann, and “chicken feed” can be disposed of at any time, in his opinion. Among the matters the Illinois representative regards as “chicken feed,” it is but natural to assume, for they are the problems that are pressing for attention, is legislation to bring food prices down to a fair level and stop the ravages of the profiteers upon the purses of the people; legislation to deal with the railroad problem, the soldier land bill and the many other constructive measures President Wilson has recommended. The American people will hardly agree with Mr. Mann’s logic that these, are “chicken feed.” But probably Mr. Mann would be a better Judge of packing house products.