Congress refused to authorize the preparation of a great plan of
waterway development in the general interest, and for ten years has
declined to pass the Appalachian and White Mountain National Forest
bill, although the people are practically unanimous for both.
The whole Nation is in favor of protecting the coal and other natural
resources in Alaska, yet they are still in grave danger of being
absorbed by the special interests. And as for the general conservation
movement, Congress not only refused to help it on, but tried to forbid
any progress without its help. Fortunately for us all, in this attempt
it has utterly failed.
This loss of confidence in Congress is a matter for deep concern to
every thinking American. It has not come quickly or without good
reason. Every man who knows Congress well knows the names of Senators
and members who betray the people they were elected to represent, and
knows also the names of the masters whom they obey. A representative of
the people who wears the collar of the special interests has touched
bottom. He can sink no farther.
Who is to blame because representatives of the people are so commonly
led to betray their trust? We all are--we who have not taken the trouble
to resent and put an end to the knavery we knew was going on.
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