Speech #640179721

It is well known that the President has for many months. if not for a longer period. been urging the passage of a childlabor bill. It is also well known and understood that the majority on this side have been in favor of the enactment of a childlabor bill . but that there were many other measures which some of the Senators thought of equal importance and therefore desired to get through before this session of Congress should come to a close. Accordingly it had been tentatively agreed between some of the Senators on each side that the childlabor bill and the immigration bill slould go over until early in the next session and be set down for action upon a day certain. and this not because of any lack of interest in the childlabor bill. for the action that was contemplated would have insured a speedy result. Yet so anxious was the President.for action upon the bill that he did substantially what he has done on other billslie came here and said. "If you can possibly do it. include this bill in your budget for this term." Now. this strange thing happens. The Senator from California. if lie can be catalogued politically. would be classed as a Progressive. lhe would be included with that great number. more tllan 4.000.000. who repudiated the old party standard and who marched out under a new banner. which was to lead to tie heights of legislative achievement and reform.