CONGRESS: Back to Work

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On June 23 Congress left Washington for an indefinite stay—perhaps even until after the November elections. The Congressmen went home in comfortable mood; they had left only one thing undone—legislation to beat the U.S. sword into a plowshare. There was plenty of time, they thought.

But by last week the war's end looked suddenly nearer. Leaders of both parties demanded that Congress stay in session this month, and scrapped over who had the idea first. Michigan's Republican Arthur Vandenberg was first in print. Said he: the German war may end quickly, and Congress has not finished its reconversion legislation. Next day War Mobilizer James F. Byrnes said that he had promises from House and Senate Democratic leaders to rush a reconversion bill through.

And, said Jimmy Byrnes, he had made his appeal a day before Vandenberg spoke.

The rank & file of Congress groaned in spirit; the backyard lawns and fishing holes of 48 states are much pleasanter than Washington in August. The public groaned too; August always seems hotter when Congress is in session.