"Little Congress"

Everyone knows of the Cabinet; everyone knows of the Congress. Some know of the "Little Cabinet," a group of Assistant Secretaries and Under Secretaries who meet monthly for dinner (TIME, June 4). Not many people know, however, of the "Little Congress."

It has just opened its winter session. It meets in the caucus room and many of its meetings are more lively than those that pass in Congress itself; for its members have no listening constituents to temper the full force of their ideas. Membership is limited to those "employed around Congress"-- that is, to secretaries of Senators, of Representatives and to others such as Kenneth Romney, cashier in the office of the Sergeant-at-Arms of the House. They number some 200.

The bonus bill came up and was the subject of a lively debate last week. The World Court and repeal of the Volstead Act are on the calendar for after Christmas.

There is a good representation of ability at the meetings. Most of the members are college graduates. There are probably more Phi Beta Kappa keys present than in Congress. Many study law on the side. Others are preparing themselves for active politics. So far women have been exclu'ded. Such men as Senator William J. Harris of Georgia, Senator Morris Sheppard of Texas, Representatives Charles R. Crisp of Georgia, Fritz G. Lanham of Texas, Addison T. Smith of Idaho, Wallace H. White of Maine, have risen from their ranks. The "Little Congress" is not so little.