TRIP PART 4: The group of Bradford High students we’ve been reading about from a 1924 trip to Washington, D.C. got to see the federal government work firsthand. And learned, up close and personal, that not every moment in Congress is used to make the world a better place.

“The National Capitol was the second place we visited. After taking a tour of the building, we were admitted to the Senate Chamber, House Chamber and Supreme Court Chamber. In the Senate, we heard a debate over the everlasting bonus bill, which has already passed the House, but which has so far been unable to get through the Senate. The Democrats were the largest group present and the junior senator from Massachusetts led the debate. A half hour interruption came about as a result of a speech made by the Senator from Arkansas on ‘Why People Should Be Allowed To Shake Hands with the President.’ The debate was then continued in the absence of the Republicans and the final act came at 4:30 o’clock when the Senate adjourned.

“While some members of the party were in the Senate chamber, others visited the House or Supreme Court Chambers. In the House, we saw the passage of a bill of little importance, debate on points of order, filibustering and other tricks of politics. At this session we also found only a small part of the body present.

“The Supreme Court Chamber offered the greatest attraction but few could gain admittance, as the room of the highest court in the country was crowded. Here was seen Chief Justice Taft and the eight associate justices who were hearing a case relative to Interstate Commerce.”