Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1903-03-06
One lust Closed Notable for What
Congress Failed to Do
FlLIBUSTERING TRlUMPHS.
Most Important Measure Passed Was
That Creating New Department
About Eikins Amendments
Special Correspondence,

Washington, March A short SEES
sion OF Congress is chiefly interesting
for what It does not accomplish
Bills Of great Importance which
are contested By a considerable NIL
nority always fail, because there is
little time for anything save the ap-
preparation bills and what Is c0hsla-
cred necessary legislation This ses-
sion has been remarkable for the hght
which Senator Quay has made for the
admission OF three new states. Backed
by a minority OF Republicans ana by
almost the entire Democratic side he
has kept the bin before the senate Tor
more than two months In the face OF
a determined majority. Extreme meas
urcs could not pass the bill as II was
evident that the tllibuster would nave
continued even to the point OF forcing
an extra session. Besides the loss Of
the statehood bill there fell by the
wayslde all financial legislation, the
Littleheld antitrust bill the pure food
bill and the Philippine tariff bill. These
measures might have passed had there
been time. But even II the session was
short considerable has been accom-
pllshed
NEW DEPARTMENT.
The most important measure to be-
come a law was that creating the de-
partment Of commerce and labor, The
Nelson amendment which was incorp0-
rated In the bureau Of corporations Is
what makes the new department so inn
portant, as this Is the most effective
antitrust legislation Of Congress,
THE ELKINS LAW.
The first amendment Of Importance
that has been made 10 the interstate
commerce act was passed this winter.
and the Elklns law win become well
known throughout the country in the
regulation of railroads and shipping.
This law Is directed especially OF re-
bate giving and makes both parties
guilty OF discrimination, punishable.
Under the recent decision Of the SUI
preme court IN the lottery cases the
Elkins law becomes quite formidable,
as the power Of Congress to absolutely
control Interstate commerce is now
the settled law Of the land.
PHILIPPINE CURRENCY.
There has been a long contest over
the currency legislation for the Phil
ipplnes. The two houses could not
agree, but finally the Lodge bill was ac-
cepted. and from this time forward the
Philippines will be on a gold basis.
with coinage system Of their own.
but differing from that Of the United
States Perhaps In time the system
VIII be made TO correspond with ours.
which was the contention OF the house
at first. Strange to say, in the previous
session the house wanted 10 establish
the gold standard for the islands, but
the senate absolutely refused.
MILITARY LAWS.
The persistence Of Secretary Root.
coupled with the desire on the part Of
a majority, resulted m two bills becom-
ing laws which have been advocated
by the war department for some time.
One Is known as the army staff bill by
which general staff Is to be organized
with the chief as the lieutenant general
OF the army II Is believed that this will
do away with q great deal Of friction
that has occurred In the past. The other
Is the militia bill, measure which al
ready promises 10 build up n great
army reserve which will be ready for
service In the United States army I'm
any emergency These measures have
not been all that was wanted by the
war department, but they are a step
In that direction
ALASKAN BOUNDARY TREATY.
Some results are expected from the
Alaskan boundary treaty which was
ratified soon after being sent In and
which was the only treaty over which
there was a dispute to be so quickly
disposed Of To the average citizen IL
makes very little difference whether
this boundary question is settled or
not, but TO the people OF the far north
west and those living In our big faroff
territory It Is very lively topic. as
our state department has been made
aware.
TO PROTECT THE PRESIDENT.
The differences between the two
houses over the bin to protect the pres
ident and those in lieu OF succession
for that Office, as well as the represen-
tatlves Of foreign governments. were
finally adjusted In conference Under
its terms anarchists can be refused adj
mission to the United States, and at.
tempts upon the life OF the president
are punishable with death. While
some people assert that 1t will do no
good, yet there is the possibility that
IT will do much TO prevent conspiracles
against the lives Of chief magistrates.
OTHER LEGISLATION.
Among other bills which passed was
one amending the bankruptcy act.
A large number OF public buildings
have been provided among thom some
that were very necessary for the gov
eminent in Washington.
The appropriation bills, while de-
signed only TO carry current expenses
Of the government, nearly an contained |
legislation OF some Importance. This
was especially true Of the naval bin.
which provides for a large increase In |
the navy.
Notwithstanding the short time there |
was for work Congress has accomplish |
ed a great deal especially as the senate |
was dead.oCked so long.
=---s-a-s--