Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-01-04
DEBATE NOT RESTRICTED
Opportunity to Speak to Be Given to
ALI,
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
Mr.. Hepburn Submits an Amendment
That is Satisfactory = Alleged
Abuse of Franking Privilege.

More than the average attendance of
members were In their places when the
House of Representatives met for it's first
session after the holiday recess today.
Regarding as serious an editorial state
ment in local paper that members of the
House abuse the franking privilege to the
extent OF sending cows, farm animals,
Libraries and kitchen utensils free through
the mails, Mr.. Sims (Tenn.) obtained leave
to assert that an investigation should be
made. That the statement was only an
outburst of vivid imagination was asserted
both by Mr.. Mann Ull.) and the republican
floor leader. Mr.. Payne On. V Before he
closed Mr.. Sims presented a resolution for
an investigation by the committee on post
offices and post roads ''aS to whether or not
there are or have been abuses Of the frank
ing privileges by members of Congress or In
the name OF members of Congress-
The resolution was agreed to.
Presidents Message Referred.
On motion of Mr.. Payne, the House re-
sumed consideration of the President
message, making reference Of 1t by tonic
TO the various omnlttees Mr.. Payne with
drew the amendment which had occasioned
the seven days OF discussion before the
holiday recess-the reference of that part
relating to insurance to the ways and
means committee. He stated that 1t was
his understanding that Mr.. Hepburn would
not press his amendment making refer
ence of the topic to the Interstate and for
eign commerce committee.
Mr. Hepburn at once submitted an amend
ment referring the whole question OF the
control of corporations. other than rail-
ways, to the judiciary committee. with in
structions Ito report fully, at an early day,
their views as to the power of the federal
government by legislation to regulate or
control said corporations in the manage
ment or control of their business and busi-
ness matters. and If said power exists, then
the extent of such power and under what
provisions OF the Constitution II Is con-
ferred upon Congress.
This amendment was agreed to without
objection and there was no discussion of
other items the reference of the entire mes
sage was made according to the terms OF
the resolution.
Philippine Tariff Bill.
The Philippine tariff bill was then taken
up for consideration.
Consideration of the bill was conducted in
committee Of the whole, with Mr.. Olmsted
(Pa) in the chair. After the bill had been
read Mr.. Payne, in charge OF the measure,
took the floor.
Mr. Mondell wished to know II debate was
to be limited. There were, he said. num-
Der of members on the republican side who
wished to oppose the bill The debate. Mr..
ure of the House and opportunity would be
given to all
Mr.. Payne then explained the details of
the bill He particularly emphasized the
"benefcent purposes of the measure. The
revenue collected under 1t, he said. was
needed in the Philippines for schools and
internal improvements. In brief. the bill
provides for the admission to the United
States of articles wholly the growth and
product of the Philippines free of duty.
eXceDt sugar and tobacco. on which tariff
of 25 per cent of the Dingley rates shall be
collected. In consideration OF this reduc-
ton Of duty sugar and tobacco the prod
uct of the United States is to be admitted
into the Philippines free of duty. After
April IL, 1909, the bill provides absolute
free trade between the two countries.
Mr.. Payne went into some detail In ex-
planning the industries Of the Philippines.