The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1906-06-07
Plenty of Work for
CONGRESS TO Do.

Although many important matters
have been brought up during the pres
ent session Of congress, but little has
been accomplished and nearly all of
the measures of national importance
are stil hanging fire, held up by either
the senate or house on various pre-
texts. In this connection the follow
ing, relative to measures now before
congress, from The Birmingham Age
Herald, will prove Of interest;
Congress may adjourn for the ses-
sion leaving a good record of work
done, but thus far the free alcohol bill
is the only great measure that has
been perfected. The isthmian canal
business is only fairly started in the
senate, and no vote has been taken in
either house defining the nature of the
canal And yet it is important that the
government should know whether it is
10 build a lock canal or one at sea
level
Railroad rate regulation is another
great measure, and IL is before both
houses on a report from a conference
committee. The present week may de-
termine the terms of this epOchal bill
1t is beyond all doubt the chief work
of the session, OUtranking even the
canal discussion, and yet il may prove
disappointing 10 the people, for all rate
questions are after all to be settled in
the courts.
Another important measure relates
TO new states. The conference report
is in favor of the admission of the
Indian Territory and Oklahoma as one
state, and the submission to the-voters
OF New Mexico and Arizona of the
question Of statehood. Either Arizona
or New Mexico can at the polls defeat
joint state movement Senator For
aker desires TO drop New Mexico and
Arizona from the bill altogether, and
F. the question win have to be fought
out on the floor of each house before
the statehood bill can be passed.
The beef inspection bill, as il stands
is an amendment Of the agricultural
appropriation bill Il is known as the
Beverage amendment. 1t went through
the senate readily. and the senate is
the stronghold of Privilege, and it
seems strange that matter which re-
be tied up in the house. 1t is an ex-
tremely important matter and con-
gress dare not adjourn until il perfects
a method Of inspecting meats and pro-
visions in the packing houses Of the
country.
Another important measure is the
Knox immunity bill. It has been passed
by the senate. The bin aims 10 undo
the decision of Judge Humphreys in
che Chicago beef cases. Humphreys
held that the beef trust magnates could
not be prosecuted criminally because
they had furnished information to
Commissioner Garfield. The Knox
Dill cuts out information voluntarily
given. and confines immunity from
prosecution to natural person only
who, in obedience to a subpoena, gives
testimony under oath or produces evil
dence, documentary or otherwise, I'M
der oath No cOrpN<2tion can claim
Immunity, and corporation NAV be
compelled 70 testify against itself. II
VIII thus be seen that the Knox bill is
one OF the sessions important meas
ures.
These are the four big bills pending
the isthmian canal, statehood. rate
regulation and the immunity bill-but
there are also pending the Philippine
tariff bill, the immigration bill and the
quarantine bill The free alcohol bin
alone has gone to the president An
the Others are to be acted on.
besides the regular appropriation bills.
An adjournment before July seems i'm
probable.