The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1907-03-15

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last hours of the session.
A new and thorough immigra-
ton bill though possibly not SO
severe as the president desired.
Permission was given to co
operate with other powers for the
prevention of atrocities in the
Congo Free State, the president
meantime having grown weary of
waiting and acted without con-
gressional authority.
The ratification of the San
Domingo treaty.
A law preventing the contribu-
lions of corporations was passed.
No more open contributions to
any campaign by any trust or
corporation.
A bill granting the govern
ment the right of appeal on
points of law in criminal cases
was passed, but amended all out
of recognition. However, it will
answer INC Pun pOoC'
A law was enacted limiting the
hours of labor of all railroad en-
plOyees. 1t was finally passed
with many amendments, but will
be effective.
Two frst-class battleships were
authorized.
A considerable increase was
made in the number of enlisted
men for coast defense purposes.
Some additional money was
allowed for practice marches
and target practice.
The president was practically
exonerated in his action in dis
charging the colored soldiers.
The Algeciras treaty was rati-
fed.
Exclusion of japanese was
provided for.
Besides the above, the initia-
tive of the president, Congress
did little business on it's own
account.
1t appropriated one billion dol
lars for governmental expenses
the coming year.
1t provided for an investiga-
ton of child and woman labor.
In loaned a million dollars to
the jamestown Exposition, and
literally for the
Alaskan Exposition at Seattle.
1t passed a general service pen
sion law.
1t finally kicked out the de
tractors and calumniators of Sen
ltOr SmoOt.
1t raised the salaries of post
office clerks and carriers, ambas-
sailors, ministers and cOnsule,
md, finally, it's own fifty per cent.
More bills were introduced
Turing both sessions of the 59th
ongress than during any con
,ress since the foundation of the
In the senate 5000
ills were introduced, and $4,000
n the House. Reports were made
lggregating 1900. During the
irst session 416 public laws were
passed, and during the session
lust closed 81. During the en-
tire congress $500 private bills
we're passed.
A resolution was adopted to
investigate the charge that GER
tain express companies were buy
ing and selling goods transported
bv them and doing a general con-
signment and commission busl-
ness. This is prohibited by the
rate law, but the companies are
said to have discovered a loop
hole in the law. The usual num-
Der of other resolutions OF lnves-
tigation in various directions
we're also ordered, and sub-com-
mittees were authorized to sit at
such times and in such places
during the coming summer as
pleases them. This will afford a
fine opportunity for travel at the
expense of Uncle Sam.
During the last hours of the
session the democrats of the SEN
ate killed the ship subsidy bill by
preventing any action on the ac-
reptance of the conference re-
port. The House had mutilated
it so frightfully that it came back
70 the senate in an almost unrec-
Donizable condition, and, though
it's authors submit
ted to the inevitable with good
grace.
Both houses were in cOntinu-
Dus session from Saturday morn
inc to Monday noon. Senator
Bailey dropped in Sunday, all the
wav from Texas and 'vindica-
tom but was not overwhelmed
with ELUSIVE greetings. WIDE
spread regret was manifested at
the entirely unexpected resigna-
ton of Senator Spooner OF WIS
,onsin. for years one of the giants
Of the senate, who May First, goes
TO New York to practice law,
No man will be more severely
missed in the senate, where he
has long been one of the few adj
mitted leaders.
Finally, friends, thanking you
for your patience and forbear-
ance, l must say-GOOd Bye.
j. E. HARRIS.