Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1908-05-28

Legislatures because It was amended
to At peculiar conditions in the dis
trict
The construction OF four battleships
was urged An appropriation was
made for tho construction OF two.
though the policy of authorizing two
each year was regarded as a conces-
sion to the Presidents big naval pro-
gram.
A tariff commission, with a view to
the revision, at the next session. was
advocated strongly. The Senate AT
thorized its committee on finance, and
the House authorized It's committee on
ways and means to conduct individual
Investigations during the summer re-
cess.
ed to place greater power in the hands
OF the Interstate Commerce commits
sion. Among these was a proposal
that tho commission ascertain the ply
steal valuation of railroads; that the
commission be given the power to sus-
pend increases in railroad rates pend
ing an investigation OF their Justice
and that railroads he allowed to make
pooling agreements. None of these
bills passed. but an appropriation of
$3.50 900 was made for the establish
ment OF a statistical and accounting
department for the commission.
An effort still is in progress in the
Senate 10 suspend the operation OF the
commodities clause of the Hepburn
rate act until January I. 1910.
General revision OF the Sherman law
in the interest Of both capital and
labor was demanded. and a bill look
ing In this direction was presented by
the National Civic Federation. After
a number OF hearings before the judi
ciary committees OF the House and
Senate. It became evident that 1t stood
no chance OF passage movement
to consider such legislation during the
recess of Congress met with no en-
couragement.
An effort was made in both Houses
to secure an appropriation for the
creation Of the Southern Appalachian
and White Mountains forest reserves.
but II did not succeed. AS an alterna-
tive, a commission to investigate was
authorized.
The creation Of a waterways fund"
by making an appropriation OF $50
100000, was rejected because OF the
stitute. a bill was prepared to con
tinue" the inland waterway commits
sion, which was amended to author
izc" the commission. It being contend
ed that President Roosevelt had no
authority to appoint the commission
in the FIRST place. This bill passed.
Substantial increase in the pay Of
officers and enlisted men OF the army,
navy, marine corps. revenue cutter
service and life saving service was
provided for.
Bills regulating the shipment of
liquor to prohibition states were con-
sidered without result Bills to es-
satblish postal savings banks met the
Same fate.
The Rainey River dam project in
Minnesota which was passed by Con-
gress and vetoed by the President, was
passed over the veto.
The ocean mail subvention bill was
passed as an amendment TO the post
Office appropriation bill, 1t was re-
jected by tho House. and now Is in
conference. with little chance Of sue
cess. In the postoYice bill, also, Is Z
provision authorizing the postmaster
general TO suppress periodicals which
publish articles melting anarchy. ar
son or murder. Among other bills
which became laws are:
Prohibiting betting on the races ir
the District Of Columbia.
| Requiring the registration of al
cases Of tuberculosis in the Distric
of Columbia
| Increasing from IS to sl2 a month
the pensions 10 widows or orphans O
soldiers. During the session S,79
private pension bills became laws.
In the Senate the movement for tn
reinstatement Of the negro soldiers 70
the Brownsville affair went over unit
next session. An investigation wa
made OF charges OF structural defect
in battleships by the committee oil
naval affairs and treaties negotiate,
at The Hague conference and genera
arbitration treaties with PRACTICAL.
all nations were ratified.
The treaty providing for the contro
OF wireless telegraphy went over unit
next session, as did the question O
taking some action against Presidcn
Castro.
In the House extended hearing
were held on resolutions providin,
for the abolition OF the tarir on WOO
pulp and print paper, but they hay
failed OF action. An investigated
was conducted into charges by Rep
resentativs Iilley concerning sub