The state herald., 1908-09-18
A FEW OF THE IMPORTANT LAWS
ENACTED BY THE GOTH CON-
GRESS, FIRST SESSION.

Financial law whereby banks in Pc
fiods of financial stringency may issue
currency to the amount of S500.00O,-
600, depositing as security therefor,
bonds, commercial paper or other as
sets, such emergency currency being so
taxed as to insure its retirement us
soon as the stringency has passed.
Public buildings bill, authorizing
many needed structures, purchase of
sites, etc, including site for Depart
ments of State and Commerce and La
Dor, adjoining Treasury and White
House grounds.
National monetary commission
created to devise sound monetary sys-
ten for the government
Two new battleships, at cost of
S6,000,000 each. exclusive OF armor
and armament; ten torpedo boat de-
stroyers, three steam colliers and
eight submarines
Consular service reorganiZed, abol-
ishing unnecessary consulships and con-
sui generalshlps, and establishing those
most needed.
Widows pensions increased from SS
TO SD month, and certain unneces-
sary restrictions abolished.
Investigation of tariff, preliminary to
revision. confined to Ways and Means
and Finance Committees.
Model child labor law for District of
Columbia.
Employers liability bill enacted to
replace that pronounced unconstitution-
al by Supreme Court.
Government liability law; providing
compensation to all Federal employees
for injuries received In line of duty.
Efficiency Of army medical corps In
creased by additional officers and crea-
lion of reserved medical corps.
Increasing army pay, officers approx
imately $500 year and enlisted men
about forty per cent increase. applying
TO both retired and active lists.
Increasing navy pay, officers and en-
listed men practically equallzed with
army. Enlisted force increased 6,O0O
men.
lied tribes removed. adding Sl50O0O,-
900 TO taxable property of Oklahoma.
Numerous additional lights. light
houses and buoys.
Granting 5000 pensions to deserving
veterans OF the Civil and Spanish wars.
Creation of commission and appro-
prlation OF sl.50O,OOO for representa-
ton OF the United States at the Toxic
Exposition.
Prohibiting dissertation and improp-
er use of the flag.
Appropriation OF $40 9,22I 900 for the
Panama Canal
Anarchlstic and scdltlous publica-
tions and intoxicants and cocaine cx-
cluded from the mails.
Secretary OF War authorized to ex.
pend S2JO.O0O for the relief OF suffer
ers from cyclone OF April. 1905. ia Gc0r-
gln. Alabama, Mississippi and Louis.
lana.
Interstate Commerce Commission
authorized TO prescribe regulations for
the transportation by common carriers
VI explosives, to promote the safety OF
passengers and employees.
Railroads engaged In Interstate com.
nerce prohibited after January |. 1910.
from using any locomotive equipped
with nn nshpan which neccssltatcs any
cmploye getting under the engine.
Sxty-two laws authorizing construc.
ton Of bridges over nnvlgnblc streams.
Five laws authorizing construction OF
dams In navIgnble streams.
Nine laws affecting Federal courts.
judicial districts, etc.
Seven laws affecting customs. grant.
Ing increased privileges TO certain
ports. etc.
Twenty-Five laws affecting public
iHnds. making special grants, etc.
Seven laws for the District Of Colum.
bln Including prohibition OF all betting
within the District, and providing for
free examination OF sputum IN suspect.
ci eases OF tuberculosis.
Investigation OF wood pulp industry:
House committee reported no warrant
for altering tariff Mt this time and no
conclusive evidence OF trust. but SUI.
ncicnt ground for further Investigation.
One hundred and nfty.two public
laws were enacted.
There were $500 invalid pension acts
and about 700 private pension acts.
Bills introduced In House over 49,.
coo: In Senate. over T.oo0