The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1910-12-06
Document of Unusual Length
Sent to Both Branches of
Congress
NOT MUCH CONFIDENCE
IN CARRYING OUT PLANS
Not Much Attention Paid to Reading
After the First Few Sentences But
Members Studied the Printed Copies
etr nv Closely.

Washington, Dec. 6-Congress gave
respectful attention to President Taft's
message today but there were COM
paratively few members who were
willing to concede the probability of
favorable action at the present ses-
sion on the many recommendations
contained therein. The general opin-
ion was that time would not permit of
action. in view of the fact that the
session will close March 4.
The message was delivered to both
houses by Secretary Latta soon aft
er they convened at noon. The Sec
retary made his first appearance in
the senate, arriving Immediately aft
er the announcement of the presi-
dents intention to communicate his
views In writing. This announcement
was made by Senator Cullom on be-
half Of himself and Senator Money,
who constitutes the senatorial COM
mfttee to inform the president that
the senate was prepared to receive
any recommendations from him. AL
most Immediately afterward Secretary
Latta delivered the message to the
house.
The reading Of the document, which
was Of unusual length. was begun at
1913 p. m., in the senate. At first
most of the senators listened atten-
lively to the reading but gradually
this attention ceased on the part Of
most Of them and those who remained
in the chamber devoted themselves
to the printed copies before them In
the house close attention ,at first was
paid to the reading clerk. The in
terest soon Jagged, however, and
those who remained in thsfr seats Gid
so to study the printed copies, that
had been placed on every desk.
(The message in full is found on
pages 10 to IA inclusive of this issue
of the Times.)
Fewer Bills.
Fewer bills and resolutions were
introduced in the house yesterday
than is usual on the opening day of
congress. There were thirty-six pub
lie bills and resolutions.
AS an outcrop of the house commit
tee investigation of Indian contracts,
Mr.. Burk of South Dakota, chairman
of that committee, introduced q meas
ure requiring the approval of congress
in. order to establish validity of future
contracts or agreements made by per-
sons with Indians or Indian tribes
concerning litigation predicted on any
claim against the United States in
volving land title and possession and
the right to annuities.
Other measures introduced were:
Mr.. Loud of Michigan, appro-
priating $135,000 for completing and
furnishing the crypt of the Annapolis
naval academy chapel as a permanent
resting place for John Paul Jones; by
Mr.. Bartholdt Of Missouri, appropriat-
Ing $4,000 as the United States share
of the maintenance of the inter-par-
liamentary union bureau for the pro-
motion of international arbitration at
Brussels; and by Mr.. Sheppard of
Texas, requiring heads of departments
to submit their reports more prompt
ly for the information of congress.
Considerable discussion occurred
among members of the house over the
possible outcome of the controversy
concerning the manner of selecting
committees in the next congress. Dem
ocrattc leaders, however, sought to
minimize any controversial develop
ments and pointed out that in the near
future Champ Clark, the probable next
speaker, would bring about a confer
ence between Democrats representing
all sides of the question as to cleo
tion or appointment of committees.
Immediately after the convening of
the senate today the oath of Office
was administered by the vice presi-
dent to Claude A. Swanson, successor
Of John w. Daniel. as senator from
Virginia. Joseph NJ. Terrell. successor
of Senator Clay of Georgia, and La
fayette Young, successor to Senator
Dolliver of Iowa. The credentials of
the three new senators were present.
ed by their respective colleagues by
whom they were escorted to the chair.