Ripley County democrat., 1911-08-25
Letter From Hon. ]. j. Russell.
Washington. D. c., August 81.


The first session OF the sixty-second
Congress is about ready TO and will ad-
journ before this letter reaches you, and
thinking that it might be of interest to
some of your readers l give brief re-
view Of its work.
Many times recently We have heard 1t
said about the capital Dy men of promi-
nepce and great experience in public
affairs that the House has at this session
passed more important remedial legisla-
tion in the interest Of the people than at
any session OF the American Congress
for scores OF years.
This extra session was called by Pres
ident Taft for the special purpose Of
considering and passing the Canadian
reciprocity agreement, and he suggested
and advised that no other legislation be
considered, but the Democrats, who had
a majority of sixty in tho House, and
who had been elected upon platforms
promising certain reforms. were not
willing TO follow the advice OF a "stand.
patr Republican president, and refused
to conhne their Legislative program
within the limitations he prescribed,
and this feeling was shared by large
number Of Republicans in both the
House and Senate. They proceeded to
consider and to pass the bills advocated
in the Democratic party platforms and
demanded by the people.
Following that determination the
record made by this Democratic House
Tor promptly, orderly and effectively
accomplishing results has never been
surpassed nor equaled by any House Of
any preceding Congress in the history
Of the government,
Twill give briefly detailed account
Of the record made upon important mat
ters, as follows:
April 4-The House was organized by
the election Of Champ Clark as Speaker,
and other officers.
April 5-Adoptcd new rules, taking
away from the Speaker the power that
heretofore enabled him to dominate leg
islation--a power which to the credit OF
Champ Clark he neither sought or de-
sired.
Following the election Of officers, and
In conformity with tho Democratic policy
Of economy, the house dispensed with
the services OF about one hundred un-
necessary clerks, which it is estimated
viii save the taxpayers Of the country
more than $4,000 per year,
April i3-Passed joint resolution
providing for the election OF United
States Senators by a direct vote Of the
people.
This resolution passed the House by a
vote Of 2g8 to i6, but was afterwards SO
amended in the Senate as to give federal
control over the elections Of Senators in
the states, thereby making 1t offensive
to a number Of Democratic Senators,
especially from Southern states, who
have not yet forgotten the unpleasant
experiences in the days Of reoonstruc-
ton. The resolution in that form is
now pending before the conference COM
mittee, and action upon II viii be de.
layed until the regular session next win.
ter and the final result upon 1t Is very
uncertain.
April ia-Passed a bill requiring the
publicity OF campaign contributions be-
fore elections. II was passed In the
House by vote Of 307 for 1t, with not
single vote cast against IL.
This bill also passed the Senate by
unanimous vote, and is now a law. It's
purpose is to try to prevent corruption
in political campaigns and TO insure
honest elections.
April 22--Passed the Canadian reci-
procity bill, which originated with and
was indorscd and strongly urged by
President Taft. II passed the House by
. vote Of 267 TO 50, and vas supported
by every member OF the House from
Missouri, both Democrats and Repub-
licans.
This bill promptly passed the Senate
and was signed BY the President, but II
win not take effect unless and until the
Dominion Of Canada shall pass similar
Law accepting the terms Of the Canadian
reciprocity agreement.
April 27-Passed : re-apportioament
bill providing for the increase oil the
number of Congressman from 3ei to 433, |
which will give to Missouri sixteen, the |
same number she now has. This bill |
passed the Senate and IL is now law.
May S-Passed the farmers "fres -list
bill. !" BY vote Of go 20 100.
This BIN proposed 70 put upon the
frcs-list more shan : hundred articles
u necessity 70 ne tanners Of tie couu-
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