The Parma herald. (Parma, Idaho) 1903-1917, 1911-03-02
D0|hGs OF OUR NATIONAL LAWMAKERS

of disclosures by the United Pres
that the state department had give
Argentina the plans of the navy de
apartment to be used in constructin,
its dreadnAughts, In exchange for tn
contracts for those vessels given tw,
American builders, Senator La Fol
lette today introduced in the senate
resolution demanding full information
about the deal.
The resolution directs the secretary
lof the navy to report to the senst,
what plans concerning battIeships OF
armament have been loaned or trans
mitted to Argentina or any Of the ship
builders representatives, whether the
navy officials have aided the American
builders to get Argentina contracts
and by whose authority such work was
undertaken.
Another resolution directs the Dec-
rotary Of state to transmit to the SEN
ate any communications, written OF
verbal, with Argentina pertaining to
the construction of the battleships for
which contracts were given to the
Fore River Shipbuilding company and
the Bethlehem Steel company.
Carrying provision which pre-
vents the purchase of armor or arma-
ment of any sort from the steel trust,
the naval appropriation bill today
passed the house.
Despite opposition by the naval
affairs committee of the house, the
bill included sweeping provisions in
favor of union labor and the eight
hour day in the construction of the
two battleships provided for.
The ANTITRUST amendment was
adopted by blanket vote. Brought
in by Representative Stanley of Ken
lucky, it provides that no armor
plate, structural steel or machinery
may be bought from any corporations
entering any agreement, conspiracy or
understanding to deprive the govern
ment of fair competition by bids.
Another provision prevents the gov
eminent paying for armor more than
double the cost Of its manufacture.
Washington, Feb. 21-Fearful of
business disturbance If an extra ses-
sion of congress is called, agents of
the money kings are bringing the
greatest possible pressure to bear on
President Taft to induce him to fore
go his declared purpose, no matter
what the action Of congress on recip-
rocity and his other pet projects.
Let us have rest, is the plant
to the president. 1--WE don't want an
extra session. 1t will keep business
in turmoil, because the Democrats
are apt to start anything when they
take hold of the reins of government.
We want tariff rest until December,
No indication as yet has been given
as to how President Taft regards the
plea of "big business, but it is
Known that every resource of the in
'erests is being brought into play to
induce him to allow the Legislators to
20 quietly home, even if his recipro-
'ity program is not endorsed.
Following conference this after
loon with President Taft, Senator
Carter, of Montana, announced that
he Canadian reciprocity agreement
would be ratified before the senate adj
burned. AS Idaho is lined up solidly
gainst the measure, Senator Hepburn
5 expected to lead the opposition
ghen the bill is brought up in the SEN
tie for final action.
Representative Gaines, of West
Virginia, today endeavored to force
he ways and means committee to
consider a reciprocity measure which
provides for absolute free trade be-
'ween Canada and the United States
or period of 20 years. The bill re-
luires both countries to adopt the
'ame customs duties upon products of
'ther countries. The committee ad-
ourned, leaving the measure pending.
Washington. Feb. 20. - Adopting
he gag rule suspending debate, by
vote of l73 to AZ, the house today put
an end to the filibuster that has tied
ip business since Friday and provided
for expcditing business until the end
Of the session. When the house met
il was technically February II.
1t will now require a two-thirds
vote to pass the pending measures.
and this gives the balance of power
to the Democrats. Only under that
would they compromise.
Under the compromise plan it is pos
sible by two-thirds vote to suspend
the rules at any time and with only 40
minutes debate pass any bill.
As result of the rule adopted, the
Democrats are able to absolutely kill
any bill. 1t will be impossible to
amend the appropriation bills on the
floor. but the Democrats can force
amendments by refusing to
permit consideration.
By two-thirds vote the house con-
s'dered the war claims bill and passed
It. The District of Columbia bill
then was sent back to conference.
The house sent back to conference
the Indian appropriation bill because
L carried senate amendment appro-
priating $500. 900 for the Colville
Indians. in the state Of Washington.
FOR lands seized by the government.
# which 800. 900 was for Ex-senator
Martin Butler, of North Carolina, as