Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1911-03-01
LONGER SHORT SESSION
Proposition Considered Of Extending
Congress to Latter Part Of April -
Would Prevent Congestion Of Bills.

Would Prevent Congestion Of Bills.
Washington, March 1.-The strong
est argument thus far made in behalf
OF amending the federal constitution
congress and at the same time carry
forward into the latter part of April
the time for inaugurating American
presidents, appears in the present con-
gested state Of business in both houses
and the fact that the Canadian reel.
procity agreement. together with sew
eral other measures of the highest irr-
portance and interest, probably will
fail because of ina ability to get them
considered to a fnality prior to March
4. when the sixty first congress will
come to an erd.
If the short sessions were carried
forward a couple of months. and the
inauguration with them, into the height
of the beautiful spring season of the
national capital, there would be ample
time in which to consider such bills
IS those relating to reciprocity and the
tariff board. Under the existing con-
ditions. 1t is perfectly easy to flibuster
in the short sessions. and bring about
the defeat OF any measure which is
Objectionable to a small number of
senators.
The plan of the progressive repub-
lican senator to defeat reciprocity by
offering numerous amendments TO the
Mccall bill, ard then insisting upon
debating these amendments up to the
time of adjournment. could not be
adopted at a short session lasting until
the end Of April.
Marrow Grounds For Opposition.
In many instances opposition to this
proposed amendment to the constitu-
ton. which has been pending during
the whole of the present congress. has
heen based upon fancful or narrow
grounds In numerous cases. for In
stance, there has been opposition be-
cause it was supposed that the hotel
and restaurant keepers of this city
were about the only persons TO be ben
Gifted by fixing date for inaugura-
lions when the weather is settled and
pleasant 1t is seen, from the present
stae of affairs in congress that the real
arguments in favor of this legislation
are based upon the highest considera-
tons of public policy
The business Of the country was so
small in the early days, and. indeed,
up 10 the time OF the Spanish war.
that the short session did not inter-
fere with the consideration OF any
measure OF real importance. But the
Spanish war made the United States
world power: meanwhile the popula-
ton had been steadily increasing until
at the present time the short session OF
each congress IS not long enough for
the proper consideration OF the great
supply bills which defray the neces-
sary cost OF conducting the govern
ment Many Of these bills. at each short
session. are passed in the house after
a debate lasting less than an hour.
Only few days ago the house. be-
cause Of the congested state OF affairs.
adopted a rule providing that these
bills should be put TO vote on final
passage, during tho remainder OF the
present session. after general debate
% only forty minutes. Some OF these
bills carry appropriations OF more than
a hundred million dollars.
Defeat BY Filibuster Easy.
The moment any outside question OF
general interest and Importance, such
as Canadian reciprocity. comes up in
short session. there is always abun-
dant opportunity for its opponents to
defeat 1t by the fnbuster Such tao
tics are never successful in the long
sessions OF congress, and they would
not be in in the short sessions If the
latter could be extended to the last Of
| April.
The proposition back Of this pro-
posed constitutional amendment It is
thus seen, is much more important than
| the question OF having the Inaugural
lions at time Of the year when the
great crowds Of visitors at the capital
may enjoy them without personal dis
| comfort This endment adopted the