The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1912-02-01
NEWSY NOTES
FROM CAPITAL
MATTERS CONCERNING THE LAW
MAKERS AND EVENTS OF
IMPORTANCE
A DIRECTORY OF COMMERCIAL CLUBS
Throughout the United States Is Aim
of a Bill Introduced in Congress
by Pickett of Iowa


Representative Pickett, of Iowa, has
introduced a measure that, in it's
operation, is likely to prove of great
value to the different commercial Or
CARNATIONS of the country, in as much
as it provides, that the secretary of
the department of commerce and la
Dor shall issue annually a directory
to be called the National Directory
of Commercial Organizations of the
United States" and shall include
chambers of commerce, boards OF
trade, manufacturers organizations,
and commercial bodies with like or
similar objects. The entire book, in
Guiding the collection of the neces-
sary data, is to be done by the depart
ment. 1t is anticipated that in as
much as no such directory has been
issued, that its use in the Consular
department, and in placing thine differ
ent organizations in easy touch with
the varied interests seeking them, will
furnish a great aid to these citizens
movements, which are carried on by
the best people of different localities
throughout the country.
Sometime ago it vas proposed that
in view Of the fact that a roll call in
the house of representatives requires
practically one-half hour, that an cleo
trio system whereby the members
could Immediately register their votes
in such a way that they could be an
nounced within one or two minutes,
would be a fine acquisition in the
house of representatives, and in
keeping with the spirit Of the times.
1t, however, was discovered that the
constitution of the United States pro-
hibited any such mechanical contri-
vance, as roll calls and individual vot-
ings provided for in the parent docu-
men regulating all legislation. How
ever, Mr.. Copley, of Illinois, who
builds traction lines and other things
of that kind, where electricity is good
for all purposes, has introduced a
resolution providing for a committee
to investigate and report upon a
electrical voting device in the house
of representatives for the purpose
of recording the aye and nay votes
of the members"
The helterskelter manner in which
legislative reference matter is col
lected by congressman has caused
Representative Nelson, of Wisconsin,
to r~e-introduce his bill for a legisla-
tive reference bureau in the library
of congress. In the state capital OF
Wisconsin this great aid to the mem
bers of the legislature in their work
was installed many years ago and
has proven a wonderful aid to mem
bers. 1t is understood that Mr.. Mann,
of Illinois, and other leading mem
bers of congress are favorably i'm
pressed with the plan outlined in the
bill. and if an appropriation a be
secured, this important legislation
will likely be passed.
There are innumerable bills being
introduced providing for maintenance
and Improvement of post roads
throughout the United States, which
are principally those used in the rural
delivery system.
1t Is an error to suppose that there
are any real developments in the re-
publican political situation, unless the
formal announcement of Senator Cum
Minis candidacy might influence the
situation. The Roosevelt boom, the
declarations of Postmaster General
Hitchcock, v~indicating himself from
suspension of d%isloyality to the presi-
dent; and the invasion of New York
by Senator La F~ollette-all these
simply indicate that the campaign is
warming up. In a number OF states
the time for a settlement Of issues
is being given serious concern. A
condition exists in New York, where
it seems to have become necessary 10
turn over the party organization en-
tirely to Chairman Barnes, who Is q
re-actionary, or restore some Of the
rights to the people. The issue in
New York arises principally through
the determination OF Mr.. Barnes and
his followers to force their program,
including u~ninstructed delegates, to
the administration and its leaders do
not propose to submit.