The Wisconsin tobacco reporter. (Edgerton, Wis.) 1877-1950, 1912-12-06
CONGRESS MEETS AT
NATIONAL CAPITAL
Assembling of Body Is Scene
of Joy and Sorrow.
Present Chiefs to Go to Scrap Heap
New Leaders VIII Take Reins
and Begin on Program of
Much Work.

AT Washington Monday, with usu-
al procedure in the house, but with
substitute for the late Vice President
James S. Sherman welding the gavel
in the senate. the sixty-second con-
gress met at noon.
1t was a scene in which exultation
and pathos strangely intermingled.
There was a smile of triumph on the
faces of the Democrats, brave effort
to conceal the sting of defeat on the
part of the Republicans.
Prominent Figures in Contrast.
On the one hand, Clark and Under
wood in the house and Martin, Clarke
and Lea in the senate, are preparing
for a record of Democratic govern
ment to assure the continuance of
their party in power. On the other
hand are such figures as Cullom in
the senate and Cannon il the house,
who have spent a lifetime in the pub
lie service and who have been rele-
gated to final retirement by their con
stituents.
''The old order passeth, giving
been reelected await the future with
confident nope, foreseeing opportuni-
ties for advancement up the ladder
of congressional fame. The NOM
bers cast upon the political scrap
heap recall past glOries, prepare to re-
turn to the practice of their profess
sions or to work on the farm, and in
a few instances search for soft fedeT-
al jobs.
Little of Importance was done in
either house. Both houses adj
journed almost Immediately after be-
ing called to order out of respect for
memory of notable men who have
died since the last adjournment.
President Taft's first message,
dealing with foreign relations, will go
to congress Tuesday. His second
message, dealing with general sub
jects, will be submitted Friday, ac-
cording to present information.
Bitter Pill for Republicans.
It will be a session of elimination
and recrimination on the part of the
Republicans and the Progressives. 1t
will be a session marked by a de-
termined effort on the part of the
Democrats to establish harmony in
their ranks and present a united front
in connection with the important leg
islative matters to be considered dur
ing the sixty-third congress. There
will be an airing of political dirty
linen" by the Republicans and Pro
gressives and a satisfied silence dis
played by the Democrats.
Legislation? That will be of Sec
ondary Importance under the peculiar
conditions which exist. The Demo
Gratis, feeling they have been intrust-
ed with power, will insist that moth
ing be done until the new administra-
ton assumes control of the govern
ment. They will want the credit of
the national reforms the country is
demanding. The Republicans, smart
ing under the reputation they have
suffered, will be disposed to transfer
all responsibility to the shoulders of
the Democrats.
Program for New Legislation.
The constructive legislation to re-
ceive immediate attention will in
clude:
The Works amendment to the con-
stitution providing for a single six
year presidential term.
The Borah bill creating depart
ment of labor.
The Sheppard-Kenyon bill prohibit
ing the shipment of liquor into pro-
hibition states.
The Burton bill regulating water
power.
The bill reforming conditions of
employment of seamen.
The bill limiting contributions in
presidential campaigns.
The bill for the care of ex-presi-
dents of the United States.