The Sisseton weekly standard. (Sisseton, Roberts County, S.D.) 1892-1929, 1912-02-02
AFFAIRS AT
WASHINGTON
Matters Concerning the Law
Makers and Events of Import
ance at the National Capital.
Gu. S. Press Association)

W. -. FfeSS ASSOclatlOn)
Washington, D. G. February l.
Representative Pickett, of Iowa
has introduced a measure that,
in its operation, is likely to prove
of great value to the different
commercial orgaui1,*'". ii IN.
country, in as much as it provid-
es that the secretary of the de
partment of Commerce and Labor
shall issue annually a directory
to be called the "National Di-
rectory of Commercial Organiza
tons of the United States'', and
which shall include chambers of
commerce, boards Of trade, Manu-
facturers organizations, and com
mercial bodies with like or sim
liar objects. The entire book
includes the collection of the
necessary data as to be done by
the department. 1t is anticipat-
ed that in as much as no such di-
rectory has been issued, that it's
use in the Consular Depan' ment.
and in placing the different or
ganizatios 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 th'
country
Sometime ago it was propos-
ed that in view of the fact that
roll call in the House of Rop-
representatives, requires practical
iy one half hour, that an electric
system whereby the members
could immediately register their
votes in such a way that they
could be announced within one
or two minutes, would be fine
acquisitions in the house of rep
resenta+ives, and in keeping with
the spirit of the times Tt, how
ever, was discovered thai the con
stitution of the United STATES pro
hibited any such mechanical con-
trivance as roll calls and individ-
ent document regulating all legis-
ual voting is provided in the par
lation. However, Mr.. Copley,
off Illinois, who builds traction
lines and other Hhings of that
kind, where electricity is good
for all purposes, has introduced
resolution providing for a com
mittee no investigate and report
upon can electrical voting device
in the house of representatives
for i4;he purpose of recording the
aye and nay votes of the
members
The helterslzelter way in which
legislative reference bureau in the
lected by congressman has caused
Representative Nelson, of Wiscon
sin. to reintroduce his bill for a
legislative reference bureau in tn
library of congress. In the state
aid to the members of the lcgis
capital of Wisconsin thit great
lature in their work was installed
| many years ago and has proven a
wonderful aid to members. Tt is
understood that Mr.. Mann, Of Ill'
nois, and other leading members
of congress are favorable impress
sed with the plan outlined in the
bill. and if appropriation can b."
secured this important lcgisla
ton will likely be passed
How the democratic tariff re
formers squeal when their own
toes are stepped upon, was Illus
trated in theformaticn Of the bill
for the revision Of r'hc steel and
iron schedule. When this matte:
came up in the democratic hor~c
caucus the proposition to nal
general reduction of from
thirty to fifty ner cent IN f.
Payne-Aldrich bill, suited tn
Colorado congressman except i
so far as the duties on lead and
zinc were concerned. and tlovrr'
up bio fight 20 have the rates
increased on these items. stating
frankly that although they w",'
favorable to democratic tarir,,
measures, they were pledged +
their constituents for higher ter
iff than that proposed on ot!'
items
Mr.. Fordney. of Michigan. who