Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-02-17
Possible Mexican Inter
vention the Leading Topic.
Both Houses Ready for Action
Il Issue Is Presented.
Little Legislation Is Expected In
Remainder Of Session.

tOI II 90. lb.-W1In the Sfldu-
ow Of possible Mexican Intervention
lowering over Congress, general legis
lative activity in both houses has come
practically to a standstill. No immedl-
ate need to take up the question of
warlike moves against Mexico is antic-
ipated, but both houses of Congress
are prepared to receive the issue should
it be thrust upon them in the remain
ing days of the Taft administration or
after the new Congress comes into be-
ing, March L.
II has been determined that there
will he no more general legislation Of
an important nature before adjourn
ment. One more problem was handed
over to the new administration. last
week, when the House judiciary COM
mittee decided to take no action on the
single six-year Presidential term reso-
luton. The majority of other debated
questions also have been lifted out Of
this Congress by the events of last
week and the remaining time will be
devoted to appropriation bills and mi
nor legislation.
An attempt in both houses to re-
pass the 'literacy test" immigration
bill over President Tafts veto will
mark the opening of the week and the
friends of the measure in the Senate
and House express confidence that it
will receive two-thirds majority and
become a law, Notwithstanding the
Presidents disapproval.
Serate Republicans who mapped ont
legislative program at caucus. Sat
urday. have little hope that any of the
bills recommended for passage will ga
through at this session, the railroad
physical valuation bill being the only
one endorsed by the caucus which is
believed To have the slightest chance.
The House is expected to take no cog
nizance of the program laid out by the
Republicans of the Senate. the latter
having determined to concentrate their
efforts upon the physical valuation bill,
a tariff commission bill, not yet prepared,
the La Toilette legislative reference bu-
reau bill the la Toilette s-hour bill for
women workers in the District Of Column
bia. and the Crawford anti-injunction bill.
Mexican affairs have figured much in
the undercurrent of congressional talk
during the week, but the members who
kept in closest touch with the foreign af-
fairs of the United States have declined
to be drawn into any advocacy of Amer
lean intervention.
The large majority in both houses are
opposed to any aggressive action by the
United States under present conditions
that would involve this country in a
struggle that could not end until peace
had been established in Mexico.
This subject is expected to be one of the
heritages of President Wilson's admins
tration and Democratic leaders are pre-
pairing to meet any development.
Attacks from within the Democratic
ranks on the ground that economy
pledges have OF been kept by the Dem
ocratic House have added to the burden
of the Democratic managers.
The end of the session crush was not
the controlling factor In preventing ac-
ton on the single Presidential term res
olution in the House President-elect
Wilson is understood to have some def
mite views on the subject of this propos
ed amendment to the federal constitution
and Democratic leaders therefore deter
mined not to act on it in the closing days
of the Republican Congress. A counter
move by the Senate Democrats in the
fight over President Taft's nominations
| is expected during the week. Democratic
senators have decided to demand direct
action upon the army, navy, diplomatic.
| marine corps, public health service and
revenue cutter service appointments. AS
a compromise offer to the Republicans
they probably will suggest that select
ed number OF postmasters civil employees
and consular appointees also be con-
firmed.
Thus far. the Republican senators have
onsistently opposed such course and
have demanded that all the Taft APP
pointment be taken up in regular order.
The Democratic move now planned is
based on the belief that the Republicans
will accept the compromise rather than
see all Taft appointments fail
As part of the plan to let no further
general business interfere with apprepria-
ton bills. House leaders have determine
ed that no action will be taken on the
question of federal control of water pow
er. If the Senate passes the Connecticut
river bill. tomorrow, the measure will
be sent to a House committee and allow
ed to stay there.
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