The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1913-03-03

adjournment OF congress Tuesda.
noon, the end will he written to two
years OF epoch-making struggle within
party ranks: and to three sessions "
effort. only partially successful, to ad'
Just the differences between Il demo
cratic house. a senate under demo
cra,ic-progrcssive control, and u re
publican president.
Many important pieces of legislation
nave been enacted within that time;
Investigations of Il peculiar significance
to HE public have been conducted;
and many subjects of general interest
have been laid aside without action
The tariff, attacked alike from demo.
cratic and republican sources, twice
during that period. has been the sub.
Ject OF attempted revision, but none OF
the proposed changes became effective
The siNty-s.cond congress opened In
l@l1 with II special session called by
President Taft to consider Canadian
reciprocity: it ends with an extra SEES.
sion of the 6$rd congress only IL few
weeks away. to be called by President
Wilson for a general revision of tho
Payne-Aldrich tariff law. National
conventions. the birth of Il new party,
a general election. n a complete
change of administration have inter-
nv pSSMSSIl us OSSlIlillIS ana IS
end. Activities of the short session
now closing have bcen limited almos.
entirely to routine work. because of
the determination TO leave to the new
administration all of the important
subjects of Il general character.
Perhaps the most important devel-
/; opments of the entire congress are the
following:
New federal hureal OF labor created
With cabinet officer at it's head.
Physical valuation of the property
of railroads and other common car
riers ordered TO form basis for rate
making.
Canadian reciprocity law passed, but
rejected by Canada.
Wool. cotton, metal and free list
tariff bills passed, but vetoed by Presi-
dent Taft.
Constitutional amendment for popu-
lar election of senators submitted to
the states.
Shipment Of liquor into prohibition
states forbidden by law.
Arbitration treaties with Great Brit
ain and France negotiated. but failed
of ratification because of changes
made by the senate
Termination of the treaty of 1882
With Russia demanded by congress.
Notice served on the world by the
senate. that the United States will not
permit foreign nations to securemili-
tary or naval footholds where they
might threaten safety Of this country.
Children's bureau created in depart
ment Of commerce and labor.
Panama canal law passed. establish
ing free passage for American coast
wise ships, and barring railroad-own-
ed vessels from the canal.
Campaign publicity laws passed. re-
curing a complete public accounting
OF all campaign funds.
William Lorimer declared not en-
titled to seat as senator from Illinois.
Judge Robert w. Archibald Of COM
merce court impeached and convicted
on charges of judicial misconduct.
Money trust investigation conducted,
disclosing detailed methods of pres
ent-day financial operation.
Campaign expenditures investigated
covering campaign funds Of 1904, 1905
and 1919; and disclosing correspond
ence between John D. Archbold of the
Standard Oil company and members
OF congress.
Investigation made of formation and
operation Of the United States Steel
corporation.
l. HASoO SO1ApiiSc DuL d Lew or the
laws passed, Investigations conducted,
treaties passed on. and legislative sub.
1ects considered during the two years
OF the 62nd congress. The two great
personal struggles, involving William
Lorimer and Judge Archibald, ran
throughout the congress-: and with
their interesting personal phases help
ed to r attention from the actual
legislative work of the two years.
While congress passed an eight
hour law covering all government
contracts except on the Panama canal.
1t took no action on three important
subjects; anti-injunction. workmen's
compensation. and antitrust legisla-
ton. Recommendations We're made
by a senate committee within the last
week. Tor radical changes in the anti
u law. to restore competitive con-
ditions and prevent MONOPOLY: and
they may bear fruit in legislation un-
DER the new administration.
The final session, now ending. has
witnessed a struggle in the senate be-
TWEEN republicans and democrats. that
prevented the confirmation Of the
greater part Of President Taft's APP
pointmcnts. With more than 1000
appointments before the senate. demo.
Gratis declined to permit action on the
great majority. and the result will be
that President Wilson will fill the
places after he comes into Office.
This factional struggle, coupled
with the internal democratic contest
Tor the organization and control Of
senate and house under the new adj
mintstration. injected the political
equation into the last sessions work
to an unusual degree. Several bills
that might nave become law in the
Closing days Of this session have been
held back because democratic leaders
preferred to have the subjects carried
over until a democratic president, SEN
ate and house can have an opportunity
grams.
Important actions in the short .s.-
sion Just closing include:
"Literacy test" immigration bill
passed: but vetoed by President Taft.
Single six-year presidential term
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