Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1913-04-07
DEMOCRATS IN COMPLETE CON.
TRoL AND MUST ACCEPT
RESPONSIBILITY.
MANY NEW FACES SEEN
IN BOTH, HOUSE AND SENATE
New Msmbsrs Dominate House-Modi-
fioation Of Currency system, Philip
pine Independence, Panama Canal
Toll Question and othsr Problems to
Come Up at Extraordinary Session.
1.-THE Associated Press.l

1.-THE Associated Press.l
WashingtonrApfil IA complete re-
vision~of the tariff law; modification of
the nations currency system: proposals
for Philippine independence. for repeal
OF the Panama canal free-toll provision,
and for the immediate construction of
government-owned railways in Alaska,
are the chief problems confronting the
first session Of the Sixty third con-
gress, beginning at noon today.
Summoned by President Wilson for
the express purpose Of revising the tar
in. the new congress faces extreme
pressure from many quarters for early
action on the other subjects named.
Whether any Of these other than the
tariff, will be taken up during the spe-
cial session depends upon the progress
made with the tariff revision, and the
success that may ATTEND preliminary
work upon general currency reform
bill.
Democrats in Control.
For the first time in, eighteen years,
congress assemblies with both its
branches under control of the demo-
crats and with democratic president
to cooperate in shaping its policies.
and to approve its acts. The tariff law
to be passed by the special session that
opens today will be the first general
democratic revision Of the revenue laws
since the act Of Aug. 27, 1894, known
to history as the Wilson German law"
and which President Cleveland allowed
to become law without his signatures.
Scores Of familiar faces were absent
in both houses. In the house, the
complete change in the seating ar
rangements had made even old MEM
hers strangers to the scene. In place
Of the mahogany desks and swivel
chairs to which members had clung;
for many years. stiff rows of leather
upholstered benches. arranged in semi
circles, flied the house chamber. The
new bench system. somewhat similar
to that Of the British house Of COM
mons, gives no desk space at which
members can write or work while IN
the house chamber.
New Members Dominate.
New members dominate the larger
house in the new congress. The in
crease Of the membership Of the house
from 39S to 435, which became effective
March 4, brought in larger propor-
ton OF the new members than have ap-
peared in any congress of recent years;
and made more conspicuous the abb
sence of time leaders. such as
Former Speaker Cannon. John Dalzel
of Pennsylvania, Nicholas Longworth
Of Ohio. Samuel w. Mccall Of Massa-
chusetts, E. J. Hill Of Connecticut, and
william B. Mckinley Of Illinois.
The work before congress today con-
sisted chiefly Of organization business.
The senate had completed its organiza-
+,on early in March, during the special
session called to act on President Will
soma appointments. Vice President
marshal, served his early apprentice
ship as presiding officer, and the
democratic leaders took charge of the
senate. elected officers and chose COM
r,ittees at that session, and were pre-
nared for general legislative work to-
day. The organization OF the house
NO. exnected to consume all Of today's
session Of that body.
president's Message Tuesday.
president Wilson's message will be
read to both houses shortly after the
ta1inning of the session tomorrow. In
,,,s cal, sunmoning the extraordinary
session of congress, the president did
~. snecify the purpose for which it
,,..a n he convened. Members OF con-
.-osa who had talked with the execu-
tive expected that the message, pre-
,,ared Tn greet the new congress, would
,,roe action upon the tariff as the first
dutv of the democratic majorities in
the two houses; but would leave the
wav open for action on the currency
.nd other pressing matters, il it is de-
cided later to take them up.
Safe Working Majority.
nenocratic majorities in both house
"a eenate are considered strong
anouoh TO carry thru the program of
+ariff revision determined upon by re-
can& conferences, in which the presi-
ae,,+ has consulted with Representa-
t,,,a underwood and Senator Simmons,
~ tariff leaders Of the two bodies.
1,he democrats have majority of over
1ao in the house. their membership of
ass being double the combined strength
of the republicans and progressives.
~ the senate the democratic strength
&c fifty-one. and the combined republi-
can and progressive strength forty
Ave. This margin is counted on. to Sc
c,,re favorable action on the tariff un-
less sectional interests Of democratic
senators should bring about a com
hination against certain features Of
.he bill, in which several democratic
votes might be swayed from support
Of the measure.
Clark for SPEAKER.
Three candidates had been selected
to lead the balloting in the house to-
day for the speakership; but the re-
election Of Speaker Clark and the 9TH
or officers who served the house in
the last session was assured. The dem
ocrats had unanimously endorsed Mr..
Clark, the republicans had again
named James r. Mann, Of Illinois. who