Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1913-03-21
CONGRESS CALLED IN EXTRA
SESSION.

President Wilson on Monday last issued
the formal proclamation converting Con-
sress in extra session at noon On April 7th.
The Presidents announcement was bgief
and followed form closely. Ii stated merely
that whereas public interests require
Congress would be convened in extra ses-
sion by order Of the executive
Originally. President Wilson had fixed
upon April LIST as the date. Representative
Underwood, the Democratic majority leader,
having informed him that the tariff bills,
to which it was agreed. Congress should
give immediate attention. would Be ready
On that date Mr. Underwood found. how
ever, that the Ways and Means Committee
would need another week todraft the tariff
schedules, and the PROCLAMATION is in defer
ence to the wishes Of Leader Underwood
and House leaders.
The absence Of any specific reason for the
calling Of the extra session is explained by
the fact that President Wilson's statement
Immediately after his election declared
that he would call an extra session to re-
wise the tariff.
President Wilson plans TO point out spe-
cihcally his wishes for the extra session in
his first message. in preparation This. it
is known from talks the President has had
with members Of Congress. will outline the
adminisIation's idea Of how the tariff
should be revised and just what schedules
should be taken up. The belief is general
that the entire message viii be taken up with
discussion Of the tariff. with the excep-
ton Of the last paragraph Or two. which
viii draw attention to the need Of currency
legislation at the earliest possible moment,
and viii indicate the purpose Of the Presi-
dent to send Later special message on
that o. other subjects which he believes
should be taken up BY the new Congress.
The tariff plan win be submitted first to
a caucus. and then directly to the House
BY the Ways and Means Committee.
The committee viii be ready to report
by that time" says Democratic Leader
Underwood. We have made headway
and there will be no trouble about report
ing the revised plan when the Congress
convenes."
The majority Of the Ways and Means
Committee have begun consideration Of
the administrative features Of the new
tariff These provisions relate to a variety
Of custom house routine and the effort of
the Democrats in changing the terms and
phraseolozy Of the administrative section is
10 simplify and facilitate the customs work
both in the interest Of the government and
the importers A number Of changes along
that line were suggested by witnesses dur
ing the tariff hearing in January.
The tariff revision plan will be in such
condition that whatever form the caucus
determines upon can be reported imme-
distely out of the committee and the whole
tariff discussion formally opened up in the
House without delay
There will be no attempt TO name all or
even the bulk of the House committees at
the outset Of the extra session. that being
reserved under the present plan until to-
ward the close Of the extra session so as
TO obviate any unnecessary legislation
until the regular session Of Congress con-
venes in December. The Ways and Means
Committee personnel already has been de-
termined upon in Democratic caucus of the
SiKty-third Congress. and it will be ratified
By the House at the opening of the extra
session. when the committees on rules.
mileage and accounts also will be named.
Whether any other committees will be
created for doing business at the extra
session depends on developments between
now and April 7th.