Bismarck daily tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1881-1916, 1913-03-06


part of President Taft's appointments.
With more than 1000 appointments be-
fore the Senate, Democrats declined to
permit action on the great majority, and
the result will be that President Wilson
will fir the places after he comes into
office.
This factional struggle, coupled with
the internal Democratic contest for the
organization ana control of Senate and
House under the. new administration, in
jcctcd the political equation into the last
sessions work to IN unusual degree. Sew
cral bills that might have become law
in the closing days of this session have
been held back because Democratic
leaders preferred to nave the subjects
carried over until a Democratic Presi-
dent. Senate and House can have an op-
portunity to carry out definite legisla-
tive programs.
Important actions in the short ses-
sion just closing include:
'Literacy test" immigration bill pass
cd, but vetoed by President Taft.
Single six-year presidential term
amendment passed by Senate.
Life. prisoners in federal prisons made
eligible to parole.
Five-year closed season for fur-scals
Incorporated in the International seal
treaty.
Federal control of water powers defeat
ed in the Senate"
Manufacturers of foods required to
ctnta tbo not ,yn;ubt and onntortc IN
outside of food package.
Government authorized by law to seize
trust-controlled goods as soon as inn
ported into the United States.
Lincoln memorial authorized to cost
50, 0OO. 900.
The Democratic majority that took
control of the House when the Congress
organized, insisted On going ahead with
other features Of tariff revision, n
passed wool, cotton, free list and some
other bills. a. three measures, with the
aid of the Progressive Republican forces
in the Senate, reached President Taft.
They were vetoed on the ground that
the tariff board was conducting investi-
cations. the results of which must be
known before a proper revision Of the
tariff could be made. p.
Legislative work throughout the spec
ial session, n the long session begin
ming in December, 1911, and running
through last August, included, the fol-
lowing:
Increase in the size of the. House Of.
Representatives from 800 to 1875 members.
Age and service pension law, increasing
Civil War pensions.
Eight hour law covering government
contracts. ~,E IL ,&H . .
Admission of Arizona and New Mexico
to statehood. .
Use of poisonous white PHOSPHORUS in
matchmaking prevented by excessive
tax.
Pure drug law amended to prevent
misleading labels on patent medicines.
Wireless communication brought under
careful regulation, the law requiring the
wireless on all ocean vessels to be ade-
quately manned.
Government transports required to car
~ an ample number of Hfeboats.
Red Cross recognized officially as
of Government, service in time of
war. ~; ta..
Federal relief given to 1912 flood suf-
lcrers in lower Mississippi valley.
> Commerce Court and Tariff Board vir-
tually iegislated out Of existence.
Industrial Commission authorized to
study relations between capital and Ia
Dor. r \. ttg u
This Congress, has witnessed the rati-
fication of many important treaties with
nations. The arbitration treaties
with France and Great Britain, negotiat-
ed by President Taft, however, were not
because the Senate so amend
them that the President considered
did not carry out the understand
lngs made with the two powers.
In the two years, however, the follow /
ng important agreements have been per-
'ected: nv -
Pecuniary Claims treaty with Great
Britain.
North Atlantic Coast Fisheries agree
nent with Great Britain.
Fur seal treaty with Great Britain,
russia n Japan.
International wireless treaty with lead
ng foreign nations.
International war prize agreement.
International agreement covering san