The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1913-03-07
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 secure
military or naval footholds where
they might threaten safety of this
country.
Children's bureau created in de-
partment of commerce and labor.
Panama Canal law passed, estab-
fishing free passage for American
coastwise ships, and barring railroad
owned vessels from the canal.
Campaign publicity laws passed,
requiring complete public account
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 conduct
ed, disclosing detailed methods of pre-
ent day financial operation.
Campaign expenditures investigat-
ed, covering campaign funds of 1904,
1908 and 1912, and disclosing corre-
spondence 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.
These comprise but few of the
laws passed, Investigations conduct
ed, treaties passed on, and legisla-
tive subjects considered during the
two years of the 62nd Congress. The
two great personal struggles, involv-
ing William Lorimer and Judge Arch
bald, ran throughout the Congress;
and with their interesting personal
phases helped to draw 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 Ca
nal, it took no action on three i'm
portant subjects: anti-injunction,
workmen's compensation, and anti
trust legislation. Recommendations
were made by Senate committee
within the last week, for radical
changes in the antitrust law to re-
store competitive conditions and pre-
ent monopoly; and they may bear
fruit in legislation under the new ad-
ministration.
The final session, now ending, has
witnessed a struggle in the Senate
between Republicans and Democrats,
that prevented the confirmation of
the greater part of President Taft's
appointments. With more than 1000
appointments before the Senate,
Democrats 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 con-
test for the organization and control
of Senate and House under the new
Administration, injected the political
equation into the last sessions work
to an unusual degree. Several bills
that might have become law in the
closing days of this session have been
held back because Democratic lead
ers preferred to have the subjects
carried over until Democratic
President, Senate and House, can
have an opportunity to carry out def
mite legislative programmes.
Important actions in the short ses-
sion just closing include:
"Literacy test" immigration bill
passed, but vetoed by President Taf..
Single six-year Presidential term
amendment passed by senate.
Life prisoners in Federal prisons
made eligible to parole.
Five-year closed season for fur
seals incorporated in the internation-
al seal treaty.
Federal control of water powers de-
feated in the Senate.
Manufacturers of foods required to
state the net weight and contents on
outside of food package.
Government authorized by law to |
seize trust-controlled goods as soon
as imported into the United States.
Lincoln memorial authorized to !
cost $2,000,00O.
The Democratic majority that took |
CONTROL of the House when the Con-
gress organized insisted on going
ahead with other features of tariff
revision and passed wool, cotton, free