The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1914-08-19
CONGRESS
AFFECTED
BY WAR

Washington, Aug. 19.-The war in
Europe has materially altered the
congressional situation. Not many
weeks ago administration leaders were
expressing the hope that the minority
would restrain any filibuster against
legislation, particularly the antitrust
program, so that congress might ad-
journ in ample time for participation
in the fall campaign. The republicans
many Of them also eager to get home
for the political fray, promptly agreed
that there should be no filibuster and
that all would pull together for early
adjournment. Today, however, the ad-
Journment prospect Is eclipsed by
multifarious issues and the democrats
themselves are putting the brakes on
legislation. Administration leaders
when asked about adjournment simply
throw up their hands and say time
alone can answer, we cannot adjourn
while half the world Is broiling."
The legislative pace has been changed
from double-quick, almost to a mark
time schedule. Consideration of the
Clayton antitrust bill is not being
hastened. Although most of the inn
portant issues involved were thorough
ly discussed when the trade commits
sion bill was before the senate, they
are again being reviewed in prolonged
speeches, Republican senators were
ready to vote on the bill Monday but
it now seems that all this week at
least will be consumed by the debate.
further assurance that the session
will be more prolonged than had been
nof nct H..
Kern, the majority leader announced
decision of the party leaders to dis
pose of river and harbor appropria- :
ton bill. This measure had been be-
for the senate for weeks, and was laid
aside for trust legislation following a.
filibuster conducted by Senator Bur
ton of Ohio. Then the word was pass
ed around that the river and harbor
bill would be left in the lurch by ad-
journment when trust legislation should
be enacted. Reconsideration Of this
program is certain to hold attention of
congress two or three weeks at
least.
In the house conservation legislation
now is being prepared and it Is prob
able that 1t will receive attention Of
the senate when it reaches there.
The necessity Of emergency revenue
legislation and being ready for any
eventualities that may be precipitated
by the European war Is the underlying
reason for the slowing up Of congress,
There Is going to be no rush to enact
stamp tax or increase internal
revenues on commodities Although
1t is certain that additional government
revenues must be provided because of
the curtailment of customs, the lead
ers want to hear from all parts OF the
country before a law is passed. They
also want TO consider thoroughly just
how to spread the tax to the best ad Il
vantage.
There Is no treasury deficit now and
no immediate danger of one, con-
sequently the democrats say it will be-
waste to go at the task OF providing
for the ultimate deficit deliberately
and safely.
War risk insurance by the govern
ment also is to be considered although
a bill to provide for this probably will
not take UP much Of the time Of con-
grtss when the plan is worked out and
a measure submitted The bill may be
introduced tomorrow in both houses.