The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1914-12-14
Indications That Congress
Will Sit Through
Holidays
DEBATE TO BEGIN
ON THE 22D
On Suffrage and Prohibition
Amendments to the
Constitution

Washington, ID. c., Dec. l4.-Saturday
brought congressional surprises. These
came chiefly out of the House rules com
mittee with reference to prohibition anc
suffrage. After smothering the Gardner
resolution for inquiry into military pre-
paredness, the committee adopted a spe-
cial rule for considering two constitu-
tional amendments, beginning Dec. %
This is the Tuesday before Christmas
and is in the time when Congress nor
mally would be in it's Christmas recess,
But Chairman Henry OF the rules com
mittee announced that there probably
would be no Christmas recess OF Con-
gress. He is not the House Democrat
who usually speaks with authority on
such matters, nevertheless, it is likely
that the purpose is to hold Congress right
here through the holidays for the first
time in many years, and not only speed
appropriation bills, but hurry through
with general legislation President Wilson
wants.
1t is very doubtful whether the House
rules committee would dare try to joke
upon the advocates of suffrage and pro-
hibition, such as their rule Saturday
would be, if Congress is to recess about
Dec. 10 till Jan. 4. Indications are that
both the suffrage and the prohibition
amendments will fail by large votes, but
opponents think they will be removing
these issues from the next session of
Congress in this way.
The spirit of industry was also exem
plfed by the session of the Senate Dem
"a xpb bay ham ptrlipu or
their legislative program. The necessity
of better arrangements for whatever
they are to undertake is realized. APP
parently program vii. be worked out in
the rough, and an effort made to follow
it. They agreed Saturday to less than a
week of Christmas recess and to night
session once a week.
The safety-at-sea convention was con- |
sidered by the Senate Saturday in execu-
tive session, but Senator La Toilette is |
that it be amended so as not to |
preclude the enactment of his seaman's |
bill. This La Toilette bill is in confer
ence, but when the European war began
il was the opinion of leading men in Con-
gress that further action thereon could
well be deferred President Gompers of
the American Federation OF Labor and
other labor advocates are very active in
support of the LaFolette proposition,
and may be able TO thwart the presi-
lent's request for ratification.
The House by small vote Saturday
agreed to abolish the so-called half-and-
lalf plan under which the general gov
,rnment contributes to the support of the
District of Columbia. This has become a
natter of fierce contention, but the Sen
tie has been holding out for the old ar
1t is claimed the House plan
would impose such additional burdens
lpon the district taxpayers for support
VI the general government here, as great
y to depreciate the value of local prop
'rty.
Unusual preparations are making for ,
he state funeral to-day OF the ex-chair. !
nan Of ways and means committee, Sc .
emo Payne. Former members OF the !
House, who were associated with him. !
re returning here in considerable num-
'ers TO be present at the ceremonies in :
he hall Of the House. President Wilson !
viii probably attend the funeral.