The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1914-10-21
congress WORKING.
LONGEST SITTING In HISTORY OF
AMERICAN NATION
DOMESTIC LEGISLATION

Record of Democratic Party Since Its
Advent into Power-Article In
cludes Only the Domestic Laws
Passed-No Reference to Foreign
Policy Being Bade.
The first regular session Of the
sixty-third congress, which began De-
cenlber /. 1913. will be concluded.
Begun as an interrupted continua-
ton of the special session called by
President Wilson a month after his
Inauguration, it is the longest sitting
of congress in the history Of the ma
ton.
The work, including that of the
special session for tariff reform and
income tax achievement of the first
Democratic congress since March 4.
1895. The chief enactments include
the new currency law, antitrust leg
islation, repeal of the toll exemption
provision for American coastwise
ships in the Panama canal, and the
provision to build government rail-
road in Alaska.
The congress was remarkable for
the fact that in less than two years
it had to deal with conditions arising
from two foreign wars-the reyolu-
ton in Mexico and the European con-
flict-and was on the verge Of facing
war between the United States and
Mexico. Both Of these situations de-
manded emergency legislation, some
of which may have far-reaching effect
upon the future course of the nation
in it's foreign affairs.
AS a rule the utmost cooperation
between Democratic leaders in con-
gress and President Wilson marked
the session, although one notable
break occurred in the party over re-
peal of the tolls provision OF the Pan
anna canal act. This led to an align
ment which placed the president and
some of the party leaders on opposite
sides. Among those who took issue
with the chief executive were Speaker
Clark and Majority Leader Under
wood. Speaker Clark's defense of
his opposition to repeal furnished
one of the most spectacular climaXes
in the history of the House.
The president appeared before
Joint sessions Of the House and Sen
ate on five occasions. He delivered
his general legislative message De-
cember .. Subsequent: messages were
on antitrust legislation, the Mexican
situation. pleading for continuation
OF "watchful waiting" the tolls re-
peal bill and the necessity for war
revenue bill.
Among the important laws enacted
by the congress since December /,
1913, were:
Federal reserve act, creating
twelve regional reserve banks, and
federal reserve board Of control and
reforming the currency system.
Federal trade commission act,
creating a commission of five mem
bers and absorbing the bureau Of cor
porations to investigate organization,
conduct and practice of industrial
corporations, inquire into unfair COM
petition and alleged violation of anti
trust act; to, aid the department OF
Justice and the courts in the prosecu-
ton of business offenders; to make
public information deemed to be OF
public interest relating to industrial
conditions and to recommend rene
dial business legislation.
The Clayton antitrust act, which
provides Tor guilt of individuals con-
nected with corporations convicted OF
violating the antitrust laws, limits
interlocking directorates, prohibits
holding companies which will lessen
competition, prevents exclusive and
tying contracts, iberalizes laws re-
lating to Injunction and contempt
and exempts from prosecution under
antitrust laws agricultural, horticul-
tural, fraternal and labor organlza-
tionS.
Act repeating provisions of the
Panama canal law exempting from
vessels engaged in coastwise shipping
Of the United States.
The Alaska railroad law, providing
for government construction and
operation of 1000 miles of railroad
with telegraph and telephone lines,
from the lower Pacific coast to in
terror waters and mineral region OF
Alaska at a cost not to exceed S2o,-
100000.
Laws placing on a war footing the
volunteer militia and naval militia OF
the states, subJecting them in time OF
war to the call of the signal corps OF
the army.
Law regulating cotton future sales
on stock exchanges, providing tax
of &c a pound on sales for future de-
livery unless actually delivered under
conditions and grades established by
the department of agriculture.
Other legislation placed upon the
statute books included scores of local
improvement laws, many measures
relating to land entries, and the fol-
lowing:
General appropriations. for govern
ment expenses aggregatlng approx
mately s1,200,000,000.
Appropriation of s2O,000,o0o for
rivers and harbors improvement at
discretion of war department, passed
as substitute for s53,O00,000 specific
appropriation bill after prolonged flll-
buster.
Act prohibiting Importation of
opium except for medicinal purposes
under treasury regulation and plac-
ing prohibition tax of $500 pound
on opium manufactured in the United
States for smoking purposes.
Act authorizing payment of money
orders at any money order Office IN
country although drawn on specified
Office.
A provision for election of United
States senators under laws govern
ing election of members of House CT
Representative in states where legls-
latures had not passed special cleo
ton laws.
Act reorganizing diplomatic and
consular service of the country.
Act providing for government leas-
ing of coal lands in Alaska and to