The citizen-Republican. (Scotland, Bon Homme County, S.D.) 1???-19??, 1914-10-29

about to be concluded. Begun as an
uninterrupted continuation OF the spec
ial session called by President Wilson
a month after his inauguration, 1t Is
the longest sitting of congress in the
history of the nation.
The work, including that OF the spec
ial session for tariff reform and income
tax provisions, represents the legisla-
tive achieVement of the first democratic
congress since March 4, 1897. The chief
enaCtments include the new currency
law. antitrust legislation, repeal OF
the toll exemption provision for Amer
lean coastwise ships in the Panama
canal. and the provision to build a. gov
eminent railroad in Alaska
The congress was remarkable for the
fact that in less han two years it had
to deal with conditions arising from
two foreign Wars-the revolution in
Mexico and the European conflict-and
was on the verge of facing a war be-
tween the United States and Mexico.
Both of these situations demanded
emergency legislation, some of which
may have far reaching effect upon the
future course of the nation in its
foreign affairs.
As a rule the utmost cooperation be-
tween democratic leaders in congress
and President Wilson marked the ses-
sion, although one notable break &C.
GU III Tic pbJIy oNGT IbpSdl u lllS
tolls provision of the Panama canal act,
This led TO an alignment which placed
the president and some of the party
leaders on opposite sides. Among those
who took Issue with the chief ex-
ecutive being Speaker Clark and Ma
5ority Leader Underwood. Speaker
Clark's defense Of his opposition to
repeal furnished n of the most
spectacular climaxes in the history Of
the House.
Five Personal Appeals.
The president appeared before Joint
sessions OF the House and Senate on
five occasions. He delivered his general
legislative message December 2. Sub
sequent messages were on antitrust
legislation. the Mexican situation.
pleading for continuation of watch
full waiting" the tolls repeal bill and
the necessity for a war revenue bill.
Most important of the laws enacted
by congress since December /, 1918
were:
Fedora reserve act creating IL re-
gional reserve banks, and federal re-
serve board OF control and reforming
the currency system.
Federal trade commission act, crea-
ting a commission of five members and
absorbing the bureau of corporations to
investigate organization, conduct and
practices Of Industrial corporations; in
qulre into unfair competition and al
legged violation of antitrust acts; to
aid the department Of Justice and the
courts In the prosecution of business
Offenders; to make public information
deemed to be of public interest re-
lating to industrial conditions and to
recommend remedial business legisla-
ton.
The Clayton antitrust act, which
provides for guilt of individuals COW
nected with corporations convicted of
violating the antitrust laws, limits
interlocking d~irectorates, prohibits
holding companies which will lessen
competition, prevents exclusive and ty-
Ing contractS, liberalizes laws relating
to injunction and contempt and eX-
empts from prosecution under anti
trust laws agricultural, horticultural,
fraternal and labor organizations.
Act repeating provisions of the Pan
ment of tolls American vessels engaged
In coastwise shipping of the United
States.
Alaska Railroad Project.
The Alaska railroad law providing
for government construction and oper-
alton of 1000 miles of railroad, with
telegraph and telephone lines, from the
lower Pacific to interior waters
and mineral region of Alaska at a cost
not to exceed S35, 900, 0n0.
Laws placing on a war footing the
volunteer militia and naval militia Of
the states, subjecting them in time Of
wal to the call of the signal corps of
the army.
Law regulating cotton future sales on
stock exchange, providing a tax of 2
cents a pound on sales for future deliv-
cry unless actually delivered under
conditions and grades established by
the department of agriculture.
Overshadowing much other important
legislation We're emergency measures
demanded by the extraordinary condi-
tons precipitated by the war in Eu-
to become law, included the following
measures.
War revenue law imposing special in
ternal revenue taxes to aggregate APP
proximate annual revenue Of S1OS, 900, 900
to offset estimated treasury deficit due
to loss of customs receipts during the
European war.
hitting to American registry foreign
built ships of American ownership to
engage in overseas and South American
trade. Emergency currency act, per-
hitting banks of national currency as
sociations to issue circulating notes up
to l2o per cent Of their unimpaired
capital and surplus and making avail
- W aims Va tlc COuLlTy ilOTe IMAM
$1,000 900, 900 of emergency currency.
Law creating In the treasury depart
ment a bureau Of war risk insurance,
appropriating 1000, 900 to insure ships
OF American registry against hazards
of the European war.
Resolutions appropriating $2,T50,000
for protection and transportation of
American citizens stranded in Euro
pean war and authorizing the
American Red Cross society to charter
q ship of foreign register and fly the
American flag.
Appropriation OF 100000 for extra
expense OF diplomatic and consular SER
vice In taking yer embassies, legations
and consular offices OF warning nations
in Europe.
Mexican Tanale.
Before these unforeseen conditions
which demanded decisive action to
cope the European situation, congress
had on its hands for most Of the ses-
sion the threatening Mexican imbro-
Clio which came to a climax in the act
OF reprisal by the government In the
seizure of Vera Cruz. Many times the
situation was critical, and actual war
fare with Mexico was prevented only
by the course of the administration and
the COO heads in congress in prevent
ing untoward ~oratorical outbreaks and
unW1se action. Legislation growing
out of he Mexican controversy was
limited to the following:
resolution expressing congress- JUS
tificatfon OF employment by the prest-
dent Of armed forces of the United