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

about to be concluded. Begun as an
ial session called by President Wilson
a month after his inauguration, 1t is
the longest sitting of congress in the
of the nation.
The work, including that OF he spec
tal session for tariff reform n 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
railroad in Alaska.
The congress was remarkable for the
fact that in less than two years 1t 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.
S't w ~ AN phi y SNSl iSpIoi VI LIZ
tolls provision of the Panama ana act,
This led to an alignment which placed
the president INT some of the party
leaders on opposite sides. Among those
who took issue with the chief ex-
ecutive being Speaker Clark and IA
jority Leader Underwood. Speaker
Clark's defense of his opposition to
repeal furnished one 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
Ave occasions. He delivered his general
legislative message December 2. sub
sequent messages were on antitrust
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 /. 1913
were:
Federal reserve act creating ~ 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
quire 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
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 directorates, 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 n labor organizations.
Act repeating provisions of the Pan
Canal law ~exempting from pay
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 coast to interior waters
and mineral region of Alaska at q cost
not to exceed S35, 900, 600.
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 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
ap{E1atinn xuara II, ,nrornnox -
demanded by the extraordinary condl-
tons Drec.pitated by the war in Eu-
Such legislation. enacted or about
to become law. included the following
measures:
War revenue law imposing special in
ternal revenue taxes to aggregate ap-
prox1mate annual revenue Of S10S 600, 900
to offset estimated treasury deficit due
to loss Of customs receipts during the
European war.
Amendment to Panama canal act adj
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
socfations to issue circulating notes up
to 12o per cent of their unimpaired
capital and surplus and making avail
aple TO banks Of the country more than
1000, DOC, 900 of emergency currency.
Ai SiSdllIlS III lie tTGdSuTY QSpdTl-
ment q bureau Of war risk insurance,
appropriating 5000. 900 to insure ships
OF American registry against hazards
of the Europeanowar.
Resolutions appropriating $2,750,0 900
Tor protection and transportation of
American citizens stranded In Euro
pean war zones and authorizing the
American Red Cross society to charter
a ship Of foreign register and fly the
American flag.
Appropriation of 81, 000.0 200 for extra
expense OF diplomatic and consular SER
vice in taking over embassies, legations
and consular offices OF warning nations
In Europe.
Mexican Tangle.
Before these unforeseen conditions
which demanded decisive action to
cope h 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 COL heads In congress In prevent
ing untoward %oratorical outbreaks and
unwise action. Legislation growing
out of the Mexicart controversy was
limited to the following:
Resolution expressing congress JUS
t~ification OF employment by the presi-
dent OF armed forces OF the United