The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1914-12-07

vauia; James J. Mcdonald of Mich
igan and William H. Hinebaugh of
Illinois.
Leaders on all sides look forward to
interesting developments over the Ma
val and the Army appropriation bills
because of agitation resulting from
the European war. Representative Au-
gustus p. Gardner of Massachusetts
has a resolution directing Congression-
al investigation into the military pre-
paredness of the United States for
war.
The first calendar business before
the House today was the cotton relief
legislation urged by Representative
Henry of Texas and others, who al
most prevented adjournment of the
last session by insisting on il. The
general understanding among members
of both Houses was that President Viii
son would press the bill for govern
ment purchase of ocean steamships;
the measure to pave the way for ulti-
mate independence of the Philippines,
and the measures proposing compre
hensive plan CT dealing with water
way Improvement and conservation of
natural resources.
A general waterway bill 10 establish
nationwide system of broad scope.
such as has been indorsed by com
mittee of the cabinet, will probably
be urged.
Many ether important subjects are
pending. Included in the list is the
rural credits bill prepared at the last
session There have been limitations
that the measure might not be pressed
at the short session, the view being
that the federal reserve system should
be given a chance to perfect itself be-
fore any other financial legislation
should be undertaken. The immi gra-
tion bill, which failed at the last SEES
sion with its literacy test, is pending
in the Senate. Representative Hob
son has begun to urge action on a reso
luton for a national prohibition con
! stitutional amendment and q constitu
titional amendment to provide fel
woman suffrage. Both are pending il
the House. Good roads legislation. re
organization of the civil service and {
bill to regulate the output of radiun
also await action.
Foreign affairs are certain to occupy
attention of the Senate. The admin
istration is said to desire action on tn,
Nicaraguan treaty, through which tht
United States would acquire anothc
interoceanic canal route and naval sta
tion rights in the Bay of Fouseca TO
$3,000,000. 1t also hopes for action OF
the pending treaty with Colombia t,
settle the partition of Panama 70
$25, 100000. Opposition to both treat
les is promised by Republicans Of tn
Foreign Relations committee.
In preliminary discussions of appru
priations the estimates for the mex
Federal Trade Commission to super
wise the business of industrial corpc
rations are prominent. The beard vii
be organized in the near future. Pres
ident Wilson has said he will appoiu
. its five members early in the winter
Lively debate also is expected owe
the Rivers and Harbors appropriate
bill which has been under consider;
ton ever since the old bill was fiji
bustered TO death in the last sessio
and blanket appropriation of $40
100000 was substituted to carry Q
public works already under way.
the main, however, il is believed tn,
, chief attention will have to be give
to the usual supply bills of the COVER
ment in order to complete them b
? fore this Congress ends by operate
= of law on March 4, next.