Five Mile Beach weekly journal., 1914-11-06

pressed n the senate. Inc O III
portant OF the measures was the Clay
ton act, over which there was a long
wrangle In the senate before 1t passed
and when It came back from confer
ence. This law is expected TO supple
ment the Sherman act, although many
differences Of opinion have been ex-
pressed concerning its effect One of
the most important provisions is ex-
pected 30 exempt labor unions from
the operations Of the antitrust laws.
The other act provides for a trade
commission which is expected to super
ner similar to that which the inter
state m commission exerts
over railroads, although the trade COM
mission does not have as much power.
To a great extent 1t is an investigating
commission, and the president or Ell
ther house of congress may direct 1t to
investigate any alleged violation of the
antitrust laws. Its duties are similar
In this respect to the bureau of cor
porations In the department Of COM
MERGE
European WA Legislation.
Several measures have been passed
which were necessary on account of
the great var In Europe. One of these
provided for the American registry OF
foreign built ships. Many foreign
ships were rendered useless on account
Of the war, and 1t has been expected
that they will be transferred to Amer
lean registry under the new law and
carry American products abroad.
Another law passed on account OF
the war established q war risk bureau
In the treasury department and appro-
priated 100000 to pay insurance on
American cargoes sent to foreign ports.
Several other measures Of an emer-
gency character were proposed, n Of
which appropriated $30,000,000 to buy
ships. Another was the proposition to
purchase cotton which could not find a
market In foreign countries.
Army and Navy Legislation.
On account Of the threatened wal
with Mexico a law was passed pro
viding for raising volunteer forces of
the United States. The law a be-
invoked only In case of war and threat
ened war. and ever then congress must
authorize the president to act before
he can proceed under it
The war department, however, In
case OF possible war could put the ma
chinery In motion SO that when con-
gress gave permission men could be
enlisted, officers selected and prelim-
mary work of organization could be
under way. The bill is important from
the fact that 1t, affords an opportunity
for the United States to G volun-
teers before the militia organizations
Of the different states are called out
Another measure, more effective at
the present time. is the law organic
ing an aviation force in the signal
corps, providing more pay for officers
and men and authorizing a larger mum
Der Of officers and men for this dan
gerous though important duty.
Two Hattleship Policy.
The most important legislation re
lating to. the navy was the resumption
OF the policy OF constructing two bat
tleships each year, This was supple
mented by the sale Of the Idaho and
Mississippi to Greece. The proceeds OF
the sale were used to construct anoth-
err battieship Of the Dreadnought type,
making three large ships, upon which
work begins this year,
A law was passed to promote the
efficiency of the naval militia. 1t is
Intended to encourage the organiza-
tion of naval militia In different states
and provides ships for training officers
and men for sea service.
For the Benefit of Agriculture.
One of the important measures pass
ed by the present congress provided
for cooperative agricultural extension
work by the agricultural colleges Of
the several states and the general gov
eminent. Through the department Of
agriculture the government will ex-
pend yearly $4,5s0,Oo0 in the different
states. The distribution of the money
is based upon the rural population.
The money Is to be expended in giving
instruction and practical demonstra
lions In agricultural and home
les to persons who do not attend agri-
cultural colleges. The instruction is to
be for those farmers who do not and
cannot attend the agricultural colleges.
Another law in the interest OF rural
communities provided a commission to
consider the subject Of national aid
for vocational education
An act in the interest Of cotton grow
ers was passed, which places a tax Oh
the sales of cotton for future delivery.
It is intended to prevent speculation
and the manipulation Of the price Of
cotton.
A law was passed extending the pc
Rod Of payment on reclamation prof.
ects in the western states. The extern
sion VIII enable the ~locators to get
their irrigated lands under cultivation