Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1914-10-29
European War Legislation.

/ ENtNtldl IlltdSuIcS nave DCCI passed
which We're necessary on account of
/ the great war in Europe. One of these
provided for the American registry of
foreign built ships. Many foreign
ships We're rendered useless on account
of the war, and it 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 Il war risk bureau
in the treasury department and appro-
! priated $5,00O,OOO to pay insurance on
/ American cargOeS sent to foreign ports.
Several other measures of an emer-
gency character were proposed, one of
which appropriated $3O,OOO,OOO to buy
ships. Another was the proposition to
purchase cotton which could not find II
market i'll foreign countries.
Army and Navy Legislation.
On account of the threatened war
with Mexico 4 law was passed pro
viding for raising volunteer forces of
the United States. The law can be
invoked only in case of war and threat
| ened war, and even 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 bin is important from
the fact that it affords an opportunity
for the United States to secure 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 n larger num-
Der of officers and men for this dan
gerous though important duty.
Two BattIeship 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 We're used to construct anoth-
er battleShip of the Dreadnought type,
making three large ships, upon which
work begins this year.
\ law was passed to promote the
efficiency of the naval militia. 1t is
intended to encourage the organiZa-
|
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 $4,5S0,000 in the different
states. The distribution of the money
Is based upon the rural population
The money is to be expended i'll giving
instruction and practical demonstra
tons in agricultural and home econom-
cultural colleges The instruction is t.
be for those farmers who do not and
cannot attend the agricultural colleges
Another law in the interest of rural
! communities provided n commission to
consider the subject of national aid
for vocational education.
An act in the interest of cotton grow
\
the sales Of cotton for future delivery
1t 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 will enable the locatorS to get
their irrigated lands under cultivation
before the payments fall due. Another
law was passed which allows sec
ond homestead entry on desert lands.
Alaska Legislation.
Alaska occupied great deal of tim,
during the last session Of congress
and one of the bills passed may h'
farreaching in its effect upon tbs
whole country. 1t provides for th'
expenditure of S35Ooo,Ooo for the con
struction Of railroads In Alaska. tn
roads when completed to be operated
by the government or leased This i
the first time that congress has direct
ly taken an affirmative action In In
vor of government construction an'
ownership Of railroads.
While it was emphatically ASSERTED
by men who supported the bill tina
they would not vote for any measure
for construction of railroads in th
United States and that conditions II
= Alaska made this an exceptional case
: yet the precedent was eSt0bliSGe,
which may he used with effect wh"l
sentiment IN favor of govetG3ep
ownership becomes stronger.