The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-09-04
Administrations Program Has
Been Outlined.
National Defense Bill Will Be
Important Measure.
PROVIDE FOR MORE REVENUE
The Duty on Sugar May Not
Be Lifted.
Re-Enactment of War Revenue
Bill Almost Certain.

| Washington, Sept 4.-The admin
istration's full legislative program for
| the coming session of congress, exclu-
sive of comparatively minor measures
will be as follows, according to au-
| thoritative information obtained to-
| day:
National defense, meaning a
Strengthening of both the army and
the navy and the coast defenses of the
country.
Revenue legislation, including the
re-enactment of the war revenue
bill which produces about $4,000
900 annually.
The conservation bills for which
the west is clamoring. Secretary Lane
is anxious to have these measures,
most of which went through one
house last session, approved by Doth
houses at this session.
Rural credits legislation, Wh1ch
was sidetracked in the closing days of
the SiXty-third congress.
The pairing down of ordinary ap-
preparations and the reduction of
pork barrel bills to the minimum,
the treasury deficit.
In addition to these general mat
tiers the senate will begin early con-
sideration of the cloture rule and the
pected. The senate also has pending
the treaties with Nicaragua and Co
lombia.
With such an extensive program it
session until the presidential cam
paigns are on next summer.
National Defense and Revenue.
National defense and revenue legis-
lation, the former making the latter
imperative will be the headliners. This
+. ~ %In
administration spokesman in the sem
ate and the chairman of the finance
committee, and Representative K1tch-
en-, chairman of the ways and means
house.
Senator Simmons is authority for
the statement that if necessary there
will be an issue of bonds or short
al defense. He says such an issue
would not be radical in view of the
conditions existing today and the ma
tionwide demand for prepare neSs.
The re-enactment of the war reve-
nue. bill which expires by limitation
on December 81, is practically certain
Both Senator Simmons and Repre-
sentative Kitchen assert that the con-
continued falling off of imports will
make necessary the re-enactment of
this temporary measure.
A Split Brewing.
The two leaders, however, disagree
as to the details of the national de-
tense program. Representative Kitch-
en-, who has always been known as
small navy member, announces he
will oppose battleship appropriations,
but will seek liberal allowances for
Su bmarineS. mines and coast de-
lenses.
Il do not agree with that position"
said Senator Simmons. I'VE should
have plenty of submarines and mines,
for hn ont has RI n0sS fra fer
their importance, but we should not
neglect the other portions of the navy.
We are daily assuming a more impor-
tant position in the worlds affairs
and a strong navy is necessary"
Senator Simmons intimated that the
extraordinary expenses of the govern
ment may result in certain changes in |
the re-enacted war revenue bill and |
the inclusion of articles not now
taxed under that measure. 1t is pos
sible the national defense appropria- |
lions may be cared for by issuing |
bonds, while the war revenue bill and
the retention of duty may be called |
upon to offset the loss in customs re-
ceipts.
A Duty on Sugar?
1t is known that there is talk in
legislative circles regarding the advis |
ability of retaining a duty on sugar.
President Wilson, however, is report
ed to be unwilling to permit general
tinkering with the Underwood law,
although he may agree to leave a
duty on sugar which is scheduled to
go on the free list next May
In connection with the national de-
Tense movement the directors of the
navy league will meet in New York
at the Waldorf Astoria this afternoon.
Encouraging reports of a change in
sentiment regarding the national de-
Tense is made in the following state |
ment issued here by the league head |
quarters:
During the past month the navy
league has done work of great value !
in behalf of the adequate national de-
Tense throughout the great middle |
west and south, the country from
which opposition in congress to ma |
val appropriation bills has come in the |
past The league directors in these |
sections report that since the begin |
ming of their work there has been a |
tremendous increase in the sentiment
in those localities and in the sections