The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1915-03-04
CONGRESSACTS
SUMMARIZED
Underwood Simmons Tariff
Measure Was Very
Important
FEDERAL RESERVE
LAW WAS EQUALLY so
Repeal Of Panama Canal
Tolls Exemption Com
manded Attention

Washington, ID. c., March 4.-The 63d
Congress, first under complete domination
of the Democratic party since 1875, ended
to-day at noon.
1t had been in almost continuous SEES
aim since President Wilson's Inaugural
ton two years ago, Beginning with an
extra session called by the president on
April 7, 1918. The Congress has worked
actually 637 days.
Much important legislation was accent
plished, but much contemplated, some OF
il hard pressed by the president ana
party leaders, was left nndone. 1t IS the
present intention of the president and his
advisers to give Congress rest. Ratner
than force an extra session, they would
leave the remainder of the adminlstra-
tion's constructive aspirations to a neI'
Congress next winter, which, although
under Democratic control, will have a
greatly reduced majority in the House.
Foremost in the enactments Of the 63d
Congress were:
The Underwood Simmons tariff act,
with the income tax, which replaced the
Payne Aldrich law.
The federal reserve act, recognizing
the currency system.
Antitrust laws to supplement the
Sherman act, including the Clayton law
and federal trade commission act the
former providing for the punishment OF
individuals who violate business reguia-
tions and the latter establishing gov
eminent institution to aid in keeping
business within the law.
Repeal Of the Panama canal tolls eX-
emption for American coastwise ship
ping.
Act directing the building at cost OF
S35.000000 of government railroad 70
the mineral fields of Alaska.
Act to regulate cotton exchanges ana
to penalze dealings in purely speculative
cotton future sales.
A special internal revenue tax, com
monty called the "war tax"
A government war risk insurance bu-
reau to insure American ships against
the hazards of war, and an act provld-
inc for the transfer Of foreign owned or
built ships to American registry.
OF those measures which failed OF en-
actment or could not be considered Tor
lack of time. the following are regarded
byDemocratic leaders as paramount:
Bill for government purchase or char
ter of trans oceanic ships for the estab-
lishment of an American merchant ma
rine. which encountered the most stub
born flibuster in the history OF the Sen
ate. created an insurgent movement IN
the Democratic ranks and held up gem
eral legislation for weeks of the last ses-
sion.
The immigration bill, including a mt
eracv test for admission OF aliens, which
passed both Houses, was vetoed by Pres
ident Wilson and failed by a narrow mar
gin TO repass the House on a motion TO
overturn the veto.
Conservation measures urged by the
president to provide new system for
leasing Of waterpower sites and leasing
system TO open the mineral resources Of
the country.
Bill TO enlarge the measure OF Philip.
nine self-government and 60 extend
promise of ultimate independence to Fill
pino people. measure which passed the
House and was approved by senate
committee.
Regulation by the interstate commerce
commission Of the issue of railroad So
curties. originally a part Of The admln-
istrations antitrust program.
Rural credits legislation contemplating
the establishment OF a system Of farm
mortgage loan banks. pcrsistently urged
throughout the Congress.
In addition 10 the foregoing. scores ot
general legislative bills covering 4 wide
range Of subjects died with the end of
the Congress, among them. measures Tor
federal road improvement. general wa
i al al nj
the civil service. 10 prohibit importation
Of convict made goods. and several meas
ures for reorganization Of the army.
The last sessi0n Of the Congress was
notable. too. for the failure Of two great
ISSUES. national prohibition and woman
suffrage. Proposed constitutional amend.