Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1915-03-05
WORK OF WILSON'S CONGRESS-
Underwood-Simmons Tariff, Federal
Reserve and Panama Tolls Acts
Most Important.
ADMINISTRATION BILLS FAIL

49,
WASHINGTON, March l.-The Sixty
third congress, first under complete
domination Of the democratic party since
1886, ended today at noon.
II had been I'm almost continuous ses-
sion since President Wilson's inauguration
two years ago Beginning with an extra
session called by the president April Z.
1918, the congress has worked actually
637 days.
Much important legislation was accom-
plished, but much contemplated, some OF
it hard pressed by the president and
party leaders. was left undone. Fore
most in the enactments OF the Sixty
third congress were:
The Underwood-Simmons tariff act.
with the income tax, which replaced the
Payne-Aldrich tariff law.
The federal reserve act. recognizing
the currency system.
Antitrust laws to supplement the Sher-
man act, including the Clayton law and
Federal Trade commission act, the former
providing for punishment OF individuals
who violate business regulations and the
latter establishing a government insti-
tuition to aid in keeping business within
the law.
Repeal OF the Panama canal tolls ex-
omption for American coast-wise ship
ping
Act directing the building at cost of
So, 100000 OF a government railroad 20 the
| mineral fields oA Alaska.
Act to regulate cotton exchanges and
TO penallze 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 providing
for tho transfer of foreign-owned or built
ships to American registry.
Measures that Failed.
OF those measures which failed of en-
actment or could not be considered for
| lack of time. the following are regarded
by democratic leaders as paramount.
! Bill for government purchase or charter
OF transoceanic ships for the establish
ment of an American merchant marine,
which encountered the most stubborn
! filibuster in the history of the senate,
/ created an insurgent movement in the
democratic ranks and held up general
legislation for weeks of the last session.
The immigration bill. including lit
eracy test for admission of aliens, which
passed both houses, was vetoed by Presi-
dent Wilson and failed by a narrow
margin TO repass the house on a motion
to overturn the veto.
Conservation measures urged by tho
president to provide a new system for
leasing of water power sites and a leas-
ing system TO open tho mineral resources
of the country.
Bill TO enlarge the measure of Philip
pine self-government and TO extend
promise of ultimate independence to
Filipino people. measure which passed
the house and was approved by a senate
committee.
Regulation by the Interstate Commerce
commission of the issue OF railroad
securities. originally part of the ad-
ministrations antitrust program.
Rural credits legislation contemplating
the establishment of a system of farm
mortgage loan banks, persisteutly urged
throughout congress- ss'
F Bills Dte with Congress,
In addition to the foregoing. scores OF
general Legislative bills covering a wide
range of subjects died with the end OF
the congress. among them, measures for
federal road Improvement. general water
way development, reorganization of the
civil service, to prohibit importation OF
convict made goodss and several measures
for reorganization Of the army.
The last session of the congress was
notable. too, for the failure OF two great
issues national prohibition and woman
suffrage. Proposed constitutional amend
ments precipitated two OF the most ex-
citing legislative battles in the history OF
The House OF Representatives beth meas
Tres failing to receive a necessary two
thirds vote.
Foreign relations OF the nation were
constantly to the fore almost from tn,
beginning of the congress. the Mexicar
situation recurring close attention from
the outset a. has the European war
Throughout the session the president and
the senate foreign relations committee