Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1916-12-03
HIGH LIVING COST
BEFORE CONGRESS
All Other Measures at Present
Overshadowed by Pressing
Need for Relief.
MEMBERS BEGIN TO ARRIVE
Await Addre Of President on
Tuesday fo{ outline of Ad-
ministrat Program.
! MEMBERS BEGIN TO ARRIVE
of President on
outline Of Adj
Program.

Nv Assoc tod Prcssi
WASHINGTON. December Com
gross began arriving in the capital
opens on Monday. and. though return
ing members talk Of new issues. it is
the general opinion that little other
than appropriation bills can be passed
In tho short session surface indica-
tions give assurances that tho high
cost of living will at least be n sub
jcct Of much discussion, and that many
proposals viii be made ranging from
an embargo on food exports to official
Investigation OF alleged ConSpiracics to
initiate prices.
While congressinen appreciate that
railroad problems. conservation lcsis-
lat:on. Immigration. suffrage, national
prohibition. corrupt practice measures
and other unfinished general business
will he pressed for considerations and
that efforts may be made to investigate
alleged election frauds and cxpendi-
lures Of the national campaign those
subjects at present are ovcrshadowed
by the high prices OF food and measures
for relief.
For an outline OF the administration
program. members are awaiting the
address Of President Wilson before a
joint session in tho hall Of the House
on Tuesday.
House leaders. among them Speaker
Clark. arc advocating abandonment OF
the usual holiday recess. and urging
night sessions al least twice week.
DEMOCRATS TO SELECT
pRn
Among returning Democratic Sena-
tors the question of selection of a
new president pro tempore is one OF
absorbing interest. \ caucus prob
ably will be held early next week
Among Senator's being mentioned to
succeed the late Senator Clarke. of
Arkansas. are Pomerene. OF Ohio:
Salisbury, of Delaware: James. OF
Kentucky; Walsh OF Montana. and
Bankhead. of Alabama.
Some Southern Senators have urged
the selection Of Western Democrat
in recognition OF the Democratic
triumph at the recent election in that
section Speculation regarding the ma
jority leadership already is general in
view Of the defeat of Senator Kern for
reelection. Southern Senator'S are
sounding out their colleagues on be-
half of senator M:rtin. of Virginia.
Senator Walsh is being champoned by
Western Democrats
That the Senate will be urged early
in the session to consider the corrupt
practices bill limiting campaign con-
tributions, and TO investigate cNpendi-
lures Of the last campaign, was assured
to-day by an announcement of Senator
Owen. of Oklahoma. that he would de-
a. La.
rupt- practices bill. and would again
press some form OF cioture TO get a
vote on the measure before March 4.
He also proposes to introduce II rcsolu-
tion directing the Committee on Privi-
lcGes and Elections TO investigate cam
paign expenditures Of the Republican
and Democratic parties.
WEBB FOR NATIONWIDE
PROHIBITION MEASURE
Chairman webb. OF the House Judi
ciary Committee. upon his arrival to-
day began working for passage of his
nation wide prohibition and export
trade bills. He declared he did not be-
lieve the suffrage amendment would
be passed by the present House.
II have great hopes that my prohibi-
tion bill will pass" Mr. Webb said.
"Cndoubtedly the liquor question is
one OF the greatest issues now facing
this country-thc last election showed
that-and il is high time some addi-
tional Federal action was taken on il.
My hill would prohibit the manufac-
turc. transportation and Importation of
liquor for beverage purposes. 1t
would not interfere with using alcohol
for scientific. artistic or sacramental
purposes.
Will he reported at the coming ses-
sion. although have not sounded
members on their attitude since arriv-
ing here
PRESIDENTS PLANS AS