The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1916-09-15
CONGRESS ENDS
TRYING SESSION
One of Most TrOubIous in U. S.
History.
COSTLY, ACHIEVED RESULTS
Appropriations Close To Two Billion
Dollars; Not All Due To
Preparedness LeeIs-
Iation.

Washington. The frat session Of the
Sixty-fourth Congress. was concerned
chiefly with national defense.
When the gayel fell Congress had
directed reorganization and re-equip-
ment Of the army and navy at the
unprecedented cost of $685., 100000 with
authorizations that will increase the
total in three years to nearly $780,
100000 With all other expenditures,
appropriations were brought to the
grand total Of 1857. 583,682, the great
est aggregate in the country's history.
Expenditures, necessitated by pre-
paredness and by military forces to
meet the Mexican emergency de-
manded revenue legislation in the
closing days of the session. Congress
responded by doubling the normal tax
on incomes, creating an inheritance
tax, munitions tax and miscellaneous
excise taxes to raise sos. 100000 and
by directing sale of $130,000,000 Pana-
ma canal bonds.
Was Troublous Session.
The session was disturbed through
out by frequently recurring threats
of foreign complications from the Eu-
ropean war and imminence at one
time Of diplomatic break with Ger
Z many; interference with American
mails and commerce, invasion of
American soil and killing of Amer
leans by Mexican bandits, and dan
ger of actual war with Mexico.
Later in the session trouble arose
in the Senate over the nomination of
Louis d. Brandeis as member of
the Supreme Court Weeks of inves-
tigation and deliberationi by the Ju-
dietary Committee ended in confirma-
ton Of Mr.. Brandeis by a large ma
jority.
n>the week before adjournment Con-
gress was occupied with legislation
which prevented a threatened nation
wide railroad strike President Wilson
submitted the controversy to Congress,
recommending legislation to avert the
strike and to prevent such future emer-
gencies After week of consideration
hour day as basis for pay Of railroad
workers.
Important Achievements
Most important legislative enact
ments Of the session, exclusive of laws
for national defense, included the fol-
lowing:
Government Ship Law-Appropriat-
ing $50,00o,000 to operate ships in for
eign and coastwise trade when unable
to lease them to individuals or pri-
vate corporations.
Child Labor Law-Denying inter-
state commerce to products Of mines
and quarries employing children I'M
der 16 years Of age and of factories,
mills. canneries and other establish
ments employing children under "A
years.
Rural Credits Law Establishing
farm loan board in control of sys-
tenn of farm loan mortgage banks.
Workmen's Compensation Law-Pro-
viding uniform sick and accident bene-
hts for employees Of the Federal Gov
eminent and benefits to dependents in
case Of death.
Emergency Revenue Law-Providing
for doubling the normal income tax
on the lowest class; making an addi-
tional surtax ranging from / per cent
on that portion Of incomes exceeding
$4,000 to 13 per cent. on amount Of
incomes in excess Of $4,000, 600; levy
ing graduated tax Of ! to 10 per cent
on inheritances ranging from $4,000
70 $5,000.000; 10 per cent net profit
tax on manufacturers Of munitions, S
per cent net profit tax on manufac-
tuners of materials entering into NUM-
tions' a license tax on actually in
vested capital stock of corporations
capitalized at more than $99, 900; wine
beer and liquor excise taxes and mis-
cellaneous stamp taxes.
Good Roads Law-Providing for CO.
operative Federal aid to the States
Tor construction of highways and ap-
propriating $75.0oo.OoO to be spent in
five years.
Postal Savings Law-Amendment in
creasing the amount which individuals
may deposit from $500 to $1,000 with
interest and an additional $1,000 With
out interest.
Federal Reserve-Amendments In
GLIDING amendment to the Clayton anti
trust law permitting officers and direc-
tors of member banks to become officers
and directors Of not more than two
other non-competing banks; amend
ments permitting national banks to es-
tab,ish foreign branches, liberalizing
regulations for discounting commercial
paper and permitting members Of banks
In towns of 5000 or less population
to act as agents for insurance com.
panies.
Railroad Legislation.
Railroad EightHour Day LAVE Els
tablishing eight hours as the standard
for reckoning the compensation OF rail.