The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1916-09-14
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 Legis.
Iatlon.


siIty-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., 1000, 600 with
authorizations that will increase the
total In three years 10 nearly $780,
100000. With all other expenditures,
appropriations were brought TO the
grand total OF 1885,, ,5S3, $50, the great
est aggregate In the country's history.
Expenditures, neoessitated by pre-
psredness and by military forces to
meet the Mexican emergency de-
manded revenue legislation in the
closing days CT the session. Congress
responded by doubling the normal tax
on incomes. creating an inheritance
tax, munitions tax and miscellaneous
excise taxes to raise S2O5. 100000 and
by directing sale of sl3OOOO.OO0 Pana-
ma canal bonds.
Was Troubious Session,
The session was disturbed through
cut by frequently recurring threats
Of foreign complications from the Eu-
ropean war and imminence at one
time Of a diplomatic break with Ger
many; interference with American
malls 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. Brandels as member OF
the Supreme Court Weeks Of inves-
ligatiOn and deliberation by the Ju-
dietary Committee ended In conhrma.
ton Of Mr. Brandels by a large ma
iority
In the week before adjournment Cen
gress vas occupied with legislation
which prevented a threatened nation
vide railroad strike. President Wilson
flbmitted the controversy to Congress,
recommending legislation 10 avert the
strike and to prevent such future emer-
gencies. After a week OF consideration
& bin was passed 10 establish an eight.
hour day as a 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 100000 to operate ships in for.
eign and coastwise trade when unable
TO lease them 10 individuals or pri-
yate corporations.
Child Labor Denying inter
state commerce TO products OF mines
and quarries employing children un-
der 16 years Of age and Of factories,
mills. canneries and other establish
ments employing children under a
years.
Rural Credits Establishing a
farm lean board in control OF sys-
tenn OF farm loan mortgage banks.
Workmen's Compensation Law-Pro-
yiding uniform sick and accident bene-
ats for employees OF the Federal Gov
srnment and benefits 10 dependents IN
case Of death
Emergency Revenue Law-Proyiding
for doubling the normal income tax
on the lowest class; making an add.
tlonal surtax ranging from / per cent.
on that portion OF incomes exceeding
$4,000 10 l3 per cent. on amount Of
Incomes In excess OF 100000; levy
ing a graduated tax Cf / 10 10 per cent.
on inheritances ranging from $4,000
70 100000; a 10 per cent net profit
tax on manufacturers OF munitions, 5
per cent net profit tax on manufac.
turers Of materials entering into muni-
tions; a license tax on actually in
vested capital stock OF corporations
capitalized at more than $4,000; wine
beer and liquor excise taxes and mis-
cellaneous stamp taXes
Good Roads Law-Proyiding for CO
operative Federal aid 10 the States
for construction OF highways and ap.
propriating s75,OOO.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.
Guiding amendment to the Clayton anti
trust law permitting officers and direc-
trrs OF member banks TO become officers
and directors OF not more than two
other ncn.competing banks: amend