The Washington herald., 1916-12-05
CONGRESS HEARS
THE PRESIDENTS
MESSAGE TODAY
Short Session Opens with
Transaction of Routine
Business.
LIVING COST ASSAILED
Railroad Problems Most Urgently
Pressed. but Measures to Lower
Food Prices Pour In.

President Wilson will deliver his meg
sage to Congress in person at o'clock
today before a joint session Of the Senate
and House OF Representatives.
At yesterdays opening of Congress lit
tie more than routine business Incident
to the beginning of a new session was
transacted. Shortly after Congress met
at noon a recess was taken by both
bodies until O'Clock At s:12 the Senate
adjourned until noon today, and the
House took similar action a few minutes
later.
walked to his desk, raped the House to
order, and the legislative machinery Of
the lower branch of Congress was set in
motion. There was hearty handclspping
In Mr.. Clark's honor from all parts of
the House.
The blind chaplain. Rev. Henry n.
Couden. delivered an invocation. The
Speaker then ordered the roll called by
States
The Senate opening was marked by un-
usual simplicity. The galleries were
filled, but not crowded.
Both the House and Senate adopted
resolutions to meet at noon until further
notice.
After concurring in the House resoiu-
ton to meet in Joint session today TO
hear the Presidents message the Senate
adjourned out of respect to the late Sen
ator James P. Clarke, Of Arkansas, late
president protein OF the Senate. who
died during the fall recess
Difficult Tnsks Await
The session which began yesterday
faces legislative tasks which only unpre-
cedented speed and herculean effort can
conclude before March g.
The major tasks to be undertaken al
this short session OF Congress are:
Enactment into law OF railroad Iegisla-
tion advocated by President Wilson at
the last session
., Passing 2, q. 8, appropriation SIN tUt.Hns
Army and navy legislation, TIE estE-
mates calling for nearly half the huge
total
In addition, Developments yesterday IN
sured hit fight by many members to
effect an embargo on food and for other
measures designed to reduce the high
cost Of living.
Leaders OF both House ana Senate.
realizing the necessity Of the utmost
speeo in order to get through the mass
or proposed legislation before Congress
adjourns. will buckle down to work i'm.
mediately after the delivery of the Pres
ident's message today.
There will be little chance for consider
alton Of the District of Columbia. out
side OF the District appropriation bill, sts
the present session. All efforts will he
bent toward prompt passage Of the sup
ply bills and consideration Of legislation
70 be recommended by the President in
his message.
Fitzgerald Embargo Bill.
bitter fight for legislative action
against the high cost OF living began
just as soon as Congress met YESTERDAY
Representative Fitzgerald fired the open-
ing gun by introducing bills to place an
embargo on exports Of food products 10
regulate the transportation Of cold stor-
age foods, and to enlarge the scona OF
the parcel post regulations as applied
to handling Of farm products,
Already there is the widest diversi,,,
OF opinion and strong opposition 10 an
embargo as a solution of the high cost
CONTINUED ON PAGE POUR.