Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-10-11
LaFOllette Defends His Recent
Utterances in Three-HOur
Speech and Senators Kellogg,
Robinson and Fall Tell the
Wisconsin Statesman What
They Think of Him-Presi-
dent Wilson Praises Senate
and House for Their Effective
Work.

Washington. Oct. THE special war
<esson OF the 65th Congress, one of the
most important in the history of the
United States. came to an end at three
o'clock Saturday afternoon. This ses-
sion. which began on April o the day
President Wilson delivered his war ad
dress, lasted 1s9 days. In that time
legislation involving new and vital prin-
ciples and the expenditure of billions of
dollars was eracted. Congress will re-
assemble in regular session in December.
Aside from the speech of Senator La
Toilette. defending himself from having
made dsoyal utterances in an address
in St. Paul, and critical responses by
Senators Kellogg, Robinson and Fall, the
Senate's closing scenes were without I'M
usual incident. In the house nothing
occurred to stir the tired members to
any degree of animation. Altogether,
considering the Importance of the war
session, it was a tame ending.
The galleries of both houses were
crowded throughout the day. President
Wilson went to the Capitol TO sign 11th-
hour bills and resolutions. and held a
reception in the Presidents room just
outside the Senate chamber. Bureau
chiefs Of the war department. all in uni
form. We're present when he signed the
soldiers and sailors insurance measure
that will give these chiefs the higher
rank Of maior-general.
GENERAL" PERSHING NOW.
The Senate in the closing hours con-
firmed the nominations of Major-General
Pershing, in command Of the American
expeditionary forces in France, and
Major-Gen. Tasker H. Bliss chief Of the
army general staff, to the rank of gen
eral, which they will hold for the period
of their present assignment.
These brigadier-generals were confirm.
ed at the same time to be major-gen-
erals: Henry P Mccain. adjutant-gen.
eral; John l.. Chamberlain, inspector
general; Enoch H. Crowder, judge -advo.
cate; w. H. Black, chief of engineers
William Crozer. chief Of ordnance
George O. Squier, chief of signal service
and Frank II. Mcintyre, chief of the
bureau of insular affairs.
The largest appropriation measure ir
the history of the United States became
law when President Wilson signed the
urgent deficiency bill carrying SITES, 124 900
principally for war purposes. The trad
ing with the enemy act was among thu
many measures which the Presiden
signed.
PRAISE FROM THE PRESIDENT.
Shortly before adjournment both House
heard the following message from Presi
dent Wilson:
1.-THE needs of the army and navy hav
been met in a way that assures tn,
effectiveness of American arms. and tn
war-makng branch of the government
has been abundanty equipped with tn
powers that We're necessary to make tn
action OF the nation effective.
THE 65th Congress, now adjourning, de
serves the gratitude and appreciation o
n people whose will and purpose I believ
1t has faithfully expressed. One canno
examine the record of it's action withou
being impressed by it's completeness, it
courage. and its full comprehension of
great task.
81 believe that it has also in equal de
gree, and as far as possible in the fac
of war, safeguarded the rights of tn
people and kept in mind the considers
tions of social justice SO often obscure
In this hasty establishments Of such
I crisis
at seems to me that the work of tn
remarkable session mas not only bee
| done-thcroughly. but that II has ais
been done with the utmos, dispatch po.
sible in the circumstances or consisteI
with full consideration of the exceed
ingly critical matters dealt with. Be-
| of all, 1t has left no doubt as to the spi,
has affirmed them as loyalty and as on
phattcally as ou. fine soldiers VIII AFR
them on the firing line
LAFOLLETTS DEFENSE
Senator LaFollette. facing the possibil
of expulsion on charges of disloyalty, 4
fled hig critics In two-hcur speech
the Sanate. He argued that he was wit
IN hin constitutional rights in criticism
the policy Of the government, and at
time sought % withdraw or palliate {
remarks which impelled the Minneso
public safety committee and thousan
Of other citizens to petition for his e
pulsion from the Senate. The speech of t
accused senator and replies made by Sc
ators Kellogg OF Minnesota. Robinson
Arkansas and Fall of New Mexico CO
sumed nearly the entire five hours of I
closing session OF this epochal .Congre
THE PRESIDENT HEARS.
The scene In the Senate was dramat
The galleries were crowded Preside
Wilson and many military leaders we
within hearing distance most of the aft
noon. President Wilson came to the Capt
to be present for the signing of bills on I
last day and. In his private room just OF