New Britain herald., 1917-12-03
Second SESSION
DURING WAR
congressman Will Be Kept Busy
in Washington Until Autumn
SEVERAL BILLS INTRODUCED

Several Petitions Asking for Removal
Of Senator LaFouette Given to
Committee for Alleged Disloyalty in
ST. Louis Speech in September.
Washington, Dec. 3.-The Sixty
fifth congress reconvened today for
It's second and "long" session, with
the leaders prepared to stay here un-
til next autumn.
AS in the special war session, which
ended October 6, prosecution Of the
war is the principal task facing the
legislators. Today's one~'ro -oeeting
was, as usual, brief and perfunctory,
aCcolnpanleu Dy urulnary s--.4.s I'll d
new Observation-Disclosures and other
felicitations. with well-flled galleries
and much hustle and confusion. After
appointment of committees by both
bodies to notify President Wilson and
each other of their presence for duty
and fixing their daily meeting hour at
IL o'clock, the senate and house ad-
journed until tomorrow out of respect
to members who died during the re-
cess-Senator Husting, of Wisconsin,
and Representative Martin, of ILL.,
nois.
Arrangements will be made tomor-
row for joint session, probably We'd
nesday, to hear President Wilson de-
liver his address, expected to largely
define the legislative program.
Organization of both senate and
house under democratic control hav-
ing been effected at the special ses-
sion, both bodies were ready to plunge
into the mass of waiting business. Leg
islation, however is not expected to
get into full swing until next month.
after the Christmas recess, although
there Is some agitation to forego the
holiday.
Tomorrow will come the initial
flood of bills, resolutions and petitions.
Among the latter are many petitions
accumulated during the recess, de-
manding the expulsion of Senator La
Toilette, of Wisconsin, for alleged dis
loyalty. His speech last September at
ST. Paul, Mimi, was considered today
by the senate privileges and elections
committee in connection with a sub
committees investigation.
General miscellaneous legislation is
to come Immediately before congress-
possibly including some measures af-
fecting this country's course in the
among returning members for declar-
atiOns of war against Germany's al
lies-Austria- Hungary, Turkey and
Bulgaria. Congress is expected, how
ever, to follow the views Of the presi-
dent in this re~pect.
Appropriation measures will re-
quir e much time. Fourteen general
and probably several special supply
bills for the fiscal year beginning
July 1, 1918, as we'll as estimates of
additional money for present war
needs, are to be considered, probably
imme tely after New Years. Two
bills. the legislative. executive and ju-
dicial and District of Columbia
measures already are under prepara-
ton.
With 1880, 100000 already ap-
propriated for the present fiscal years
needs, many members believe that
with forthcoming appropriations, the
fifty-billion-mark may be reached for
two years of war.
New war revenue legislation is not
scheduled for active consideration for
month or more A deficit Of
$3,906,00O, 900 in this years expendi-
lures remains to be provided for.
Political affairs will come in for
much consideration during the session,
with considerable speechmaking, in
view of general congressional cleo
tions next fall at which thirty-two
senators, nineteen democrats and thir-
teen republicans, and the entire house
membership are to be chosen. Many
members believe political campaign
necessities may shorten the session.
The democrats start the session in
control of both senate and house with
So democratic senators against 43 re-
publicans, with one seat-Senator
Husting' 's-vacant. In the house the
democrats have PIG members, the re-
publicans 213, with five Independents
and one seat vacant.
Several new members Joined the
house today, Representative Lufkin,
republican, of the sixth Massachusetts
district succeeding Augustus P Gard
ner, republican, who resigned; Repre-
sentative Deshlin, democrat, of the
twenty eighth Pennsylvania district,
succeeding former Representative
Bleakley, republican, who resigned,
and Representative Merritt, republi-
can, of the fourth Connecticut, sue
ceeding Representative Ebenezer Hill,
republican, deceased.
Important war legislation expected
to come before the present session
includes measures to give the presi-
dent further authority, especially over
enemy aliens. Senator Chamberlain's
bill for universal military training,
and measures to meet labor condi-
tions.
Chief among domestic concerns are
CONTINUED on Fifth Page.)