The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-12-04
CONGRESS WATTS
DECLARATION Of E.
WILSON SPOl|CY
Interest in Today's Message Gen.
tiers in Course Toward Ger
man Allies.
BODY PERVADED BY
CONFIDENT SPIRIT
War Budget of Thirteen and Half
Billions Awaits Congression
al Approval.

Washington, Dec. 4.-Congress is
ready to take up again its part in the
prosecution of the war.
The second session OF the sixty-tifth
congress began today at noon with
brief routine sessions marked by the
receipt of appropriation estimates tot
next years war and ordinary expenses
aggregating the vast sum of $780,
UCu,0OO
Tomorrow the senate and house
meet in joint session at 1890 p. III.
to hear President Wilson deliver his
annual address
Guidance CT the President i'll the
work ahead is awaited by tacit agree
Anent. Congressional leader, tonight
admitted that his recommendations,
awaited with profound interest by the
world, virtually would outline the
sessions program.
The German Allies.
Speculation as to the nature OF the
Presidents address centers largely
upon the question whether he will
recommend declarations OF war by the
United States against Germany's al
lies. General belief is that he will
not, at least for the present, and that
congress will follow his desires. Sen
timent for such action is widespread,
however, and individual members
probably viii introduce war resolu-
tiCns One or two senators were pre-
pared today to offer such resolutions,
but were prevailed upon to withhold
them.
So|ons Show Confidence.
A spirit of confidence apparently
pervades congress. Returning men,
bers exchanged views with declara-
lions of increased determination to
lend any aid in vigorous conduct Of
the, war. The leaders predicted that
legislation would be confined largely
to war measures, as the president is
understood to desire. Senator, Mar
tin, democratic leader in the senate;
said there would be little time for
other than war problems, and Repre-
sentative Kitchin, the house floor
leader, announced after informal con-
terences with his colleagues. that he
was disposed to favor the plan. The
however, is that the
first few weeks of the session, until
after the holiday recess at least, will
be open to general legislation.
Prohibition and Suffrage.
The house judiciary committee
meets tomorrow and as consideration
OF national prohibition and woman
suffrage measures was postponed at
the last session on the basis of action
many of the committeeman is to vote
on them now, one way or the other
=, A wartime aspect was given today's
sessions by the presence of many uni
formed men among spectators in the
crowded galleries, and of women bus
ilv nlving knitting needles during the
opening ceremonies.
Senate proceedings were unusually
brief. After adoption of routine
resolutions, the senate adjourned out
OF respect to the late senator Husting
Of Wisconsin. The house remained in
session until the joint committee ap-
pointed to notify President Wilson of
the return of congress reported, and
then passed the resolution for tomOr-
rows joint session. Tho usual crop
Of bills, resolutions and petitions was
received in the house, including res
olutiOn by Representative Martin of
ouisiana proposing congressional in
vestigatiOn Of the sugar shortage.
Fitzgerald to Resign.
Representative John X. Fitzgerald
Of Brooklyn. N. Y, chairman Of the
important house appropriations com
nlttee, prominent democratice leader,
and member of eighteen years SER
vice, announced late today his inten-
ton to resign effective Dec. 81 to re-
sumo the practice of law. His sue
cessor to head the appropriations COM
mittee probably will be Repres enta-
tive Swager Sherley of Louisville, KY,
ranking democrat committeeman.
Little business this week is plan
ned by senate AMI house leaders as
the leaders and committee chairmen
want an opportunity to confer and
discuss procedure.