The Oskaloosa herald., 1917-12-06
CONGRESS IS IN
SESSION TODAY
MUCH IMPORTANT LEGISLATION
rs, IN, PROSPECT.
may HOLD TILL END OF WAR
Tax and Revenue Problems to be
Solved. Woman's Suffrage, Nation
al Prohibition Amendments
and other Affairs.

Washington, DecS-Both the house
and the cenate win the War Con
gress convened on the stroke Of
twelve at noon today. with the first
call up for appropriations totaline
$13,504, 1898
Tuesday President Wilson will deli
yer his message, sounding such action
which he believes is necessary for the
calling of America into victory in her
war for democracy.
In preenting the message the pres
ident will appear before joint session
for the first time since his declaration
of war against the Kaiser.
Since that time the first American
blood has been shed in France and
the United States has assumed DOM
nation of position in council of her
allies.
Both Houses Adjourn
Adjournment was taken by both
houses Immediately after all off the
preliminaries had been disposed off
to await the Presidents message.
Members of both the House and the
Senate are anxious TO increase their
determination to wage war to victory
for the people back home.
The president is not expected TO
ask for a declaration against Ger
many's allies, but the sentiment ON
Austrit appears to be growing today.
Favors Declaration of War.
Senator Stone of the foreign rela-
tions committee has already gone on
record as favpring a declaration of
war with Austria, but Senator Lodge
and ranking member of the foreign
relations committee is not in favor
Of declaration.
Sir George Reid, former premier of
Australia and former member of the
British parliament, has a seat on the
senate floor today as guest of Sena-
tor Hitchcock of Nebraska.
Prayers For Victory.
Prayers for victory were openly Of
fered by both houses. In the open
ing prayer of the senate Rev Pretty
man. the senate chaplain, said:
I'VE face the mightiest task this
government or any other has faced in
generations. And we thank Thee
that we have taken our place on the
side of and in behalf of the brother
hood of nations and peace throughout
the world"
For the first time in two sessions
Senator Nathan Goff of West Viz
ginio answered roll call. Illness pre-
vented him from attending the special
session.
He was roundly greeted when he an
swered to his name.
Many Important Questions.
Washington, Dec. 3.-Congress re-
assembled today with war problems
before it which probably will keep it
in session until Septembet or October
Leaders expect these results:
Declaration of war on Austria.
New and more radical war profits
taxes. .......-
Action on proposed dry" and WON
an suffrage amendments to the nation
al constitution.
War expenses for maintaining and
improving the military efforts will ag-
gregate s14,357, 1885,, 900 for the year
ending June 30, 1919 according to the
estimates submitted to Congress by
Secretary of the Treasurer William
McAdoo today.
This is at the rate Of practically
$37,O00,O0O a day.
Will Build Tanks.
Realizing the value of the tanks
which were thrown against the Ger
mans by the British soldiers the Unit
ed States proposed to spend $4,000
~ in the construction of these land
dreadnaughts.
To enable America to gain suprem-
acy of the air S1,126,294,260 is asked
to carry out the governments pro-
gram. OF this 1902 .294.260 is to be
spent on the army aviation corps and
S14 ,O00, 900 on the navy.
WOULD BUY HORSES.
That the administration is looking
forward to the opening fighting in the
use of the cavalry they have proposed
$2S5.00O,O00 with which to purchase
cavalry horses.
The navy department plans to spend
$25 600 900 additional in the complet
ion of torpedo boats and destroyers
which were previously authorized.
Ship, Building Program.
Twenty million dollars towards the
armor and armament for vessels has
already been aupthorized and s32.397,
5000 for the completion Of the submar
ines which have already been author
lied
Secretary Daniels did not ask fol
any more war ships in addition to
those which were authorized at the
last Congress.
For the building of cargo ships the
government intends to spend 1893.
5l7,500. This was $49,00O.00O more
than was sought for the present year
Long Session Expected.
There is general recognition thai
- - ..<.x,