Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-02-08
ACTIVITIES OF
OUR LAWMAKERS
At WASHINGTON
Sweeping Provisions for Com
Wandering Vessels and Other
Shipping Facilities in Case of
War Contained in New Senate
Bill-Giyes President In
creased Powers.

WASHINGTON, Feb THE dav in CON
greSS was as follows
Senate Met at 1l:U a. m,
Senator Works spoke In opposition to
President Wilson's course in SevcTiug dip
lomatic relations with Germany.
Commerce committee began considering
amendments to the shipping law
Finance committee began considering
amendments to the shipping Law.
Finance committee continued considera-
ton of emergency revenue bill
After five hours debate passed by "A vote
of &c to 8, Senator Stones resolution ap-
proving the Presidents course in break
ing relations with Germany
Debated annual agricultural appropria-
ton bill
Adjourned at $50 p. m. to 100 a m.
Thursday.
HnuSe-Met at noon
Conridcred miscellaneous bills on the
calendar.
Adopted conference report on fortinca-
ton appropriations bill.
Passed Heating resolution requesting
the President for information rega riding
discrimination against women in govern
ment examinations and appointments.
Reconvcned at 500 p. m. and considered
miscellaneous business.
Adjourned at 1910 D. M to 100 4. m
Thursday.
Washington. Feb. 7.-Swcopiug bro
visions for Communicating vessels and
other shipping facilities in case of war
or threatened war are contained in a
bill introduced in both Senate and
House to-day and backed by a request
from the administration that it be
pressed to immediate passage.
The President would be authorized
under the bill to take over in time OF
war or any proclaimed national emcrg-
gency, any vessel owned by a citizen
or by a corporation organized in the
United States: any vessel building here
registered under the America flag.
leased or chartered by the federal ship
ping board,
PROHIBITS FOREIGN TRANSFERS.
A provision would prohibit sale of
American vessels to foreigners on their
transfer to for, gn flags in time Of
emergency.
The bill was drawn up after a confer
ence last night between Secretary Nc
AdOo, Chairman Denman of the ship
ping board and members of Congress
To-day it was given approval by Presi-
dent Wilson and the full membership OF
the board.
1t contains a provision that the prop
erty may he seized without notice II the
President considers the emergency war
rants it. though the federal government
later shall pay for it a price to be deter
| mined by appraisers
In Joint statement tonight outlining
the purposes OF the bill. Senator Fletche!
and Representative Alexander declared II
essential that such powers be possessed
, by the gove'-, nent prior to the opening
Of hostilities. and even when, as now
there is great doubt as to the possibility
Of hostilities. in order that the nator
may be ready for any emergency ever
| though the chances OF a peaceful solu
| ton outweigh those OF a more seriou:
, outcome"
| BILL AGAINST CONSPIRATORS.
| Durinr the day a bill which might clea,
up some OF the uncertainties regarding
! the status Of warbound vessels in Ameri
can ports was favorably reported by th'
House judiciary committee II woulC
| regulate the conduct OF vessels in Unite,
! States ports and waters and empower tn,
| President to put guards on them or TAXI
possession of them and remove their Of
| ticers and crew. in event OF war o.
threatened war. 1t prohibits use of an!
craft, foreign or domestic, as a resort ~
conspirators against the United State
under penalty Of forfeiture Of the vesse
and maximum penalty Of $4,000 fine. tw'
years Imprisonment. or both for its of
iicers il they knowingly permit sucl
| use.