The Monticellonian., 1917-10-19

l mann, 10 De brlgadief general. Ac- ton was blocked until the December session because il was charged he ut tered prO-German sentiments.
 An unprecedented feature of the session was the reception of the spe- cial missions sent to the United States i by the allied governments, and the | special representatives of Great Brit ain France. Belgium, Italy, Russia and l Japan addressed both houses. Tnvi- tations of the British and French gov 1 ernments to have the United States send a congressional mission across l the Atlantic to see war conditions and cooperate with the interparliamentary congress were rejected. important Measures Passed. Following is a list of the most im- portant measures passed by congress: Resolution declaring a state of war exists between the imperial German government and the government and | the people of the United States and making provision to prosecute the same.
 On April 2 the resolution for war against Germany WAS introduced in the house and on April 6, or four days after the assembling of congress, the president attached his signature to the measure. No delay was involved in the passage of this resolution, perhaps the most important eyer offered either in this or any other congress.
 General deficiency appropriation act, appropriating $163. .841 .40o.52, of which S100,000.o00 was for the national se- curity and defense and for each and every purpose connected with the war.
 Act authorizing an issue of bonds to meet expenditures for the national se- curity and defense and for the pur- post of assisting in the prosecution of the war and to extend credit to for eign governments and for other -pur- poses. This act appropriated $3007,- 063, ,945.46 for establishing credits in the United States for foreign govern mentS by purchase Of bonds of our al- lies and expenses incident to prepara- tion and issue of bonds and certifi- cateS; authorizes the issue of bonds | amounting to S5,063, ,945, ,460, of which S3.o00,00000o Is for meeting the loans | authorized to foreign governments, $2,000 100000 to meet domestic ex- penditures. and S63 3.945 460 to redeem the three per cent loan and also au- thorizes S2,000.000000 of one year cer- titicates of an indebtedness tempo rarily to provide revenue.
 Huge Military Expansion.
 Act authorizing one additional mid shipman for each senator, representa- tive and delegate in congress. Act appropriating $273046, ,332.50 for the support of the army for the fiscal year 191S
 Act authorizing the president to in- crease temporarily the military estab- lishment of the United States. This act authorized selectiye draft of l 1,00,000o00 men and contains other im- portant legislative features pertain 1 ing to the army.
 Resolution authorizing the president to take over for the United States any vessel owned in whole or in part by any corporation. citizen or subject of any nation with which the United States may be at war.
 Act to increase temporarily the com missioned and warrant and enlisted strength of the navy and Marine corps from S7000 to 10000 men, in the first instance, and from 17,400 to 30,- GOO, in the second.
 Act appropriating S1,344 S96.1S for the support of the military academy for the fiscal year 1918 and for other purposes.
 Largest Single Grant in History.
 Act to amend an act entitled An Act to Regulate Commerce., as amend ed. in respect of ear service. and for other purposes.
 Act amending the war risk insur- ance act and appropriating $45,150000 to insure vessels and their cargoes and expenses connected herewith.
 Act appropriating $147 ,363 .92S.Ti7 for the sundry civil expenses of the gov ernment for the fiscal year 1918.
 Act authorizing the issue to states and territories and the District of Co ]
 lumbla of rifles and other property for the equipment of organization of home 1 guards.
 Act appropriating S3,2S1 ,o94 541 60 for the military and naval establish ments on account of the war expenses. i Up to time this was the largest ap- propriation act known to this or any other country. Among other things it appropriated S4o5 100000 for an emer- gency shipping fund with which to be- gin construction of the greatest mer- chant fleet the world has ever known.
 Act to punish acts of interference with foreign relations. the neutrality and the foreign commerce of the Unit ed States, to punish espionage and better enforce the criminal laws of the United States.
 Conservation Bills Passed.
 Act authorizing condemnation pro eeedings of lands for military pur- 1 poses.
 Act appropriating S640000O0o to in- crease temporarily the signal corps of the army and to purchase, manufac- ture. maintain. repair and operate air ships.
 Act authorizing the United States to l take possession of site fer use for