Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-06-02
CONGRESS SQUIRMS
FROM UNDER LASH
Shows Signs of Baking at
Wilson Flogging for
War Bills
ABSOLUTISM IS FEARED
WASHINGTON June 2.

WASHINGTON. June 2.
The tendency of Congress to delegate ab-
solute and dictatorial powers to the Pres
ident during the war period is disappearing
A strong reaction has set in, manifesting
itself in a growing opposition to the fur
ther transfer Of the legislative functions to
the executive branch Of the Government.
Here are some of the signs of the PEN
dulums backward swing:
The slashing Of $500, ,OOO, 900 from the
war revenue bill over the Adminlstra-
tion's direct protest.
The killing Of the censorship provision
of the espionage bill despite the Presi-
dents insstence.
The revolt on the Democratic side
against the Administration preferential
routing bill called disguised anti
strike" measure.
The refusal OF the House conferees to
accept the Senates S750,O00,000 shipping
provision in the army and navy war
budget
The growing sentiment against the
establishment of food dictatorship dur
ing the war period
This does not mean necessarily that Con-
gress will refuse or fail to back the Presi-
dent to the limit in the prosecution Of the
war. but rather that II will insist on having
its SAY" about the conduct Of the Govern
ment during the war
FEAR ABsoLUTIsM
There is an increasing fear in both houses
and in both parties in Congress that some
Of the "absolutism" now being conferred
upon the Administration in the form of war
power may be retained after peace is de-
clared and that 1t may be difficult to shake
off some OF the autocratic authority that
may be fastened upon the country while IL
is fighting Germany Much OF the legisla-
he m
of the war has been passed, and Congress is
going TO take its time and give more careful
consideration to the bills 1t passes here
after.
Many Senators and Representatives feel,
moreover, that Congress should stay in ses-
sion throughout the war period and, as a
result, they are not in any hurry to ring
the adjournment gong. For instance, the
Senate has been considering a minor food
bill more than ten days although those in
charge Of the measure predicted II would
be passed in a day.
The Senate Finance Committee is putting
the finishing touches to the war revenue
bill, having pruned II down to approxi-
mately 81. 500, 900 900, despite the objections
Of Secretary Of the Treasury McAdoo, who
wanted $500, 100000.
STRIKE BILL CONTEST
Senator Hollis of New Hampshire, was
ready today to launch vigorous fight
against the so-called preferential bill, which
many members Of Congress suspect Of being
an anti-strike bill under new alias and in
a new makeup.
The censorship provision is dead as a
doornail. II will be officially Inferred by
the confeTees on the espionage bill. Shorn
Of this contested section, the bill probably
will be agreed to now without much fur
ther objection.
The army and navy war budget, carrying
about ss,S40. 900 900 Is back again in con-
ference where further efforts will be made
today to bring about an agreement over
the section authorizing a $3.50 ,OOO, 900 ex-
penditure for shipping and making the
President virtually the shipping dictator OF
the United StateA