The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1917-12-04
Merely Routine Matters Oc-
cupy Lawmakers During
Perfunctory Day.
PRESIDENT DELIVERS
HIS MESSAGE TODAY
Suffrage and Prohibition
Amendments Will Get
Early Attention.

Washington, Dec. 3-Congress i!
ready to take up again it's part in thu
prosecution of the war.
The second session of the SiXty-fiftf
congress began today at noon will
brief routine sessions marked by the
receipt Of appropriation estimates fol
next years war and ordinary expenses
aggregating the vast sum of $l3,500,-
900, 900.
Tomorrow the senate and house meet
in joint session at 1890 y. m, to hear
President Wilson deliver his annual
address. Guidance of the president in
the work ahead is awaited by tacit
agreement. Congressional leaders to-
night admitted that his recommenda =
tions, awaited with profound interest
by the world. virtually would outline
the sessions program.
Where Interest Centers.
Speculation as to the nature of the
presidents address centers largely
upon the question whether he will rec
ommend declarations of war by the
United States against Germany's allies.
General belief is that he will not, at
least for the present and that congress
will follow his desires. Sentiment for
such action is widespread, however,
and individual members probably will
introduce war resolutions. One or
two senators We're prepared today to
offer such resolutions. but We're pre-
vailed upon to withhold them.
A spirit of confidence apparently
pervades congress. Returning men,
hers exchanged views with declarations
of increased determination to lend
every aid in vigorous conduct of the
war. The leaders predicted that leg
islaton would be confined largely to
war measures, as the president is un-
derstood to desire. Senator Martin,
Democratic leader in the senate said
there would be little time for other
than war problems and Representative
kitchin, the house floor leader an
nonncep after informal conferences
with colleagues, that he was disposed
to favor the plan The understand
ing. however, is that the first few
weeks of the session, until after the
holiday recess at least. will he open to
general legislation.
Suffrage. Prohibition.
The house judiciary committee meets
tomorrow and as consideration of ma
tional prohibition and woman suffrage
measures was postponed at the last
session on the basis of action at this
session, the disposition of many of the
committeeman is to vote on them now,
one way or the other.
4 wartime aspect was given to-
days sessions by the presence of many
uniformed men among spectators in
the crowded galleries. and of women
busily plying knitting needles during
the opening ceremonies.
Senate proceedings were unusually
brief. After adoption of routine reso-
lutions the senate adjourned out of
respect to the hate 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. The usual crop of
bills, resolutions and petitions was re-
ceived in the house, including a reso-
luton by Representative Martin of
Louisiana, proposing congressional in
Vestigation of the sugar shortage.
Fitzgerald to Resign.
Representative John X. Fitzgerald of
Brooklyn, n. ", chairman of the i'm
portant house appropriations commit
tee, prominent Democratic reader and
member of congress of IS years serv-
ice, announced late today his intention
to resign, effective December 81, to re-
sumo the practice of law. His success
sor to head the appropriations commit
tee probably will be Representative
SwaSar Sherley of Louisville, KY,
ranking Democratic committeeman.
Little business this week is planned
by senate and house leaders as the
leaders and committee chairmen want
an opportunity to confer and discuss
procedure.