The Elbert County tribune., 1917-10-12
LA Toilette REBukED|
sixTy-FIFTH cokoREss END .
RECORD sEssIoN.
Enacted Many Measures and Voted
$21 600. .oo0, 900 for First Year Of
War Without Dissenting Vote.

Washington.-In the midst Of a
days thrilling debate on alleged dis
loyalty of Senator LaFollette. the ex-
traordinary session OF Congress which
began April 2. generally regarded as
the most momentous In American his
tory, was adjourned sine die at 8 p. IN.
Oct. 8.
Vehement criticisms of the Wiscon-
sin senator and his own defense, oc-
cupying virtually the entire day.
marked the close Of the session, with
other customary adjournment and leg
islative procedure. including Presi-
dent Wilson's attendance at the capi-
tol. The usual eleventh hour grist OF
legislation was put through, following
six months of important Wal action,
and most of the members who had
remained for the final days were en-
route home to await the call of the
next session Dec. 8.
With the galleries crowded the Sen
ate chamber was the scene of five
hours stirring discussion of Senator
LaFollette's attitude. but the in House
there was little to mark the occasion
except submission of committee re-
port censuring Representative Heflin
OF Alabama, for criticising fellow men,
bers in connection with Count Won
Bernstorffs request for Berlin to fur
nish funds to influence Congress.
The day began with a three-hour
speech by Senator LaFollette. With
out mentioning his recent address at
st. Paul for investigation of which
arrangements were completed by a
subcommittee, or naming his critics,
Mr.. LaFollette read carefully pre-
pared defense of his course and de-
clared his intention to follow it in
future. He was interrupted only once
and was applauded by the galleries
when he closed.
Senators Kellogg of Minnesota, and
Fall Of New Mexico, Republicans, and
Robinson OF Arkansas. Democrat, re-
piled with criticism Of Mr.. LaFollette's
public statements. They denounced
what they termed his unpatriotic
stand. Senator Robinson asserting If
he held such opinions he would seek
place in the German Bundesrath.
Statements accredited to the Wiscon-
sin member in his st. Paul speech
were flatly contradicted, especially
that regarding former Secretary Of
State Bryan's knowledge of an nmuni-
ton being on the Lusitania before she
sailed on her fatal voyage.
Apparently stung by the criticisms,
Senator LaFollette made an unsuccess-
full effort to get time for response.
He succeeded. however, in stating he
wished to make known authority for
his declaration regarding the Lusi-
tania and announced he would issue a
public statement.
Figures for the session include: To-
tai appropriations and authorization,
$21. $3.50. 100000.
Total revenue provided by bonds
and taxation, $19, ,4O3. 100000.
Loans authorized to allies, $1,000.
900 900.
Money provided for the army, ss.-
000, 200. 900.
Money provided for the navy, ST.
75O. 100000.
New taxes imposed. $2.535, 100000.
The bill giving life insurance and
disability allowances to American sol
diers and sailors was signed by Pres
ident Wilson.
The trading with the enemy act
was also among the many measures
which the Pr sident had signed before
adjournment.
AS the President left the capitol II
was stated that all the bills passed
had been signed and none given the
veto.
The largest appropriation measure
in the history of the United States
became law when President Wilson
signed the urgent deficiency bill car
rying 1000, principally for
war purposes.
In open session Just before adjourn
ment the Senate confirmed the nomi
nations of Major Generals Pershine
and Bliss for promotion to the full
grade of general.