The public ledger., 1917-01-22
Congressional
''''''-''''' LEADERS
Plan Big Stick Drive for This Week
House and Senate Forces to
Concentrate on Legislative
Business With Leak
Probe Transferred.

Washington, January 21-With the
peace note leak investigation trans
ferred to New York administration
]. leaders in Congress are breathing
sighs of relief because the attention
of members generally now can be con-
scentrated upon the clogged legisla-
tive program. House and Senate lead
ers are just as anxious as President
Wilson over the press of important
business remaining on the calendar
with the session half over and there
is no secret made of the fact that all
of them earnestly desire to avoid an
extra session of the Sixth-fifth Con-
gress, If it possibly can be done.
Tomorrow responding to the Presi-
dents personal appeal for action at
this session on important legislative
proposals, the steering committee OF
the Senate will meet to arrange
program for the remainder of the ses-
sion, and for longer day and pOssi-
bly, night sessions. A caucus of Demo-
cratic senators will be called later in
the week to ratify the steering COM
mlttee Suggestions.
Railroad Legislation to Front
Democratic leaders agree that some
sort of railroad labor legislation
should be enacted and this subject
be given the right of way over pend
ing water power legislation before
many days. The Senate Interstate
Commerce Committee is expected to
meet early in the week and Senator
Newlands, disappointed at the refusal
Of the committee to recommend a
strike prevention measure, will en-
deavor to maneuver the President s
bill into position for reconsideration.
Even if another vote is had on the
subject, opponents of the bill think
the committee will not change its at
titude.
Before the House Interstate Com
merce Committee, the hearing of la
Dor organization proposals of Repre-
sentative Adamson will continue. Not
Withstanding the Presidents insist
ence on such legislation, the prospect
for its enactment grows less probable
as the time for adjournment ap-
proaches.
Senate Leadership in Doubt
In addition to the press of legisla-
tive business there is spirited con-
test just now among Democratic SEN
ators over the majority leadership to
be relinquished by Senator Kern
March 4. When the new Senate meets
in extraordinary session Immediately
after adjournment to pass upon the
Presidents cabinet the selection of a
new leader probably will be pressed
real contest between southern and
western Democrats has been simmer
ing for several weeks. Senator Walsh
Of Montana, is the candidate of the
westerners for the leadership and
Senator Martin, of Virginia, the choice
Of the southerners.
Revenue legislation soon will be be-
fore the House for action. The reve-
nue. program, shaped by the Demo-
Gratis Of the ways and means commit
tee, who will report to the House af-
ter submission Of the new bill to the
Republican minority of the committee
provides for $2S9,0000O0 in bond is
sues to meet preparedness and other
expenses, and for the raising of $780,
100000 by an eight per cent tax on ex-
cess profits of business and by an in
crease of approximately so per cent in
the Inheritance tax rate.
The House will have another fight
early this week over the river and
harbors appropriation bill.