The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1917-10-19


session because 1t 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
by the allied governments, and the
special representatives Of Great Brit
ain, France, Belgium, Italy, Russia and
Japan addressed both houses. Invi-
tations of the British and French gov
ernments to have the United States
send a congressional mission across
the Atlantic to see war conditions and
cooperate with the interparliamentary
congress were rejected.
important Measures Passed.
Following is a list OF the most Inn
portant measures passed by congress:
Resolution declaring a state OF wal
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 vas 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 ever offered either
In this or any other congress.
General deficiency appropriation act,
appropriating $163, 841, 4OO. 80, of which
$1OO,OOO,OO WIS for the national Sc
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 Sc
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 $3,OO7,-
O63,945.46 for establishing credits in
the United States for foreign govern
ments by purchase of bonds of our al
lies and expenses incident to prepara-
ton and issue of bonds and certifi-
NeSNo1 liC oouC VI u
amounting to $ 5.O63, 945, AGO, Of which
$3,OOO,OOO,OO is for meeting the loans
authorized to foreign governments,
$1,000, 100000 to meet domestic ex-
penditures, and 500 ,945, AGO to redeem
the three per CEN loan and also au-
thorizes $1,000, OOO, 900 Of one year GER
tifcates Of an Indebtedness tempo
rarily to provide revenue.
Huge Military Expansion.
Act authorizing n additional mid
shipman for each senator, representa-
tive and delegate In congress.
Act appropriating $273. O48 1892 50
for the support Of the army for the
fiscal year 1918.
Act authorizing the president to in
crease temporarily the military estab-
lishment Of the United States. This
act authorized q selective draft Of
1,W.OOO,OOO men and contains other i'm
portant legislative features pertain
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 OF subject Of
any nation with which the United
States may be ut war.
Act to increase temporarily the COM
missioned and warrant and enlisted
strength of the navy and Marine corps
from $1,000 to 10000 men, In the
first instance. and from 17,4OO to 3d.
600, in the second.
Act appropriating $1,344, S96.18 for
the support of the military academy
for the fiscal year 1913 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 car service, and for
other purposes.
Act amending the war risk insur-
ance act and appropriating $40. 10000
to insure vessels and their cargoes ands
connected Herewith.
Act appropriating $147, 1863, 92S.77 for
the sundry civil expenses Of the gov
eminent for the fiscal year 1918.
Act authorizing the issue to states
and territories and the District Of CO.
lumbia OF rifles and other property for
the equipment Of organization Of home
guards.
Act appropriating 1921, O94,5 41 go
for the military and naval establish
ments on account Of the war expenses.
Up to time this was the largest ap-
preparation act known to this or any
other. country. Among other things 1t
appropriated $4O5. 900, 700 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-
ceedings of lands for military pur-
pOSpQ.