Honolulu star-bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1912-2010, 1917-12-21
rHy ASScctatsd Press

AS IN me > pecan War ScSSlOn' " iS II
ended Oct n. prosecution OF the war
is the principal task facing the legis-
lators Todays opening meeting was
as usual brief and pertunrtOrN. accom-.
panied by the ordinary scenes OF a
new Notwithstanding and other
fluctuations with we'll filed galleries
and much hustle and confusion. After
appointment Of committees BY both
bodies to notify President Wilson and
each other of their presence for duty
and fixing their daily meeting hour at
- O'Clock. the senate and house ad-
jouYned until tomorrow ont OF respect
TO members who died during the re,
cess Senator Husting OF Wisconsin
and Representative Martin of Illinois.
ORGANIZATION OF both senate and
house under Democratic control hay
ing been effected at the special SEES
sion, both bodies we're ready TO plunge
into the mass of waiting business.
LEGISLATION. however. is not expected
to get into full swing until next
month, after the Christmas recess, al
though there is some agitation to
forego the holiday.
General miscellaneous legislation ie
to come Immediately before congress,
possibly including some measures at
fecting this Country's course in the
war in view OF widespread sentiment
among returning members for decla'
rations OF war against Germany's al
lies. Austria Hungary, Turkey and Bull
garIa. Congress expected, however,
to follow the views OF the President in
this respect.
Appropriation measures will require
much time. Fourteen general and
probably several special supply bills
for the fiscal year beginning July !,
1918, as we'll as estimates of additional
money for present war needs, are to
be considered. probably Immediately
after New Years. Two bills, the
legislative, executive and judicial and
District of Columbia measures, al,
ready are under preparation.
With $2l,390, 100000 already appro
priated for the present fiscal year
needs. many members believe that.
with forthcoming appropriations, the
$4,000, 900 900 mark may be reached
for two years of war.
New war revenue legislation is not
scheduled for active consideration for
a month or more. A deficit of $685.
0Oo. 900 in this years expenditures re-
mains to be provided for.
Political affairs will come in for
much consideration during the session,
with considerable speechmaking, in
view of general congressional elec'
tions next fall, at which thirty-two
senators, nineteen Democrats and
thirteen Republicans. and the entire
house membership are to be chosen.
Many members believe political CAM
psign necessities may shorten the ses'
sion.
The Democrats start the session in
contract of both Senate and House,
with 50 Democratic senators against
43 Republicans, with one seat-Sen-
ator Husting s-vacant. In the house
the Democrats have PIC members. the
Republicans 213, with five indepen-
dents and one seat vacant.
Many New Members
Several new members have Joined
the house, Representative Lufkin, Re-
publican, of the sixth Massachusetts,
district, succeeding Augustus P. Gard
ner, Republican, who resigned; Repre-
sentative Deshlin; Democrat, Of the
Pennsylvania district,
former Representative
Republican, who resigned,
and Representative Merritt, Republi-
can. of the fourth Connecticut, sue
ceeding Representative Ebenezer Hill,
deceased.
Important war legislation expected
to come before the present session in
cludes measures to give the president
further authority. especially over
enemy aliens. Senator Chamberlain !
bill for universal military training. !
and measures to meet labor condi- !
tions.
Chief among domestic concerns are
prohibition and woman suffrage. Sen.
stor Sheppard's proposed constitu-
tional amendment, whose submission |
was approved August by the senate
while both bodies will be urged to
approve submission Of the so-called
Susan B. Anthony amendment fol- |
equal suffrage, which has been favor. !
ably reported to the senate calendar !
Speaker Clark soon will appoint a !
chairman for the new special house
on woman suffrage
Important general legislation pend ,
ing because Of its exclusion from the
last special war session are the Webb
bill permitting exporters to combine
in foreign trade, which has twice
passed the house and is the senate's
business; the Shields
development bill; the
Pittman oil and coal land leas.
ing measure, and the Colombian
treaty, proposing payment OF 5000 J
900 to Colombia.
The administration soldiers and
sailors civil rights bill, which passed
the house last session but failed to
get through the senate. soon will be
taken up by the senate judiciary com /
mittee. 1t operates in the nature Of !
suspending court pro-
cesses against members of the Amer
lean military forces. Other unfinish- +,
ed war legislation includes Senator
Chamberlain's resolution to subject
aliens to the draft; Senator Calder's
bill for daylight saving and expedi-
tious naturalization of aliens. and Sen
ator POmerene's bills to enforce gov
eminent control C iron and steel pro-