The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1917-01-01
CONGRESS FACES
Big PROBLEM
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both houses and many general legis-
lative measures that long have been
awaiting action. AS less than two
months remain in the life Of the pres
ent session, administration leaders re-
turning from the holiday vacation are
inclined to view the legislative ac-
emulation with despair and to fear
that an extra session of the new and
politically somewhat uncertain con-
gress, will be demanded.
President Wilson's action on Satur-
day in again emphasizing his earnest
desire for railroad strike prevention
legislation by visit to Senator New
lands at the capitol. served to quicken
already intense interest in the subject.
Interest, however, is not one-sided
and strong opposition in both houses
to the measure which would make
railroad strikes illegal pending extern
sive official investigation gives as
surance of keen legislative contest
with the result in doubt. d..
Senator Newlands, who as chairman
Of the interstate commerce committee
is leading the fight for the presidents
railroad program, already has declared
IhdI lILC 10 VI 6uhlIACl( Iu1OOIG-
ance to warrant an extra session if 1t
cannot be settled before March 1.
Tuesday morning hearings before
the interstate commerce committee
will begin on the railroad legislative
recommendations. especially the strike
prevention and the arbitration bill.
The other overshadowing problem
before congress. the revenue producing
necessity. will be taken up by the ways
and means committee Immediately.
For many days administration
leaders and treasury officials have
been studying revenue raising possi-
bilities and many suggestions will be
submitted to the committee. Among
them are a proposed increase in the
normal income tax, restoration Of tar
If duties on wool, rubber and coffee,
Increased liquor and other internal
revenue taxes. horizontal customs in
creases and many other proposals.
The committee will endeavor to work
out the problem while other legisIa-
ton is being disposed of and uIti-
mate revenue action probably will be
the last work before the March adj
journment.
The house still has nine big ap-
preparation bills including the supply
measures for the reconstructed army
and navy and the senate has thirteen
appropriation bills to dispose of. Both
houses are expected to plunge into
this work Immediately. The immigra-
ton conference report awaits action,
vocational educational bill and many
conservation measures are pending. A
corrupt practices bill, now being re-
constructed in the senate subcommit-
tee on privileges and elections is to
be pressed and proposed. suffrage and
prohibition constitutional amendments
must be disposed of one way or an
other.
Besides these are Investigations
threatened into phases Of the recent
election, inquiry is being urged into
an alleged leak Of advice information
on the presidents recent peace note.
Still another important measure
which the president is urging is the
Webb bill to permit domestic corpor-
atoms to maintain collective selling
agencies abroad. On this measure the
senate committee on interstate COM
merce has set a hearing for next Fri
day. There is opposition to the meas
ure in the senate and time is certain
to be demanded to discuss 1t.
All these things serve to clog the
business calendar for the brief time
which is at the disposal of congress
and leaders may be compelled to
make up a preferential calendar be-
fore many days. They already are
considering holding regular night ses-
sions in both houses.