The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-06-25
Lower Body Passes Fortifi- cations Bill Without Rec
 ord Vote
SUNDRY CIVIL BILL IS
 APPROVED IN SENATE
Upper Branch of Congress Will Now Begin Consideration of Twelve Billion-Dollar Apporpria-
 ton for the Army

Washington, June 24--Rapid prog ress in the disposition of war appro- priation measures was made today by Congress. After only five hours de- bate the House passed without rec ord vote the s5,40S, 100000 Notifications bill, while the Senate approved and sent to conference the $2,500, ,000,000 sundry civil measure and then bega@ consideration of the $12,000,00O,0O0 army appropriation bill
 The Notifications measure, which now goes to the Senate. will provide funds for carrying out the war de- partment's plan to furnish the Amer ican army with artillery equipment which will surpass that of any army in the world. 1t also carries appropria- tions for aerial defenses and for am intuition for both home and overseas use.
 Nearly two billions of the money car ried in the sundry civil bill is for the building of ships to carry troops and supplies to France, the number inclId ing 90 new troopships. Included iil the measure also are appropriations for the food and fuel administrations the committee on public information anu OLnGT war aS6nc1eS.
 When the Senate took up the army bill. Senator Fall offered an amend ment to the measure extending tte army draft age from IS to 45 years. The amendment, which is similar to bill by Senator France now before tine Senate military committee, went over until tomorrow without discussion.
 Presentation of the amendment is ex- pected to bring to vote at this ses- eli nf Nov tending the draft ages. which has been agitated recently. Provost Marshal General Crowder has told the Sonata military committee that such exten- sion was necessary to furnish the man power in the war on Germany and Secretary Baker has announced he will offer no opposition if Congress de. cides to act at this time
 Unless the administration takes inn mediate action, however, Senate lead CTS believe the Fall amendment will be defeated. Even some of those favoring extension of the draft ages believe action should be deferred while the question is studied at greater length, and many members of both houses are opposed to extending the limit below 21.
 Leaders of both the Senate and House were so encouraged by progress today on war measures that they hoped to bring about the midsummer recess sooner than planned and also expected. to be able to extend the vacation time Instead of remaining in session until about July 10 and returning after three weeks to receive the new revenue Dill from the House ways and means committee, some leaders tonight thought Congress might finish pending business next week and have a recess of six weeks. until August 12
 It was agreed informally that an effort would be made to pass all the appropriation bills this week, leaving conference reports and miscellaneous matters for final disposition next week, either before or after July 4. The Sen ate expected to vote on the army bill Wednesday or Thursday and then to take up the Notifications measure the other war appropriation bill now pend ing.