New-York tribune., 1918-01-07
Both Commerce Commit
tees to Take Up Admin
istration Bill To-day
Resume Ship Inquiry
Senate to Reopen La Toilette
Case, With Bryan as
Witness

WASHINGTON, Jan. 6.~Legislation
asked by President Wilson in connec-
tion with government operation Of the
nations railroads heads the pro-
gramme of Congress this week.
Interstate commerce committees Of
the Senate and House meet tomorrow
to begin consideration Of the admins
tratons railroad bill and the member
ship of both bodies appear desirous of
its early disposal.
The Senate committee tomorrow
will hear prominent railroad execu-
tves, and the House committee meets
to map out programme and decide
whether hearings will be held. Repre-
sentative Sims, chairman, and other
members of the committee are inclined
to favor hearings and they may ask
Secretary McAdoo to take charge of
testimony for the government.
Other important legislation also is
in the making for early consideration
at the Capitol.
Smith May Be Chairman
The Senate Democratic steering
committee meets tomorrow to map
out programme and also to fill the
vacant Craftsmanship of the interstate
commerce committee. The leaders gen.
orally expect the selection of Senator
Smith, of South Carolina, over Sen
ator Pomcrene, of Ohio.
Woman suffrage is to be settled in
the House next Thursday, when vote
on the resolution for submission Of
, the Susan B. Anthony amendment to
the Constitution is scheduled. The re
suit is in doubt. with very close vote
expected Hearings on the resolution
will be closed tomorrow by the new
House suffrage committee. The prin-
cipal business before the Senate this
week is disposal tomorrow of the
Walsh Pittman coal and oil leasing
bill, designed to open up vast West
crn natural resources.
Various Investigations Of war opera
tions will continue, and on Tuesday
the Senate privileges and elections
committee will resume consideration
of Senator La Follette's alleged dis
loyal St. Paul speech and make plans
to begin hearings, probably with
former Secretary Bryan as the first
witness.
The war inquiry of the Senate Mill
tary Committee will continue to-mor-
row with further investigation of
clothing conditions and the House
Naval Committee will resume eXami-
nation of Navy Department heads
Conclusion Of the army inquiry late
this week or early next week is
planned by the Senate Committee, so
that it can present its report and press
the bill for new department of NUM-
tions and other proposed legislation.
Resume Shipping Inquiry
Investigation of the delay in con-
structing merchant ships will be re.
sumed Tuesday by the Senate Com.
merce Committee. with Edward F
Carry, director of oreratons of the
government Shipping Board, testify
ing. The coal and sugar shortage in
quries of the Senate Manufacturers
| Committee will continue Several i'm
portant witnesses are to be heard.
The Rules Committee of the House
is preparing to take up the President.
proposal for the creation Of a specia
House committee to have sole juris
diction over water power legislation
so that the draft Of bill, prepared
under the direction of Secretarie:
Lane, Baker and Houston may be
rushed through the House and put be
! fore the Senate.