New-York tribune., 1918-07-15
Congress Virtually
I'm r eces S After
Mome11tous Session
Exodus From Washington
On as Lawmakers Start
Vacations

WASHINGTON, July 14.-Thc exodus
of Congressman from Washington for
a summer vacation was in full swing
to-day. Most Senator'S departed under
the agreement made Yesterday to sus-
pend important business until August
"a, although a few remain to hold
perfunctory sessions Mondays and
thursdays each week, as required by
law, while many Representative left
town IN anticipation of formal agree
ment by the House tomorrow for a
similar vacation until August 19.
In preparing for their brief rest
leaders viewed with satisfaction the
record of the legislation made since
the second session of the Goth. or
war Congress-" began, December 8,
1917; Beginning with adoption of the
resolution TOR declaration of war on
Hungary on December 7, the
record is considered remarkable in
view of the unprecedented Importance
OIL most OF the problems presented
Much Left To Be Done
A final cleanup Of minor odds and
ENDS Of Legislation awaits both Senate
and House at their sessions tomorrow.
The lower body plans to pass the S28.-
eoo,Oo0 agricultural appropriation bill
with the $40 wheat price amendment.
which caused the President to veto the
amendment, eliminated, but it is ex-
nected to postpone water power de-
velopment legislation until August 19,
with privileged status given it there
after until the new revenue bill is pre-
sented.
Drafting of the revenue measure will
De begun tomorrow by the House
Ways, and Means Committee behind
tation to the House Immediately after
the three-day recess period ends, and
during the vacation period Senate Mill
tary sub committees also will proceed
with their army inquiries, while con-
ferrees on a few measures in confer
ence, including the oil land leasing bill,
will meet.
Radical Laws Enacted
In addition to the war resolution and
appropriation bills totalling billions of
dollars the principle measures enacted
at this session of Congress we're:
TO place railroads under govern
ment control during the war.
Authorizing the President TO con-
troll telegraph, telephones, cable and
radio lines until peace is declared.
Creating war finance CORPORATION
with funds to aid the government and
private business during the war.
Extending espionage and sedition
laws.
The Overman bill. giving the Prcsi-
dent authority to reorganize and CO.
ordinate government departments.
Extending the draft law to youths
attaining their majority and also to
subjects of the Allies and certain
neutrals.
Authorizing an additional sS,00O,-
100000 in Liberty bonds.
in addition TO these measures, Con-
gress also adopted the resolution sub.
mitung to the states proposed ma
tlonal prohibition amendment to the
Federal Constitution, while the House
adopted and the Senate is expected to
act soon after the holiday on that for a
similar woman suffrage amendment.
Five times thus far during the ses-
sion President Wilson has addressed
the Senate and House in joint session
on December d. TO recommend war with
Austria; on January s and again on
february IL, regarding peace problems;
on January 4, to recommend Federal
control of railroads. and on Nav q. to
nave Congress remain in session and
proceed with new war revenue lerisla-
ton, now being framed by the House
Ways and Means Committee.
Alinor business before Congress in
Guided the housing programme, extend
ing the Alien Property Custodian's
powers, tho daylight saving law, enact
ment of the soldiers and sailors civil
rights bin and the Webb exporters
combination measure.
Investigations were made OF army and
navy activities, aircraft production. the
coal and sugar situations and ship