Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-11-20
IMPORTANT DO|NGS
OF 66TH CONGRESS
Treaty, Dry Enforcement Act
and Suffrage Featured
Special Session
TEN APPROPRIATION BILLS
BY the Associated Press

sideration Of the treaty of Versailles
was the outstanding event of the first
session Of the Sixty sixth Congress
the first in six years in which Repub-
licans have controlled both branches.
much important legislation was com.
pleted and many other measures pre-
pared for disposal when the regular
meeting begins December 1.
The session closing today was an
extraordinary one, convened May 10
under a call cabled from Paris by
President Wilson, to consider primar-
fly the appropriation bills which failed
at the session ending last March 3.
Among the principal legislative
achievements were:
Submission Of the woman suffrage
constitutional amendment to the states
for ratification. The amendment reso-
luton was adopted, 304 to 80, by the
House as its first legislative act and
by the Senate, June 4, So to %.
The prohibition enforcement bill,
providing for enforcing wartime and
constitutional prohibition, passed over
President Wilson's veto.
The act repeating the daylight saving
law also passed over the Presidents
veto.
Providing for return Of telegraph,
telephone and cable wire lines to private
operation.
Continuing government control OF
dyes to January Is next.
Extension of the Lever food and fuel
control law to clothing and other nee
essaries and penalizing boarding and
profiteering.
Granting permanent rank to General
Pershing.
Army Put on Peace Basis
Providing for demobilizing the army
to u peace basis Of approximately 300,-
600 men, pending permanent peace
time legislation.
Authorizing completion of the govern
ment railroads in Alaska.
Continuing wart time passport re-
strictions so as to prevent an influx
Of radical aliens.
The French treaty providing an
American guarantee to assist France
in the event of unprovoked German
aggression was submitted to the Senate
by the President July 20 after demands
from Senate Republicans. but still re-
mains in the foreign relations commit
tee.
Another treaty, the Panama canal
payment of So. 900, 900 by the United
States. also remains in committee. 1t
was reported to the Senate, but later
withdrawn because of Colombian de-
crees regarded as inimical to American
interests.
Several important legislative meas
ures went over for final action at the
regular session. The oil, COAL gas and
phosphate land leasing bill was passed
by both bodies and remains in confer
ence. as does the Edge bill authorizing
organization of corporations to help
finance American export trade.
Appropriation Bills Passed
Ten appropriation bills, aggregating
about So 900 200 .00O also were passed.
They included $3.50. 900 900 for the
railroad administration. $772 900, 900
for the army, S616, 900 900 for the navy
and sundry civil budget of $613 ,000,-
900.
Numerous minor bills and resolutions
also were enacted, but no attempt was
made to pass over the Presidents veto
the Cummins bill to restore the prewnr
rate making powers of the Interstate
Commerce Commission.
The German treaty so engrossed Sen
nte attention that it shut off considera
tion Of much legislation. Senate dis
cussion of the treaty began May %. but
by President Wilson until July 10.
Committee hearings and consideration
required two months, the report with
fourteen reservations being made to
the Senate September 10,
Deliberations on the treaty evoked
one of the most bitter and prolonged
contests between Congress and the Pres
ident in American history. with the con
troversy conferred largely about the
league of nations covenant.
The Esch railroad bill passed the
House and will be taken up with the
Senate interstate commerce committee s
bill at the December session. The
House also passed and sent to the Sen
ate bills providing for development of
waterpowcr projects, for establishment
of federal budget system and provid-
ing permanent government shipping
policy.
Many Investigations in Congress
There were numerous Investigations
during the extra session. Beside the
House inquiries into aviation. ordnance.
contracts and other War Department
activities. the Senate investigated the
steel strike, Mexican situation, the coal
situation and other matters. The Sen
ate also authorized investigation Of the
print paper situation. but deferred the
inquiry until the new session.
Preliminary steps looking to revision
of tariff and internal revenue laws also
were taken, with general revision
planned during the regular session. Thu
effort to repeal war taxes on soft drinks
and other luxurics failed.
Permanent army legislation was ad-
vanccd both by the Senate and House
military committees, which compelled
hearings one peace time armament and
proposals and are prepared TO present
bills in the new session providing for
n permanent army of about 300 600
men as compared with the War Depart
ments request of 800 900.
Bills to increase pay of the navy per
sOnnel also are in readiness.
Controversies during the extra session
resulted from opposition to Senate con
firmation Of Attorney General Palmer
and Comptroller of Currency John
Skelton Williams. Tho former was con =
firmed, but the latter's nomination is
still pending.
The House refused to seat Repre-
sentative Victor Berger, Socialist, OF
Milwaukee, because of his attitude
during the war and ousted John T..
Fitzgerald, Democrat, of AIussachu
setts, whose election was contested by