Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1919-05-19
CONGRESS ASSEMBLIES
IN AN T SESSION
Continued From Page ~

as they came to the vice presidents
desk in tours. In the house, where
there were a greater number of new
members, it took longer. All the Re
publican senators were present; four
Democrats were absent.
In the house a flood of bills re-
lating to scores of subjects were
tossed into a great waste basket pro-
vided for the occasion. AS expected,
a large number Of them proposed re-
peal of war taxes n return of pub
lie utilities taken over by the gpvern-
ment.
Before adjourning, which was on a
resolution of respect for the late Rep
resentative Burnett of Alabama, the
senate designated Senators Lodge and
Martin as a committee to communi-
cate to the president that it was ready
for business, and abandoning the pre-
arranged plan not to meet again until
Thursday. voted to assemble tomor-
row so that President Wilson'S mes
sage may be heard at the same time
it is being read in the house.
Washington, May 1s.-The Re
construction" congress, assembling In
extraordinary session today, marks
the return to power of the Republi-
can and the loss by the Democrats of
control over the national legislative
body. Organization Of both senate
and house by the new majority vas
today's principal business.
The immediate work before the
congress, h e 66th.. Of the American
seven regular annual appropriation
bills which failed in the .flibuster last
March. After that will come consid-
Grafton of the peace treaty and coven-
ant of the League of Nations. and
railroad, shipping, revenue, woman
suffrage, prohibition, army and navy
and much other legislation. Many in
vestigations, particularly into war ae-
t~ivities, also are expected.
The Republicans today for the frst
time since 1911 had majorities in both
branches of congress as a result of the
congressional elections last Novem-
Der. In the house they have a mar
gin of two score votes but in the SEN
ate their majority is only two, rails
ing questions, in view of factional and
other differences. Of future action.
With President Wilson a Democrat,
the change in political complexion Of
congress presented a situation similar
to that during the last two ears Of
President Taft's administration, when
there was a democratic house, and to
President Cleveland's administration,
in which there was a Republican con-
gress.
Inc senate mas ~ Republicans dnQ
'47 Democrats. The new house roll
lists 23s Republicans, 1S9 Democrats,
2 independents, l Prohibitiontst, 1
Socialist and four vacancies Gall in
democratic districts). a total of 435.
The house division gives the Republic
cans a majority of 46 over the Demo-
Gratis and 80 over all combined oppo-
sition.
May Exercise Power.
Republican action promises, how
ever, to be restrained by President
Wilson's veto power as a two-thirds
vote is necessary to override a veto.
Cooperation between administration
officials and the Republicans is ex-
pected on uncontested matters.
Assembling of the new congress was
marked by the establishment of more
precedents. It was the first time that
congress had convened with a presi-
dent in Europe and his opening
message cabled from foreign soil. The
message was not to be sent to con-
gress until tomorrow, however, and II
probably will make no reference tc
the peace treaty as Mr.. Wilson expects
to appear personally to present thu
!; treaty ext month.
The session beginning today was
expected to run virtually to the tirne
for the regular December session