The Washington times., 1920-01-05
CONGRESS IS !.
BACK ON lob
Domestic Legislation to Take
Precedence, With Early
Treaty Action Promised.
Congress- reconvened today after

congress reconVened To-Day ditef
oliday recess to take up a full
!. !endar Of domestic legislation and
with the settlement Of the peace
treaty question promised by the
Senate leaders in the "near future" /"
Having been delayed in the con-
alteration of domestic economic
questions by the peace treaty de-
bate in the Senate, the Republican
majority will set out to clear the
slate OF the pending domestic legis-
lstion before the national conven-
ticns, ~
Water Power Taken Up First.
The nrst business taken up In the
Senate was the water power bill,
which was made unfinished business
before the recess adjournment two
weeks ago. When this Is passed the
Sterling espionage bill will be taken
np. II Is possible the consideration
or the treaty will break into the con-
alteration OF the other bills day by
day.
Senator Borah, Republican. of Idaho,
plans to oppose the Sterling bill pro-
Visions creating a peace time censor
ship OF publications. The bill gives
the Postmaster General power TO bar
from the mails all writings advocat-
ing the overthrow OF Government by
force
Senator Borah objects not to the
purpose OF the bill, but TO the un-
limited powers granted the Postmas-
Ter General to determine the exist
ence Of sedition.
AmericanIxation Bill Next.
~ Following the disposition of the
Sterling bill, the Kenyon Americaniza-
tion bill will be taken up. This bill
would compel the education of illit-
crate aliens.
Senator Jones. Republican, OF Wash
sngton, will take up his plan for the
creation of United States merchant
marine immediate The Commerce
Committee will hold further confer
snces on this bill during the month.
The Finance Committee will COM
plete legislation for the protection
Of the infant industries started dur
ing the war.
Hearings on the investigation of
the settlement of the recent coal
atrike In so far as possible in
creaee of coal prices to the con-
gunner ts concerned will be con-
tinued by Senator Frelinghuysen, Re-
publican. Of New Jersey, chairman of
The committee.
Investigation of the activities of
"Ambe ssador'' Martens, representing
the Russian soviet government in the
United States, will be started when
Senator Noses, Republican, of New
Hampshire, returns to Washington
sext week
The Watson special committee in
Veetisating alleged "red" influence in
the Federal Trade Commission will
be started according to Senator Wat
son. Republican, of Indiana.
Pisp short Work Of Berger.
Plans were In the making by House
leaders to make short work of the
Berger contest for a seat in the
House. Congressman Dallinger, Re-
publican, of Massachusetts,, Is expect
cd to present Immediately resolu-
ton declaring Berger ineligible to a
seat and to ask the House to adopt 1t
without delay. The right of Boden-
stab. his contestant in the Wisconsin
elections, TO seat in place of Berger
probably will be sent to a House COM
rl,ttee for investigation and report.
tpcCrs ng to Milwaukee dispatches
10th Berger and Bodenstab are ex-
pscipd 10 reach Washington some time
lCoag Ecrger Will present MS cre-
0entials of election at the special cleo
tion held in Milwaukee December 8,
and demand his oath of office be ad-
n1inistered. Bodenstab will present
r ia contest on the ground of the lat
ter's ineligibility as decided by the
House last Nivember. The ineligi-
biitay, which was based on charges
OF having given aid and comfort to
the enemy during the war with Ger
many, is a continuing one. Boden-
STAB claims, until removed by special
act OF Congress.
Urges Irish Recognition.
General Sherwood, veteran Con-
zressfnaD from the Toledo district,
Ohio. made a speech in the House
urging recognition of the Irish re-
Tublic and favorable action on reso-
luton authorizing the appointment
of an American minister and consuls
30 Ireland. He told of assistance
rendered the United States by Irish
men during the Revolutionary and
ciyn wars, and insisted it was the