The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1934-01-11
CONGRESS HEADING
TOWARD HOT FIGHTS
ON SEVERAL issues
Half a Dozen Controversies
Loom as Lawmakers Set
tie Down to Work
PRESIDENT FACES TEST
Republicans Protest Gag Rule
Which Limits Debate on
Economy Law

Washington, Jan. l1.-(P)-An inn
minent disruption Of the smooth SAIL
ing that has marked the present ses-
sion Thursday appeared inevitable as
congress headed directly toward the
rocks Of half dozen controversies.
Most indications. however, were
that the Roosevelt program would
ride through safely on the surge Of
the heavy Democratic majorities.
The presidents control Of the
house Thursday came to direct test
in q situation that mean success or
failure for his plan to continue the
economy law for another fiscal year.
Democratic leaders planned to have
the vote under what the Republican
minority termed q drastic gag rule. "
In the senate preparation was made
to begin debate on Roosevelt'S pro-
posal for immediate ratification of
the st. Lawrence waterway pact.
Here an even closer test of his
strength impended. Opponents claim
ed sufficient votes to defeat approval.
Proponents asserted they could mus
ter the necessary two-thirds.
Meanwhile an airing Of the Russian
recognition situation was indicated in
the senate. Two Republicans voted
in committee against the confirma-
ton Of william G. Bullitt as ambas-
sador.
Opposition Muttering
Mutterings OF opposition were
heard also to the presidents proposal
for federal guarantee of $4,000, 000,-
900 In farm bonds. Even opponents.
however. conceded quick passage was
assured.
In the background all the time
were rumblings against the proposed
treatment Of veterans, plans for a
commission to supervise all commune
cations, patronage and the admins
tration's sizeable budget.
In Thursdays house consideration
Of the $3.50, 900 900 independent offices
supply bill, the issue was clear in the
minds Of both Democratic and Re-
publican members-"Shall the presi-
dents request for extension Of the
economy act and l0-per-cent fed
eral pay cut until June 80, 1885, be
granted?"
It was the first major instance In
this week-old session when Demo-
Gratis had been told they could vote
for their president or against him.
That they would support him was
indicated by vote Of 26l to liz on a
point Of order raised by Rep. Smell.
IN. Y, Rep.), as the debate opened.
Smell appealed from a ruling Of
Speaker Rainey and lost to the huge
Democratic majority.
Recedes From Liquor Action
Meanwhile the senate receded from
It's action Of Wednesday In adding to
the liquor tax bill provision for
countries In default on the
war debts. The vote Wednesday was
40 to 80 but after President Roose-
welt expressed disapproyal Of the
the bill was called back
and the amendment stricken out, a
to 80.
Senators Nye and Frazier, North
Dakota, voted for the amendment
both times
The senate Thursday passed unani-
the johnson bill to prohibit
financial transactions ~ private or
any foreign government
in default on its obligation to the
United States.
The bill, introduced last session by
Senator johnson (Rep.. Calif.), fixes
a fine Of $4,000 and imprisonment
for five years for anyone purchasing
or selling the bonds, securities, or
other obligations Of any foreign gov
eminent issued hereafter or to make
any loan to such foreign government
or subdivision thereof, while such gov
eminent Is In default in the payment
Of its debts. either In whole or in part,
% the United States.
The bill now goes to the house.