Jasper County Democrat, Volume 17, Number 96, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 March 1915 — THE SIXTY-THIRD CONGRESS. [ARTICLE]

THE SIXTY-THIRD CONGRESS.

With the adjournment yesterday a notable congress passed into history. It has not done many things, but those that it has done are of the greatest importance. Probably the most important of all is the new banking and currency law. On the whole, it has been favorably received, and the general impression is that it will prove most helpful. Even those who think that it is far from the ideal best, admit that it is an improveihent on the old system. For years the need for reform had been recognized, and many plans had been considered. Undoubtedly the investigations and reports that had been made were of great assistance to the framers of the law that is now in force. But the chief credit must, of course, go to the president and the democratic congress. Whether the new tariff will yield sufficient revenue in normal times is yet to be seen. But here again the tariff bill was honestly constructed in accordance with a theory that was fairly well lived up to. It was, too, made by congress and not by interested lobbyists. That there was a general and widespread dahand for an income tax every one knows. That demand has - been met. We doubt whether there is any considerable objection to the principle underlying the income tax, though there has been. much criticism of the present law. Doubtless as the people get used to it they will have less difficult}’ in complying with its provisions.

The trust legislation is, of course, extremely important. Two laws were passed in aid of the Sherman antitrust law’, the Clayton act prescribing punishment for those who violate business regulations, and the trade commission law defining unfair practices. This last constitutes a radical departure—or at least a broad extension of the powers of government. The trade commission is a sort of supervisor of business in general. The purpose back of the legislation was to make it possible for business men to know what is and what is not legal, so as to avoid the delay and the expense of court proceedings. Here again the country will have to wait for results. One thing, however, is clear, and that is that in both the banking legislation and the trust legislation everything depends on the character and capacity of the men in authority. It might be possible for a foolish trade- commission to inflict untold harm on the business of the country.

These are the great achieveijieiits of the' sixty-third congress. In addition we have the law repealing the toll exemption clause of the canal act; the law authorizing the construction of a railroad—by the government—in Alaska, arid the law admitting foreign built ships to American registry. In the last hours the seaman’s bill was passed, as was also a resolution giving the president power to enforce the neutrality laws in certain cases. On the whole, it must be said that the congress that adjourned yesterday has shown an honest desire and made an earnest effort to serve the country.—lndianapolis News.