The Cambria Freeman

The Work of Congress.

The newspapers seem determined to have an extra session of Congress. They insist that the internal tax laws ought to be repealed, that there ought to be laws passed providing for coast defenses and various measures which Congress has not apparently regarded as important ought to be adopted.

In order that these matters may be considered, it is suggested that a special session be called on or immediately following the 4th of March.

It is true that in the hurry of the closing sessions some important legislation will fail. It is equally true that some pending measures will fail which do not deserve to pass, and the hurry of the closing hours is to be thanked for it.

Among bills of such character are all those providing for coast defenses. Anything that contemplates coast defenses other than the ships for the navy, floating batteries and torpedo boats should be defeated.

The fact is there is nothing essential in the legislation uncompleted, except the necessary appropriation bills. If the House and Senate are able to agree upon these important measures, there will be no trouble.

The governmental departments must be kept in order, but there is no necessity for other matters. Therefore, if Congress will devote itself to the work that is essential, to the end that none such will go over, there will be no need of an extra session, even if some pet schemes fail.—Harrisburg Patriot.