New-York tribune., 1874-03-19
THE TRANSPORTATION QUESTION.

EEFCHEs IN THE HOUSE NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
TO THE MCRARY BHL-A NEW PLAN FOR REGU-
IATISG RAILROAD CHARGES SUBMITTED BY MR..
wooDwoRTH OF ONO.
lBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUSE1
WATIrNGToS, March 1S-The members Of the
House who did not 90 on the Pacific Mail excursion
spent the day in making listening to speeches on
Ge transportation question. notable feature OF
the DAYS debate was an able speech from Western
nan Mr. Willard of Michigan, in opposition to the
NeCRry bill. He did not believe that
Government Commission ought 10 be intrusted
With the power to fix rates on all the railroads
Of the country, or would exercise such
power in q way TO remedy the evils of which the
Eoducers Of the West complain. He maintained
that the only remedy for high charges was competi-
ton and made an argument in favor of the opening
d water lines from the West to the seaboard, which
Wa much the strongest presentation of that view
q the question that the House has heard during the
whole discussion. The particular projects which he
favored were the Niagara Ship Canal, the enlarge
nent Of the Erie Canal and the opening of water
i0ute between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi
Nr Donnan. who spoke afterward, also insisted
upon the duty of the Government TO open great lines
Of dVater communication. but supported the bill as
Necessary complement Of any measures for that pur
pose Without regulation by the Government the
railroads could he said, so discriminate in their
fharges that only a small portion Of the produce of
the West could have the benefit of the cheap trans
portatiOn by water. Mr.. WOodwOrth, new member
tOm Ohio, spoke in support of bill of his OVID,
Which is much more trencbant and far-reaching in
It's provisions than that of Mr.. McCrary. 1t creates
sfsilway bureau of five commissioners, but instead
ogying the commissioners arbitrary power to fix
fa,es it establishes uniform rule to govern them in
making schedules This rule is that the rates on all
unindebted roads shall be such as TO yield net
Profit Of ten per cent, and no more, on the actual
cost Of the roads and equipments; and on all roads
4 which are in debt for construction and equipment
The profit Is not TO exceed IS per cent, five per
cent OF which must be applied to the payment Of
the debt The Railway Bureau, instead of being a
body with legislative powers like Mr. McCrarys pro-
posed board Is hus made only the executive agent to
eforce uniform regulation, governing charges
Prescribed by Congress. Mr.. WoOdwOrth's bill per-
nts no appeal to the Courts from the rates pre-
hnbed by the Commissioners, and he argued in his
speech that that feature of Mr. McCrary's bill would
iesult in conflicting and unsatisfactory decisions.
hi' Ol applies TO fast freight and transportation
unes which do large part of the freight carrying
o. the country, and which are not included in Mr..
seCrary's bill Ii also prohibits railroad companies
uon owning lands beyond what Is required for
i0eii use and prohibits railroad directors aud officers
uOm organizing fast-freight lines.
a great many more speeches have been made IN
A'or otthe McCrary bill, thus far, than against 1t
'a' the indications gathered from the conversations
y prominent members are that it will not pass
INe class Of members who will vote against it be
'-ase they believe that il is either unwse uncon'
'u'uuonal OF both, for Congress TO legisate the
subject, will be reenforcedlby a numerous class who
e Slne they agree to the principle involved in the
''i and think Congressional interference with tic
.4'i"ay monopoly is demanded. are not willing tC
Nh ~ much power IN the hands OF i've Commis