New-York tribune., 1879-01-30
REGULATION or INLAND COMMERCE.


! ARGUMENTS ~ COMMITTEE FOR AND AGAINST TIE
REAGAg BILL
WASHINGTON, Jan. 29.-Thc hearing on the
House bill to regulate Interstate and to pre-
hibt unjust determinations by common carriers was
resumed tonight before tho Senate subcommittee on
Commerce.
Elisha G.. Patterson OF Pennsylvania, resumed his re-
marks from last Thursday In the interest OF the petro-
leum business, which, he said, was entitled
to the operation Of the law much as any
other property. He stated at length the facts
attending the combination of the various railroad
companies several years ago to control the petroleum
business all its branches, establishing rates OF trans
portaon TO SUIT themselves and enabling favorite per-
become rich by the allowance OF excessive draw
backs.
Mr. Enoch Tottcn of this city speaking for those
represented the Pennsylvania Railroad, asked for time
prepare arguments adverse to those which had been
urged in favor of the bill
Senator Spencer the chairman, asked how much tme
the gentleman wanted.
Mr.. Totten replied it would be impossible to complete
his preparation in less than ten days OF two weeks.
Captain Green, Of the Pennsylvania Railroad, SAID
that this company entitled to be heard. considering
the largo interests involved. He said that Colonel
Scott is absent from the country, and for him he could
say that the railroad interests and the kindred question
of TRANSPORTATION arc too important to be dis
posed of in i've ten minutes. The company
has object except to act justly toward 1900 share
holders many of them widows and orphans, who depend
on their Investments for their daily bread
1t was unknd TO suggest that even one
dollar which should go TO the shareholders
had gone into the pockets Of officers Of the company
The company, he said is absorbed in making Its
report time be to Harrisburg by the 31st OF
this month. moments time, therefore, cannot be
given TO the bill now before this committee.
Mr.. Patterson said that the Reagan bill was submitted
70 600, bpfo 10
Europe Colonel Scott heartily approved of it, and said
be would advocate it, passage This statement was due
TO Colonel Scott and was something of which Captain
Green was not
Mr. Green replied that he was present at that inter
view. Colonel Scott said that occasion that prop
ery framed BILL just 60 all interests Of the country,
should receive his unqualified and hearty support The
bill presented TO him not the Reagan bill rs it
was originally prepared The greater part OF it was
taken aud provisions inserted. The present bill
forbade freight pooling. Now II there was anything
which placed shippers on an equality ana prevented dS-
elimination, II was frelgBt poohng
Senator Spencer said thai allowance of two weeks
time might Kill the bill, considering the shOrtness OF the
Congressional session -
Mr.. Toten replied he did not want to Kill the bill.
but wanted all the time he could obtain TO present his
argument properly.
Mr. Lyman EmOre, representing the Milwaukee and
ST. Pan Railroad Company. said ne saw from the state
ments OF gentlemen IN favor OF this bill and OF those
who had sgIed memorials asking for its pass
age. that the Pacific Railroads charging out
rage0us rates ana are en1eaVorng 10 compel
their entire freight their lines. Congress chartered
those roads, and aterward made States all along the
line OF these roads. These roads have become moro
powerful than the states Mr.. ElmOre asked the com
ittee to consider several amendments to the bill,
0f them providing that the bill shan apply only to such
railroads have been chartered and aided by Congress-
Representative White, OF PenDsy ylvania, asked Mr. FL
more vie her he could suggest any measure which
would mce the public demand.
Mr. ElmOre rrplicd that what the gentleman desired
not 10 bc found in this bili. His clients say
that 1t will egsate money into, instead of out of their
poc.ets ard thinks the New York Central Railroad.
He DID not suppose that the Committee Oh Commerce
or Congress wOud wish 10 pass bill which
would render them "A laughingstOck. Every man who
has signed the memorials III favor OF ihis bill i ship
per or owner Of ship merchant sending goods to
or from California. The bill VIII not however, relieve
the shippers Mr.. ElmOre said in conclusion that
proper result might he arrived at IL the committee would
select expert tn study the subject.
Representative white said that he believed IL for the
interests OF the people that law should he passed 20
prevent undue and forclble discrimination by railroads
which willing to sacrifice the trade OF
portion OF the country for the benefit of another.
II the bill could not be executed however, it ought not
to become "a law.
After further discussion, IL agreed that the next
hearing should take place next Wednesday evening aC
o'clock. The subcommittee adjourned until that time.