New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1879-12-13
WORK OF THE COMMITTEES.
THE NATIONAL BOARD OF TRADE ASKING FOR Ma
TIoSAL RAILWAY Observation-Disclosures Rs
AND THE SILVER DOLLAR.

THE NATIONAL BOARD OF TRADE ASKING FOR Ma
TIoSAL RAILWAY Observation-Disclosures
AND THE SILVER DOLLAR
GENERAL PREss pIsrArcHl
WASHINGTON, Dec. 1.-THE House Committee of
Commerce heard extended arguments this morning
presented by Messrs. Fraley. of Philadelphia and
Thurbcr, of New-York. members OF "a committee ap-
pointed by the National Board of Trade TO present
TO the House Committee some suggestions concern
ing National legislation relating Ia Interstate com
mercc. Jhese gentlemen both took strong grounds
in favor of Congress interfering and regulating the
charges for transportation of freight by railroad
companies, and advocated the creation Of Ma
tonal Railroad Commission, Tribunal, TO super
wise all matters relating thereto.
Mr.. Thurber urged that the magnitude of the in
tcrcsts involved are so great that competent
Board of Commissioners should be appointed TO SUI
pervise the operations OF an Interstate Railroad
law and from time to time recommend TO Con-
grcss such additional qualifying measures
may be required To do substantial
justice to the public and railroad interests.
In the course of his remarks Mr.. Thurber TO illus
trate the evils resulting from the present practice
of railroad companies in emitting rates and dis
eliminating in favor of shippers referred 10 an ox-
tract fromrHE NKw-YoRK TRIBUNE of December
-, 1873 showing the evilsmerchants suffered from
unequal freight charges. The committee also
of Pittsburg, Penn, representing the Ohio River
Commission, who urged the immediate appropria-
ton by Congress of $75 600 for the purpose of COM
plotting the Davis Island dam. work now in pro-
gress in the Ohio River. few miles below Pitts
burg. The committee will hear further arguments
from other members of the National Board of Trade
tomorrow morning on the general subject of inter-
State commerce.
The Senate Finance Committee held long meet
ing to-day, but took 10 action upon any measure OF
Importance, except 70 postpone tine consideration OF
the Warner Silver bill and the Bayard resolution con-
corning greenbacks until after the Christmas recess
of Congress tins order being made in each instance
upon the ground that the subject required fuller
discussion than could be given to il by the COM
mittee before the holiday adjournment. Inc ses-
siOn was largely occupied with the distribution OF
matters of minor importance from the docket TO
subcommittee. There was however some i'll
formal discussion of Mr.. Bayard's resolution from
the tenor OF which, and the known opinion OF two
members who were absent. II may be foreshadowed
that Messrs Voorhees,, Ferry. Jones lNevada), and
Allison will oppose favorable report upon the
resolution, and that Messrs. kernan. Wallace and
advocacy. The casting vote upon the question
OF reporting il is. therefore. to be given by Nj.
Beck who has not yet Indicated what position he
will take in regard TO it,.
A prominent member of the committee saws to-
be reported from the committee with the amend
ments proposed by Mr.. Ferry at the last session,
viz. to provide that the trade dollars offered
In exchange for standard dollars shall Ice re-
ceiyed only at their market value as bullion and
that the amount of trade dollars converted into
standard dollars by reconagc shall be counted as
mart of rbe annual maximum coinage of the latter
Ms now authorized by law.
The House Committee on Public Lands gave
hearing this morning House bill 1,0G7, entitled
ITO oniet the title of settlers on the Dcs Molnes
River lands in the State of Iowa." Argument was
made before the committee bv Colonel Robert ln-
gersoll in favor of the bill. The hearing will be
Continued from day TO day unless final action is
taken by the committee.
The House Committee on the judiciary to-day in
afa1f hair sltatr
hill introduced at the last by Representative
Converse, "Io provide Tor Circuit and District
Courts of the United States ut Columbus Ohio
The House COMMITTEES on Post Offices and Post
Roads agreed this morning to report adversely on
the bill allowing circulars TO be carried in the mails
under newspaper rates.