Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1881-02-11


OF the paper to inform me, before vote,
that the b. & o. shall charge but sew.
en-tenths OF a cent for carrying a ton OF
coal from Fairmcnt to Baltimore, What
il costs the b. 4 o. TO do that? l nave
no idea that the most vehement advo-
cate OF the bill would commit
Hirself to ! eglslation
that would fix the maximum rate ior
railroads that would be less than the ac-
tual cost, propose TO call attention In
partirulyr 10 one or two provisions.
First, if the bill is passed it Will cost
81 50 more per ton to convey coal from
Cumberland 10 Baltimore than 10 the
same place from Fairmont.
Tue this is somewhat amended now
but still is wrong in many particulars
II would cost SD TO convey coal per ton
from Fairmont TO Harper's Ferry and
only S2l TO Baltimore. True, within the
past week a provision has been intro
duced which will not allow the COM
pany to charge more for a shorter than
longer distance, so that it would cost
S2l either to Baltimore or Harper S
Ferry.
Judge Morrow said that time and
time again had he been accused oil try
ing II retard legislation on this impor.
tant measure, that had already received
more favor from the House than almost
any other ten bills. He had always
voted TO take it from the table when 1t
was called up, yet he was b.owoeaten 80
that he was almost compelled to hide
His Diminished Head
beneath the lapel OF his coat" Judge
Morrow then delved into the legal and
constitutional right, and quoted the
authorities, used by Mr.. Wilson three
days before, in supp Drt of the bill, adapt
ing them TO the opposition. He hatdled
the subject in his usual brilliant and
caustic style, sustaining his reputation
as a tine and polished lawyer.
At the close of his speech Mr.. Hub
bard and he had little spat together on
some legal points. Mr., Wilson arose
and said he should like the privilege ot
closing the argument provided no one
else desired to speak.
Hon, Jos. w. Holt
OF Lincoln county, who has been very
quiet during the entire discussion arose
and begging the patience OF the House
for few moments, said that while as to
the Constitutional or legal right, he did
not propose TO say what was proper,
there were things about the bill that
concerned his own special benefit. He
did not propose to advocate or prosce-
cute the bill but was not adverse to
railroads. They now seem to be on
trial and in this as in any other ques'
ton We must gOto
Proofaud Evidence.
They have been called gigantic mon
opolies and destroying industries. Is
that true? The speaker did not think
il was and went on TO say that the main
part OF the evidence was that they were
beneficial and that the agency on the
c. & o. road had helped industries
along.
It was well known fact to all that
railroads were badly needed and was 1t
policy at this time and in the interest OF
the people? lie did not think that this
was the time to war on capitalists thereby
driving them as it were from the State,
it was not advancing and promoting the
interests OF his country.
Mr.. Holt made some very good points
against the bill, and showed that he had
studied the measure.
A Trap Sprung and the Speaker Again
Sat Down On.
Speaker Wilson now wanted to know
If the bill was all ready to be ordered 10
engrossment and third reading. Mr..
Cresap had long ago vacated the chair
in favor of Mr.. DOddrill and that gentle
man in favor OF Mr.. Monroe, and that
gentleman to Mr.. Lowry, who was in
the chair.
Mr. Moffeit-"Before any action is
taken, wish to offer substitute for
the entire BILL"
Here followed some confusion, during
which Mr.. MOiIett kept the floor and
called for the reading OF the substitute,
Order being at last restored, the Clerk
read the bill. 1t isthe
Grsntham Bill,
offered early in the session, and the full
text of which was published in the
REGISTER about two weeks ago. In one
or two places the phraseology is
somewhat changed and the third section
which provides that the Commissioners
shall rile on all roads free is stricken
out. Ii is the same law now in force in
Massachusetts, and framed by Charles
Francis Adams II provides for the ap-
pointment Of three commissioners who
have supervision of the roads Of the
State and is very highly recommended.
When Mr.. Grantham offered it, it was
referred to the Committee on Railroads
where 1t is claimed il was intended it
should sleep long time. AS soon as
the reading was finished, Mr.. Motfett
moved to have the bill and substitute
laid on the table and have the substitute
printed.
Mr.. Wilson-On that | demand the
ayes and nays and want to know il
that is not bill that was offered early
in the session by Mr.. Grantham and
that the gentleman is now trying to force
in ahead OF the calendar.
Mr.. Modett-I would say TO the gen.
tleman that that is my substitute; the
manuscript is not mine; it is Mr.. GIANT
hams; did not have time to copy it
i'm INV own hand. but shall
do so and then return the bill to the
committee, or | will copy what | want
of it now, if the gentlemen will give me
time.
Mr.. Wilson-How did YOU get that bill
from the committee?
Mr.. Moffett-Mr. Speaker, | am OPP
posed to legislation OF any sort, but if
We must have it, prefer my substitute,
and am actuated to offer il by some
remarks made yesterday asking us to
bring on something better.
Then there ensued considerable dis
order, Mr.. Hall claiming that his clerk
had no right to give the bill to Mr.. Mof-
fett. The ayes and nays in the mean
time were called, and bya
Narrow Squeeze
Mr.. MOfrett gained his point, the vote
being 80 to %. This settles the bill for
two or three days.
In addition TO other business done,
numerous bills were read first time,
messages received from the Senate, and
just before adjourning at 6 O'Clock Judge
Ferguson moved that the
Mahan Matter