The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-04-26
PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS-.
THE SENATE.
Argument by Mr. Wilson ON the Necessity
of Railway Legislation.

of Railway Legislation.
WASHINGTON, April 25.-The Chair laid before
the Senate message from the House non-concurring
m the Senate amendments the naval appropriation
bill with the exception of the amendment providing
for the armament of the steel cruisers already in
struction.
Mr.. Hale moved that the Senate insist on its
amendments and appoint committee of conference
which was agreed to-
Mr.. Sherman reported fayorably from the commit
tee ON library resolution providing for deposit in the
Smithsonian Institution of the silk flag presented the
Senate by Joseph Newman of California, being the
first American flag made of American silk Agreed to.
Mr. Blair, from the committee education and
labor, reported favorably the House bill to establish
bureau of labor statistics; also bill introduced in
the Senate TO provide for study of physiology and
of the effects of Intoxicating narcotic and poisonous
substances life, health and welfare in the schools
of the Territories and the District of Columbia.
Placed on the calendar.
Mr.. Wilson addressed the Senate his joint reso-
luton recently submitted and several bills already in
troduced, relating to State commerce. He said that
while material had been rapidly advanc
ing, science of law making had not kept pace with
our necessities we had not been able to fit our laws
to the conditions hence painfully felt the jolt
and friction of our onward movements He was not
unmndful of the great difficulties surrounding this
question; but it was not exceptional in that respect.
Every element of our extraordinary progress had in
Nolved great difficulties but that fact only made
important the necessity Of giving the subject prompt
and intelligent attention. A conviction has grown
up in the country that the time had
come for the national government to exercise its
undoubted power to regulate interstate commerce.
This was not to be done in any revengeful spirit.
Public laws not repositories for resentment He
should not enter into discussion of the question of
the right of Congress to regulate such that
had been specifically nominated in the bond, the
Constitution. He reviewed the history of railroad
growth in the United States, and said that for
many OF the complications resulting from that growth
the national and State governments largely
sponsible. They little thought how free servant may
in time become a master, and how they refrained
from halnpering and restraining the railways When
factors forces in civilization first appeared they
We're likely to be allowed great latitude. 1t
had not been suspected that the powers
given and the grants made the railroad companies
would lead to the results that followed They were
regarded agencies to build up cities, unfold the
riches of unoccuped regions and promote the general
welfare. There had been failure to duly consider
the checks and balances necessary to keep the rail
road in harmony with the many delicate interests
affected. Experience had been needed to show the
harmful effects of their unregulaed management and
now the demand of the people in all parts of the
country was that the railroads should be put under
she control which experience had shown to be
sary 1t not merely question of land grant for
landgrant at once forfeited there would remain
great commercial question 1t unfortunate that
the Attorney general had not long since
been directed by Congress to take legal steps to
all unearned land grants because delay in the
courts would not endanger the rights of the people
while delay in Congress would do 80. The commence.
ment of action in the courts notice to everybody
discussion in Congress notice to nobody. He did
not know but it would even be wise for Congress to
have all these Immigrant controversies sent to the
courts and adudicated there. This would still leave
for Congress the great commercial question involved
Tho railroads had denied the right of Congress to
regulate them. The fact that the railroad
interest had become so strong to make this
denial sqnnrely was the strongest symptom
that could be presented of the necessity
for regulation; Not only was government regulation
necessary in the interest of the people, but it as
esrally necessary to the interests OF rhe railroads
themselves The absence Of all good faith in the OBJ
servance Of their mutual agreements had become
proverbial it was a matter of common scandal Pool
after pool was formed only to be dsregarded. Lead
ing railroad men, while loudly obiecting to the gov
ornamental legislation concerning their affairs, we're
compelled to confess the failure of their legsla
tive efforts; for what were the meetings of general
railroad agents and pool managers but meetings for
liegislationt Indeed railroad magnates had come to
De 50 great that they did not hesitate to exercise