The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-09-11
BERNER'S BILL ON TOP.
THE JUDICIARY COMMITTEES TO
REPORT 1T FAVORABLY.

The Charter Forfeiture Clause Elimin-
ated-A Substitute offered by Mr..
Goodwin Rejected Closer Regula-
ton of Interstate Traffic Called for.
Mir. Clifton Puts in Word for the
Roads.
ATLANTA, GA, Sept. 10-The general
judiciary committee of tho House met
tonight TO take final action on the Berner
bill to prevent railroad monopoly and pre-
vent the defeat of competition. The bill
was favorably reported. At the opening of
the meeting Mr.. Berner read letter from
Maj J. F. Hanson of Macon. who had ap-
peared before the committee as a represent
ative Of the cotton manufacturing interests
of the state. Maj. Hanson's letter criticised
some of the language used by Mr.. Spalding,
who appeared before the committee against
the Berner bill.
GOoDwIN'S SUBSTITUTE.
Mr.. Goodwin Of Fulton submitted to the
committee substitute for the bill under
consideration, which gave to the railroad
commissioners power at their discretion.
when the public interest required it, 10 in
vestlgate leases and contracts. 1t provides
for a fine of 5000 to be imposed by the
commission on the corporation if its con-
tracts were found to be in violation
of the constitution. 1t gave
the commission authority TO regulate rates
and tariffs with reference to reasonable
earning capacity of the roads when oper-
ated economically at a proper capitaliza-
| ton. When roads increased their stock or
| bonded indebtedness they should submit
statement of their affairs. Mr.. Goodwin
made an argument Of some length in sup
| port of his substitute, and said Mr.. Ber-
ner's bill aimed at harrassing the railroads
| unnecessarily.
INTERSTATE REGULATIONS.
He also submitted resolutions calling on
| the senators and representatives of Georgia
in congress to have passed such legislation
as would give full power to the interstate
commission to regulate traffic outside of the
state. He thought the two commissions
using their full power and acting harmon
lously would solve the question Of rates.
Mr.. Berner explained again the objects of
his bill, following the line OF his argument
made last night. He went into discussion
Of the intent of the constitutional provision
in regard to competition, and gave history
Of its consideration by conventions. All
railroad legislation had, he said, been op-
posed. The act creating the commission had
been cried out against. The work of the
joint rate commission had been fought, and
the Olive bill had been fought But all
railroad legislation had been healthful, and
railroad values were higher to-day than
they had ever been.
WORD FOR THE ROADS.
Mr.. Clifton said he thought the legisla-
ture should give up the fight against the
railroads, and take up the broad principles
of the alliance and fight for them. He
cited the good the railroads had done for
the state, and said he spoke because his col
league, Maj. Ryals, had urged him to
do 80.
Chairman Hill put thequestion on report
ing favorably the substitute Of Mr.. Good
win. 1t was voted down by s TOT. MIR.
Berner then moved that favorable report
be made on the original bill as amended by
the striking out of the forfeiture of
CHARTER clause. The motion was carried,
and the bill will be reported to the House
in the morning and will be taken up as a
special order next week. The vote Of the
committee on reporting the bill favorably
was as follows:
YEAs-Messrs. Davis, Lewis, Dunwody
Lara, Humphreys, Smith, Harper and Berner
NAYs-Messrs. Gilbert, Holtzclaw, Goodwin,
Martin, Clifton, Williams, Baxter.