The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1892-12-20
INTERSTATE COMMERCE.

Report of the Commissfoners-Ameud-
mrnts Necessary I'm View of Court Decisions.
WASHINGTON. Dec. 1e.-Tbe report of the
Interstate commerce Commission for the
year ending Nov. 30. 1892. was to-
day transmitted TO Congress. 1t opens
with a review of the reasons which
induced tho passage of the act to
regulate m which was gwen
in view of results realized in administering
the oct and the necessity for amendments
which experience has disclosed. IL states
that the commission is gratified at being
able to add that many railroad managers
OF the highest standing now concede the
necessity Of government regulation and
avow themselves in favor of further enact
nients that will make the regulation
effective. Continuing. the report says:
The nterstate-commerr law, although the
outgrowth OF all aroused and determined public
sentiment was q compromise between divergent
theories and conflicting interests. but those who
contrast the practices which obtained prior To
the law with methods and conditions now exist
Ing Will have no doubt OF the practical value OF
the statute In correcting public sentiment. re-
straining injustice and enforcing reasonable
charges and equal treatment. So far from con-
defining q public regulation. experience has es-
tablished its importance and Intensified its ne
eessity. aud the very respects IN which the law
Has AonAC4 ~ Ut&|ltC CAHtClltltn VtnOU-
strate the utility OF government Supervision. It
i not too much 10 say that judicial
Interpretation has limited the meaning OF the
law. ard ascribed 20 Il an intent not contem-
plated when 10 was passed. But the effect OF
these decisions has been greatly exaggerated;
the Judicial construction has not invalidated the
essential features OF the statute nor condemned
the general principle on whirh IL is founded:
and only In respect to appliances provided Tor
been weakened by the Judgment OF courts. The
original act. passed nearly six years ago. was. in
INK acts have been adopted, and it is surprising
that so much has been accom- ilshed with so lit
To aid In the form OF needed amendment.
The work of the commission is set forth
a. length. including the interesting state
comslIssion $4,000 tariff schedules; also O
review of the hearings and INVESTIGATIONS.
Most If the causes OF com plant arise from
determinations d preferences In rates
and tlcliities. and not from rates unrea-
soDabss in themselves. At the request of
TIE y bate committee on finance the COM
mlssis0. during the past rear, directed Its
suditsr TO collect statistics sh0wingchanges
IN ratas from the earliest period for which
" wa possible 10 obtain data 10 the pres
Mt time. These statistical, which will be
Included IN the report of that COMMITTEES
On the subject OF prices and wages. show a
material decline IN rates and claseifica-
tons, and the commission thinks the min
imum has not get been reached.
Under the head Of proceedings in the
United states cOnrts are described pro-
eredings which grew Ont OF cases decided
eDd investigations made by the commits
sion. and which have been reported from
time TO time AS they occurred. The late
opinion of Justice Brewer In the Circuit
Court OF Appeals. deciding a loDg.and-
short-haul case. Is discussed. To protect
all iptarmediste localities ard interests
from the disastrous effects of this judicial
Interpretation Congress ~ earnestly urged
20 take such immediate action as will give
legislative construction 10 the word "linep