New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-12-21
CHANGE IN THELAW WANTED
SENATOR CULLOM'S INTERSTATE CON-
MERGE AMENDMENTS.
10 ALLOW RAILROADS TO MAKE TRAFFIC AGRLE-
MENTS- CORPORATIONS TO SUFFER
ley TELEGRAPH TO The TRIBUNE.

PENALTY.
ley TELEGRAPH The TRIBUsEJ
Washington, Dec Golf the amendments u ue
Interstate Commerce act recently introduced by sena-
lot Cuom should be adopted they would reinoN"
some of the strongest objections 10 the proper eA9cu
ton IF that law. The principal amendment provides
that IL shall be lawful for common carriers 10 enter
into traffic arrangements with each other for the
establishment aud maintenance OF just and reasonable
rates and the prevention of unjust determinations
These agreements may provide for the appOrtiOnment
OF traffic earnings between the lines i'll interest
Copies Of all sIch contracts shall bc filed with 'he
Interstate Commerce Commission at least ten days
before they become effective. aud after full hearing
of all the parties such agreements the conmSsl"
NAV order The entire cancellation of the contracts
or amendment of them If necessary in order TO pre-
vent an unjust increase in the rates or any dscrna
ton between persons localities or different deNcrp-
tons Of traffic
This chang in the law cannot fail TO have most
sanitary effect II not Only operates directly 10 INC
advantage Ct the people by securing 10 them the m'St
reasonable rates under all conditions but 1t serves to
regulate under the eyes fl the coIlnlN'oh' lhe re-
latiOnS which exist between common carriers com
peting for the traffic and thereby preventing
ruinOus Under the stringent PROVISIONS
Of the original it impossible for the railroads
10 do otherwise than adhere strictly to the cs abl'hcl
rate, u boldly cut them in defiance OF law wicro
the eXgence, CT competition seemed to demand such
action With the proposed change mutual contracts
can be made by the lines which will secure 10 cach
one either prop0r,iOnatc share OF the business OF
Of the earnings accruing thcrefrom.
This will have the direct tendency OF establishing
rates OH a stable basis. well n, OF maintaining
them on that basis by removing any for dis ais
faction arising Of tue handling Of any one line OF
an undue roporiOn Of traffic. Ii will cnab" the
railroads 10 adjust their rates more equitable
basis and at the same time carry ou in the fullest
sense the intent of the Law against discrimination Of
any character.
Tia other amendment is also intended 20 strengthen
TIE bill. as IL provides penalty 10 be imposed upon
tie corporation violating the laws. thoer TN
original draft of the act the official or employ" Of
the common carrier WHO convicted of tri>gr'S'
lag the terms Of the law subject 10 iniPiIa"n
mint and heavy Tine. No penait! WAS cA'','u /"
was never nppl~i-ilrst, Oh account OF US 'eN.r!,
and. second, tn account Of TIE extreme ulh'uN i"
securing sumcicu proof 10 convict ire accused ON
cial. This portion OF the law was, therefore, praCl
,ally dclG letter. The proposed "menumTIu ' ,
the responsibility for the uiIacl"n OF ihr III" IT."
Tie individual Ia the CJlpOraiiOn and imposes nm
Of =: 900 upon conviction for each offence II a>o
provides that no person shall be excused from tstn,-
mg II ANY criminal cN or gn,f '''''' ''''
This Is a practical solution OF tht dlhciiN herct
fore encountered in enforcing the H" II not "lN
pace, me punishment in IN" proper pace, Du' SUI
rounds tlr most valuable Witnesses 10 PuNc ln' VI
feu,, with ne safeguards necessary Tor Ter own Pr
tcc.ion That these new provisions Will ma'crmhN
strengthen the law by promoting It's cnf0rcelnr lheIc
-, ,Jr IA, aonn. 1li, removal OF TIE habJIN 70
line and impsOuilnt now resting On me 'mPo'', W.
anlo tho prosecution 10 establish lis case: ana th
,mnnsitiou Of n me the offending cOrporath VIII
iusnre n rcsnec for the mandates OF NE act WHICH
has never been observed since It's original passage