The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1892-12-29

Eject OF the Two Amendments Proposed by
senator CullOrn.

senator CuIIorn.
WASHINGTON. Dec. Ex-senator Culom's an
Gouncemcnt that he means to press to vote.
after the holiday recess. the pending amend
meuts to the Inter State Commerce law ere
atcs much interest among the largo class OF
persons here Interested in railroad legislation.
Those who are disposed to object to many pro-
visions Of the law as 1t stands are confident
that the passage Of Mr.. Culloms amendment.
which was recently advocated by Presidents
Depew. ingalls,. and Roberts and other promi-
nent railroad officials. will remove many OF the
most serious objections to the law. and create
q better understanding and more amicable
feein. between the railroad companies and
the Inter State Commerc Commission.
The principal amendment provides that 1t
shall 10 lawful for common carriers to enter
into traffic arrangements with each other for
the establishing and maintenance OF Just and
asonable rates and tho prevention OF unjust
discrimination. These agreements may pro-
vide for the aprortonment Of traffic or earn
ings between the lines in interest. Copies OF
all such contracts shall be filed with the Inter-
State Commerce Commission ut least ten days
before they become effective. and after a full
hearing OF all the parties to such agreements
tho Commission may order the entire cancel
lation OF the contracts or their amendm ent. II
the same Is necessary. in order to prevent an
unjus increase In the rates or any dscrimina-
ton between persons. localities. or different
descriptions OF traffic.
This change In the law cannot fail. the rail-
road officials say. to have a most salutary
effect as 1t not only operates directly to the
advantage of the people by securing to them
the IN ost reasonable rates under all conditions.
but it serves to regulate under the eyes Of
the Commission. the relations which exist be-
carrinrS pomIatinu for tho
same traffic. thereby preventing ruinous
rate wars. Under the stringent provisions Of
the original act 1t Is impossiule Tor tho rail-
established rates or badly cut them in DELI
ance Of law where the exigcncies OF compe
ttlon seem to demand such action. With
made by the lines which will secure to each
one either a proportioEate share OF the bust.
it vii! enable the airoads, to. adjust their
rates Gu u more equitable basis and at The
same time to carry out in the fullest sense the
intent Of the law against discrimination OF any
The other amendment is also intended to
be imposed upon the corporation for Violating
the Law Under the original draft OF the act
hs G wh xSs Of e
terms Of the law was subject to imrrisonment
ind hsSyy ne ~ Psn VA ba H
ment was neveg applied. first on ac-
sSant OF its 66sver and fsS9nd
securing, sufficient proof to convict tho ac-
FUSED oe'". Tbs noItson Of the law Was
proposed amendm ent shifts the res ponsbllity
Tor the infracton OF the law from the individual
to the CORPORATION. and imposes fin. Of $1,000
upon conviction 70. each offence. 1t also pro-
vi'lrs that no pcrS shall be excused from
testfying in any criminal case or proceeding
under this section through fear Of eliminating
himself This is regarded rs u very practical
solution Of tho di fflcnlty heretofore encoun-
the punishment In the proper place. but 1t
surround, tho most valuable witnesses to
prove the offence with tho safeguards neces.
sary for their own protection.