The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1893-02-21

Tho Legislstsrs VIII Brook No Inter-
ference BY Corporation Emissaries.
OLYMPIA. Feb. M.-[Special. THAT the
railroad companies have been alarmed by
the way in which the house put through
the Anderson and Neergaard freight and
passenger rate bills last week il evidenced
by the large number of railroad lobbyists
who are IN the city tonight. An attempt
to hold joint meeting of the house and
senate railroad committees this evening
for the purpose of listening to
arguments by attorneys representing the
companies. resulted in . farce, which
has amused those who are not interested
in defeating railroad legislation. Why
the railroad men wanted to address the
house committee, when the house has al
ready passed the bills to which the COM
panies are opposed, Is not plain. as the ad-
dresses were not made, but one Of the
theories advanced is that 1t was pro-
posed to appeal to the committees
to agree upon milder measures than
those passed by tho house. Another
explanation 10 that tho call tor the meet
ing was . belated one. 1t is stated that
the business Of arranging for the joint ses-
sion Ct the committees was assigned to
Thomas II. Cavanaugh prior to the time
the house committee reported the Ander-
son and Neergaard measure, but that the
committee sent the bills to the house be-
fore Cavanaugh was able to get the two
committees together.
The call for tonight's meeting reached
Chairman Hoole, of the house committee,
from the senate committee, and when he
announced it in the house just before ad-
journment this afternoon he stated that
he was not informed rs to the purpose of
the joint session. The members OF the
house committee gathered at the place OF
meeting, curious to know the purpose of
the call. A large delegation Of railroad
men greeted them and expressed wish to
make several speeches. Only two
members of the senate committee at
tended the meeting. however,
the three other members, Senators Clay
pool. Van de Vanter and Van Houten be-
ing absent. As the house committee was
in attendance, NJ the invitation OF the sem
ate committee, expressions of displeasure
by the members of the former were strong.
The railroad men were non plussed, being
especially surprised over the non attend
ance of Van Houten. who Is regarded as
entirely friendly TO the Northern Pa
cinc- After much grumbling and
inquiry as to what they were there
for by the committeeman. Representative
Baker moved an adjournment. The rail-
road attorneys opposed the motion, AS
they had their speeches with them and
did not want TO defer the orations. Chair
man Hools allowed discussion over the
adjournment motion to go on informally,
and " hen vote was reached it was lost.
o 10 3. SO nuea feeling was displayed
by tho members. however, that after
further waiting for the senate all
sentees and their continued failure to
appear, ST the suggestion of the represen-
tatiyes OF the railway companies another
motion Was made To adjourn and IL was
carried. The prevailing impression is that
the railroad men are dsxed by the situa-
tion and have spent the time since the
committee hzzle IN considering the ques-
ton; Nv here are We at"
The companies have undoubtedly had
faith that the senate would block UNI
friendly legislation, but that faith is being
shaken. 1t is freely stated that senators
upon whom the companies have counted
are unwilling 10 an.agonixe measures that
we're 20 popular III the house IS were the
Anderson and Neergaarj balls. which
rassed with such sweeping maioritiss
The senators who. were opposed 10 this
legislation because they believed j,
too extreme, are now declared 10 he de-
cldediy reluctant to oppose it IN the face
of the popular demand for such measures.
IS evidenced by the vote OF the house
People who believe in the efficacy o! coin
at such crisis ~ this are expressing the
opinion that the companies will now be
compelled 10 unite very large sack.