The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1895-12-25

yer bullion in the treasury then came up,
Mr.. Vest presenting some amended fea-
iures.
Mr.. Morrill, moved to refer the resolution
to the finance committee. MIR. Vest de-
manded roll call. 1t looked like a real
test of the silver strength. To avoid this,
Mr.. Morrill, withdrew his resolution for
reference and on his motion, al o'clock,
the senate adjourned until Friday.
THE RAILROAD POOL
Chairman Morrison of tho interstate
commerce commission, sent to the senate,
in response to resolution introduced by
Senator PETER, a report on the joint
traffic agreement recently entered into by
the principal railroads operating between
the Atlantic seaboard and the western
states. Mr.. Morrison says that inasmuch
as the agreement is not yet complete, the
commission cannot determine whether the
contract, which may be finally perfected,
will be in conflict with the provisions OF the
interstate commerce law.
In respect to the power of the commits
sion to investigate on its own motion,
Chairman Morrison says it is competent
under the recent decision of the courts to
proceed by Injunction in the case of any
obsiru ton to interstate commerce caused
by such combination as is contemplated
in tits case. As to the feasibility OF en-
forcing the penal provisions of the inter.
state commerce law, Mr.. Morrison called
attention to the fact that it was necessary
to proceed through the courts to do this.
and he adds that it has so far in such cases
been exceedingly difficult to secure the
necessary testimony. Under the present
ruling of the court, any inquiry may be
answered by the refusal of witnesses 10
testify on the plea of self-incrmination.
He refers to the case of I. +. Brown OF
Pittsburg, now p ndng in the United
Mates which the cues
ton involved is that of the power OF courts
to compel railroad officials to answer ques-
tons concerning rates and rebatesOf their
road. when they make this plea, and says
such decision of this will determine wheth-
er 1t is practicable to secure CONVICTION
under prosecution for unlawful contracts
and combinations.
He says that the commission has salts
fled itself by careful investigation that no
increase of charges or lessening OF faclli-
ties has occurred as the result OF the joint
tratiic contract. and adds:
"In view of the fact that any action, by
injunction or otherwise, which might be
Used TO prevent the completion of con-
tract or combination made, can be had to
prevent its being carried into effect in the
event of its being entered into, ana IN ad-
dillon thereto the persons representing the
corporations becoming liabls for mlsde.
meanor, the commission has believed and
by postponing any request to the United
States district attorney to institute ana
prosecute proceedings in court as contem-
plated, until said railroad companies
should actually form a joint traffic ascot
alton and enter into an agreement which
shall be unlawful"
PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATIONS
WASHINGTON, Dec. 24.-The president
today sent the following nominations to
the senate:
Treasury-Second assistant engineers,
revenue cutter service: Daniel w.
Blake, Mississippi; Albert G. Norman,
Kentucky; Henry K. Spencer, Wisconsin;
Taylor W. Ross, Indiana; Milton w.
Thompson, Pennsylvania.
State-Robert S. Chiffon. jr., District OF
Columbia, chief of consular bureau, de-
partment of state.
War Lieutenant Colonel Amos Stick
ney, Major William Henry Huer and Ma
jor Thomas Henry Hamburg, all of the
corps of engineers, to he members of the
Missouri river commission; also Major
Thomas Henry Hamburg, engineer corps,
member of the Mississippi river commits
sion.