The evening times., 1895-10-25

Mr.. Martin A. Knapp, of the Interstate
Commerce Commission, has addressed
a letter to United States Senator Chandler
in reply to the recent letter of that gentle
man commenting upon the work OF the
commission, and referring therein to
views in that particular regarded by the
Senator as possessed by Mr.. Knapp.
That gentleman. promising his inabil-
ity 10 perceive upon what theory lis indi-
vidual opinion could be regarded us the
views of the whole commission any more
than the United States Senate OF the Re-
publican party could be held responsi-
BILE for Mir. Chandler's uttera noes, objects
to the understanding placed by that gen.
tIenan upon the recent Interview win
him INT. Knapp published in the syra-
case Post, which he says the Senator mas
not quite correctly quoted.
you write that l said,' writes MI.
Knapp, THAT IL the new trunk line
agreement is 4 violation OF the anti-pool-
ing law. it is a general misdemeanor
with which the Interstate Commerce Com
merce Commission has nothing 10 do etc.
WHAT HE DID SAY.
Precisely what did say was: 1t may
be further observed that il the statute
which prohibits pooling is violated by this
pooling agreement OF the presidents or in
any other way the offense is criminal
uisdcmeanor with which the Interstate
Commerce Commission has no power to
deal. and which can be punished only
through the efforts OF those Federal OH
GERS who arc clothed with authority and
charged with the duty OF prosecuting Vlo-
lators OF Federal laws
Mr. Knapp considers that there is
wide difference between the two state
mcnis. The commission, he points OUT,
whiic under obligations of diligence con-
corning violations of law which are NOT
imposed upon private citizens So far as
preventing or puuislIinE crimes created by
the act. have no more power than the Sem
ator himself
Hence he contends. ar what l actually
said ius;ifies your alternative charge or
IGNORANCE or .wiIifuI Justification les
me remind you that the accusation might
have been made at a much earlier date
and Ia ZEN Il much broader scope, ana ne
quotes from the commissions annunl re-
port To- Congress for 1898 TO show that
il was not endowed with functions per-
taIning TO tue detection and punishment
OF deiinauents. except such functions as
may be exercised by private citizc;1s
MT Knapp la VS. much stress upon this, ana
explaining his view of the law in that par
ticu,ar, which, he sd IS, 80 far as his knuwl-
edge extends. has been entertained by
every member Of the commission from the
time of its organization
A VIGOROUS DENIAL.
He combats vigorously Mr.. Chandler's
view as he (Mr. Knapp understands 1t.
that the commission has power Ia in
yestisate and thereby prevent ur seek To
prevent the actual or attempted transac-
tjops which that Ia W delares to he crIsninai'
that if il has not such power 1t ought To DC
abolished as useless and worthless. Such
a view in my estimation, he !ectires,
leaves wholly uut of discount the real
Intention scope and purpose of this act
to regulate commerce.
MF. hIap,, explains to MT 'hanaier nus
view tnat tue power OF the commission eX-
tends to th. correction of those manifold
evils which result from the making and en-
rorr,.nrnt by the railroads Of sxtortnnate
orupreasona bl q IA ties, and celebrating some
what t;tis opinis,,i, a'lds tnat it mas no power
TO ,I,.ai with thc administration OF crIIninai
laws.
Mr. Knapp admits tha, Mr.. Chandler may
he righ. in asserting that IN. agreement
which it is said the Trunk Lines are about
To enter into is Illegal and criminal under the
law. and under the antitrust
law as well. but he says. $50 far as the
courts have yet dealt with contracts OF SIM
liar .i,a rtcter they seem 10 have reached
different conclusion.
what they will say about this ONE he
.'if it ever is executed. and they
have occasion to pass upon IL. is something
which hardly admits of profitable discus
sion at this time. But DO not argue with
ycu either As to the power or duty Of the
in the premises. or As to what
will happen If their compact of the trunk
lines is conSummated.