The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-21
CIRCULATION STATEMENT.
WEDNESDAY,. MARCH p. 1900.
An I.sue for Democrats to Perfect

An Issue for Democrats 10 Perfect
The Interstate Commerce Commission
originally designed TO protect the people
from injurious and unjust discrimination
by the railroads. has long since ceased
to be OF any value to them. Under the
attacks Of skilled railroad lawyers, one by
one its powers have been Topped of
through binding decisions OF the courts
II has, at last. become nothing more
than an investigating committee. but
wholly devoid OF power TO do anything
more than announce its findings. Instead
OF becoming for the public a bulwark Of
defence against the encroachments OF
the allied railroads, as was intended. it
serves them as a perch to rest upon
while forming other attacks.
When created it was announced by Sen
ator Cuilom as the most practical and
seryioesble instrument against the extor-
tions and Entertainments OF the railroad
mouopolies possible to be devised. While
prominent Democrats in both the House
and Senate gave it strong support. the
credit OF its establishment was claimed
for the Republican party-a credit never
seriously disputed
Senator Cullom has now become con-
WINGED, and frankly admits. that unless
the powers originally intended to be con-
fcrred upon it are restored the Commits
sion is practically useless. Mr.. Knapp,
its Chairman. has. in an able report TO
Congress. sustained this declaration, and
pointed out the urgent necessity Of legis-
Istion. Senator Cullom some time ago
introduced a bill to remedy the defects
specifically noted, since when nothing has
been done
The bill slumbers in the Senate Inter-
State Commerce Committee. a minority Of
which is believed to be in its favor. hut
Senator Cullom does not appear TO be
enough in earnest about it to bring it to
test. The railroad influence seems to be
sufficiently potent to prevent any action.
The railroad managers know that the
Interstate Commerce Commission has lad
its teeth drawn and its claws pared, and
there is no further mischief or efficiency 10
be feared from it. It was at first. thought
10 be a very dangerous animal. but its
present ability is to gaze at the passing
show. and consume the annual appropria-
ton granted it.
Meanwhile the railroads have had pre-
pared two bills which they very greatly
desire TO have enacted into law: one to pre-
vent the sale OF tickets by scalpers OF per
sons other than their authorized agents
called the anu-scalping bill" and .he
other a pooling measure which Will permit
the railroads 10 fix rates and prevent the
lowering OF them by competitors. Their
failure 10 maintain the Joint Traffic As
sociation. which was in effect a pooling
arrangement. owing 10 fits being decided to
he in restraint OF trade. ard without legls-
lstive authority. has made them clamorous
for Congressional action. It is understood
that they have agreed to allow theIr sena-
torial representatives 10 help forward
Senator Cullom's Commission bill. IL he
viii unite with It these two measures.
OF course. if nothing is done by Con
gress. and the Interstate Commerce Com
mission is permitted to remain the mere
semblance OF authority. painted ship. as
i, were. upon painted ocean. IN the ma
tional campaign fast approaching. the
Democrats can charge the Republicans
with the failure, but such a charge Will
have but little force il ii can be shown that
the Democrats themselves did nothing TO
induce the necessary action. In neither
House Of Congress can Democrats be re-
qaired to pull, but IN each Of them they
can BE- found culpable il they do not push
An honest concerted effort on the part OF
the minority can be made 10 force che Re
rublicaus to either take the required steps
TO give vitality 90 the inter State Commerce
Commission. or expose their insiuccrity and
deceitfulncss. There IS no trust in the land
That should be spelled and printed In
larger capitals than the Railroad Trust
by consolidation. combination. and pui-
chase Ct is swelling to enormous proper
tons. second only to the Banking Trust in
capital membership. control Of voters. and
selfish and extortionate designs.
Putting back into the hands Of au honest
Interstate Commerce Commission the
powers intended originally to be given.
but which from loose rhetoric, or un-
sklfh statement the courts have de-
cded were rot given. is practically the
only weapon that can be seryiccably and
quickly used against the mon9polIes. Re
,ndoNing the Commission with such au-
thority means genuine opposition 90 the
Railroad Trust Il means as well. ell
o.eat practical relief for the people from
present evils, and protection against con
gsmpiated wrongs.
II the Republican majorities in the two
houses OF Congress decline or neglect to
grant this relief the public should know