New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-01-27
BUSINESS MEN HEARD.
THEY URGE THAT THE INTERSTATE
COMMERCE LAW BE MADE
MORE EFFECTIVE
MORE EFFECTIVE.

Washington. Jan. 26.-The Senate Committee on
Commerce to-day gave a hearing TO renrezenta+ives
OF number of business organizations on the bin
TO amend the Interstate Commerce law The first
statement was made by Frank Barry OF Mil
waukee, secretary OF the Millers' National Asso-
citation and representative Of the National League
or Industrial Associations He commended the
pending bill, saying that IT had been framed with
we" 10 doing Justice TO both shipper and carrier
The present law, he said had become fmpotent and
valueless, and the Interstate Commerce Commits
sion was nothing more than a moot court
Augustin Gallagher. of St. Louis commissioner
OF the MilIers National Association said that the
railroads were not content with controlling the
mines and forests OF the country but were now
attempting to control the ballots of the neopla
along their lines In answer 10 a question from
Senator Chandler Mr. Gallagher said that the NIL
lers' National Association and the National Board
OF Trade favored such legislation as would restore
practically an organization similar to the recent
Joint Traffic Association
You are here to-day. then" said Mr. Chandler
TO advocate a railroad trust with $4,000 600
capital Is it not in effect fact that you propose
TO organize a gigantic railroad trust which is to
abolish all competition in traffic ra tes?"
As member OF the MiIIers' National Associa-
uoh and OF the National Board OF Trade I deny
that have any such intention. We do advo-
cate anything OF the kind" replied Mr. Gallagher
You understand, I take tt said Mr. Chandler
that the great mass OF shippers want an or
ganization similar to the old Joint Traffic Assocfa-
tlon?"
They do" replied MI Gallagher IF the resolu-
ton adopted by the National Board of Trade does
not convey that idea ask this committee to pre-
pare that will"
Well said Mr. Chandler. some of US politicians
cannot understand why the National Board OF
Trade and the Milers' National Association should
oeslre the establishment OF a railroad trust, the
IDEA OF which IS TO crush railway competition
- We do not want TO crush competition" replied
plish such end"
You want. then" inquired Senator Allen, ITO au-
the pooling OF the railroads.
Well" said Mr.. Allen. that's another name for
E. o. stanard of St Louis, a -four manufacturer.
said that the railroads for years had been giving
rates 70 wheat shippers in discrimination against
E. P. Wilson; Of Cincinnati. secretary of the Ma
senttal that the Interstate Commerce law be
AMENDED SO that the Commission would have
vitality and be able 10 do something definite.
L. B. Boswell. OF Quincy, H.. representing the
Quincy Chamber OF Commerce and Quincy Freight
shippers by establishing Intermediary between
shippers and railroads whose action would be
L W. Moves representing the National Business
He declared that if some remedy for the 9resent
Ills was not provided by Congress and more distinct
authority were not conferred the Commission.
local legislation against the railroads would
suit
the Finance Committee of the National Board of
Trade said that while the railroads were probably
Of Trade was not in favor Of pooling.
e b, Cole OF Chester: Ill. miller, said; IF
this bill is passed il will stop the discrimination
in freight rates and il will strike trusts a harder
benefit 10 the entire country with social dement's
10 none and advantages TO all
Bureau OF Freight and Transportation, said the
city Of Charleston and the entire Southeast had
ana reckless system Of freight TRANSPORTATION thai
any people eyer were afflicted with" He declared
the freight situation was relieved.