The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1900-01-22
TEN PAGES TODAY
A CONGRESSIONAL Duty.

The interttsts commerce commission 10
out with its thirteenth annual report. II
osndidiy corfessss its Inability 20 accom-
plish the purposes for which 1t was
created, and charges upon congress re-
sponanility for It's failure The report
says
This requests Of the commission for needful
amendments have been supported by petit
lions and memorials from agricultural, manu-
featuring and commercial iuterests through
out the country; vet not line Of the statute
has been changed and none OF the burdensome
conditions which cal! for relief has been re-
moved or modified. II 10 sufficient 10 say
that the exciting situation and the develop
ments Of the past year render moro im9ora-
tive than ever before the necessity for speedy
ard sultabia leaslat'on. We therefore re-
nav tina recommendations heretofore made
and earnestly urge their early consideration
and adoption
Remissness IN the performance OF an
important legislative function is here spe-
oincally set forth IN enc sentence and. In
the other. congress IS urged to do it's
duty And TO respond to 4 Pressing pub
lio demand
In no more forcetuI way could the COM
mission call the attention OF the country
to the dangers that wait upon further
delay, on the part OF the National legis-
lature IN meeting the commissions re-
queat for such enactmonts as will enable
tho commission 10 carry out the purposes
that brought Il to life. than In tho follow
ing statement Of combined fact and warn
ing:
Il Is matter Of common knowledge that
gUut a~h. 80 - a
process OF consummation. and that the compc-
luton OF rival lines IL 20 bs restrained by
these combinations. While this movement has
not vet found fun expression In the actual
consolidation Of railroad corporations. enough
mas transpired 10 Disclose unincauon ol
financial interests which will dominate the
inanagement and harmonic the operations
~ llneB heretofore Independent and uotnp4ti.
tive This Is today tho most noticeable and
important feature OF the railway situation
" tue plans already foreHhadowad are brought
to effective results, and others OF similar
scope are carried to execution there will b,
vast Capitalization OF railroad properties
with all the power involved In such far.
reaching combinations, yet uncontrolled by
any public authority which can be effciently
exsrted. The restraints Of competition upor
excessive and unjust rates VIII In this WAY
be avoided. and whatever evils may result
Will be renetiless under existing laws
The constitutional right OF congress tr
regulate interstate commerce Is clear. II
therefore. It would but OPPORTUNITY and
courageously exercise that right. these
vast consultations would be powerless I,
operate against the general good.
Congress has been memortalized on thl,
subject. almost to inhnity. by organisa
tons composed OF business men, manu-
facturers. farmers and by the Nationa
convention Of railway commissioners. a
the interstate commerce commission point
out. but 70 no avail. Now. let the pres
Of the country with one accord appeal I
oonsrsss 20 put politics aside for a srie
spell and do something substantial for tn
country at large.