The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-02-01
Mr.. BACON ON RATES
He Tells What the Corliss Bill
Will Do.
THE ROADS ARE NOT UNITED
He Thinks Some of Them Might Help
In Passing More Effective
Laws.

=: T. Bacon OF Milwaukee is in Mime
apolls to-day interviewing shippers or
proposed interstate commerce legislation
MT Bacon was the guest at dinner Civ
en- by w. c. Edgar at the Minneapolis
cluD last evening, at which many Of the
large shippers and traffic men were pres
ent. AT this gathering Mr. Bacon ex-
planned the principal points of the legis-
latlon which his committee. appointed at
recent meeting OF manufacturers and
Shippers at st. Louis, has decided to
favor.
1t appears that the railroads of the
country are not united in their opposi-
ton to proposed interstate commerce
legislation. While Mr.. Bacon was reluc-
tant to enter into an extended discussion
OF this point, he said to-day enough to
snow that the men who are pushing inter-
state commerce legislation believe that
tney stand good chance of securing. the
support of some Of the roads. This Is an
entirely new feature inf the controversy.
Roads Not United.
When asked as to the attitude Of the
railroads generally Mr.. Bacon said: GAS
general proposition, the railroads want
no legislation. They do not want restric-
lions of any kind thrown around their
operations. But the railroads are not
united on this proposition
OF the eastern trunk lines are expected to
assist the interstate commerce commits
sion and the shippers committees at
Washington in securing the passage of a
more effective law?" was asked
1T has ben intimated,' he replied,
that some of the roads referred to may
favor the law. l do not know whether
they will or not. 1 do not know enough
about it to say on my own responsibility
that such Is Thajr ntontjOn
The Corliss BILL" Mr.. Bacon continued,
lis one on which all friends Of the pro-
posed legislation can and will unite. It is
reasonable, fair to the railroads, and just
to the shippers. 1t amends the present
law so as to make the commission more
effective in preventing discrimination. 1t
gives the commission power to correct an
unjust "a tie upon complaints made by
shippers and after thorough Investigation.
The object of the proposed legislation is
not only to prevent discrimination but
also to correct rates that in themselves
are unreasonable. ~
Rate Making Power Not Conferred.
''Do you not find sentiment among
shippers as we'll as among railroads which
Is unfavorable to granting any commission
the rate making power?"
There" said Mr.. Bacon, sis where the
public has been given the wrong idea OF
the Corliss bill. It does not give the
interstate commerce commission rate
making power. That is perversion. It
merely gives the commission supervisory
power over rates. There are no 100 men
in the United States who could make the
rates for the railroads Of this country.
But the Interstate commerce commission
can make corrections in individual in
stances after thorough hearing.
wherever / have been find the senti-
ment among shippers almost unanimously
favors this bill. There is little difference
in the sentiment as between the east and
the west. We intend to push for speedy
actionaon the measure and are quite hope
full of success"