The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-01-04
A MATTER FOR STUDY
Shippers Pondering on Interstate
Commerce Commission Powers.
THEY'VE BEEN WELL CANVAssED
Caution he Observed in Maxi
ing Recommendations.

Commercial bodies Of Minneapolis and
St. Paul are. debating whether it Is ad-
visable to make any expression regarding
proposed Interstate commerce legislation.
Sentiment among the shippers appears
much divided on the question OF giving the
Interstate commerce commission more
power.
E. P. Bacon of Milwaukee is chairman OF
a committee appointed at a recent busl-
ness gathering in st. Louis to work for
a bill favored by that body. 1t provides
that the orders of the commission shall
become effective within twenty days of the
date of issue. This Is practically the
power which every commission but the
first has requested Of congress.
Advocates of the bill have been making
thorough canvass Of Minneapolis and st.
Paul for help. Numerous letters and
copies of the bill have been received by
local business men. Business organlza-
lions have been requested to lend their
influence by indorsing the move and IN
some instances funds have been requested
to aid In carrying on the tight. MT.
Bacon, the head of the campaign commit
tee, was to have visited Minneapolis last
Monday and conferred with prominent
shippers, but illness prevented SINCE
that time the discussion OF the proposed
legislation has been general among nearly
every class of shippers.
A Conservative view.
The head of one Of the largest manu-
featuring concerns in Minneapolis said to-
day: .a
think twice before they lend their influence
and give their money toward helping along
legislation on the most important question
affecting the commercial interests or the
country. The railroads in some particulars
undoubtedly need regulating. and discrimina-
ton in freight rates should be brought to a
minimum. Making rates for the entire
United States Is a stupendous job. 1t is too
big job for any FIVE Of the best traffic men
in the country. 1t is doubtful If it is wise
to place such power in the hands of COM
mission; of five men. Rate making IS not
job for the politician, and there is big
danger that the politician will ultimately
control the commission. Ignorance would 40
incalculable harm. Under some Of this pro-
posed legislation no five men in the United
States would have as great power as would
the interstate commerce commission.
Suppose a majority of that commission
should "haye it in'' for any special locality
With such; trem endous power they could 90
more harm to any locality than any probable
combination of, roads The sole object or the
interstate commerce law is to prevent dis
elimination It has failed in its purpose. but
do not think that the commission has ex-
hausted it's opportunities along that line I'M
der the present law. cannot see now
granting the commission more power is to be
Of any assistance in preventing discrimina-
ton. There are proposed amendments that
would be beneficial. Shippers generally can
agree on several. But when it comes to
granting commission of five men the au-
thority to fix all rates in the United States,
then, in my opinion, We are treading on dan
gerousg ground 1t is at least a proposition
that demands a great deal Of consideration
by the commercial bodies of this city before
taking action.
The public affairs committee Of the
Commercial Club is considering the com
munication OF Mr.. Bacon and the proposed
law accompanying it. The last meeting
of the committee put the matter over for
| future consideration.