The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-02-14
''HOW NOT TO DO II"
The Report on the tIkins Re-
bate Bill.
Read, Mark, Learn and InwardIy Digest il While
Trusts TwiddIe Fat Fingers at GulIed
Public,
(By the Associated Press.)


Washington, Feb. 12--The report on
the Ellins Rebate Bill ordered favora-
bly,, reported by the House Committee
on Interstate Commerce yesterday, was
filed in the House today by Mr.. Mann,
of Illinois.
I'm extensive hearings before your
committee upon the general subject OF
proposed amendments to the Interstate
Commerce law, "the report cites, cit
was strongly urged by the members of
the Inter State Commerce Commission
that the provision of existing law pro-
viding for punishment of the railroad
itself. prevented the enforcement of the
law forbidding rebates and discrimina-
lions. The experience of the Interstate
Commerce Commission has been that it
is impossible to obtain proof of the
granting of a rebate by the officer OF
railroad to some favored shipper unless
the officer himself gives the evidence,
in which case he is free from prosecu-
ton
THE existing law prohibits rebates
and determinations. but does not pre-
vent the cutting of published rates UNI
less discrimination is shown. In most
cases it is practically impossible to show
the discrimination. The effect Of
such a secret cutting of rates is to place
in the hands of a small aggregation Of
shippers the absolute control of the bust
ness, because no person can afford TO
enter into competition who does not re-
ccive the cut rates, and no person is il
position to demand or receive such
cut rates until after he shall have be-
come established in business and have
an extensive business behind him."
After reviewing provisions of the bill
the report says:
1.-THE first and second propositions
practically exhaust the power of legiSla-
ton to prevent rebates and discrimina-
tons through criminal prosecutions. We
conceive it TO be the desire of Congress
to absolutely prevent. if possible, tho
granting of determinations in the way
of railroad rates to favored shippers.
This is by many claimed TO be the great
est abuse of the day But we all know
that the officers of the railroads who
grant rebates, and the officers of tho
private corporations who solicit and ac-
ccpt them, are men Of high standing in
their respective communities, and that
it is a very difficult matter to obtain
still moro difficult to obtain judges and
juries who Will convict them"
The six minority members of the Con-
mittee on Interstate and Foreign Com
mercc, Representatives Shackclford.
DaveV, Adamson Ryan, Davis and Rich
ardson, of Alabama, also filed their
views. After saying that they do not
oppose the bill as reported, and that
II.
The bill reported is not nearly so far
reaching and remedial as the Lttleield
Bill, which a few days ago passed this
House on roll call by unanimous vote.
In debate on the Lttlefeld Bill Tit was
freely predicted that it would never be-
come a law, and it was openly charged
that its passage in this house was mere
ly for the sinister purpose of bcguiling
and dcluding the people into the belief
that the dominant party was willing TO
enact Legislation limiting the evils of
monopoly. Since the passage Of the bill
the public press from day to day has
tccmcd with uncontradicted announce
mcnts that the Lttlcfeld Bill is to be
thrust aside and the EIkins' Bill and
the Nelson publicity amendment sub
stituted therefor. and that no other or
further antitrust legislation is to ne
enacted. Such a course would be to
jest with the country upon the most
solemn question of the day. and to trine
with the most serious interests of the
people. If the Littleficld Bill was meli-
torous when it passed this House few
days ago, it is mertorous now. 1t does
not in any manner conflict with the pro-
visions of the Elkins Bill now reported
from this committee"
The minority proposes that the bill be
amended by adding the principal features,
of the Littlcfcld Bill.