New-York tribune., 1903-02-08
PASS LITTLEFlELD BILL.
FOTE OF 245 TO o.
Il LiOelg Tilt Betreen LittLefeld and
DE I4rmOnd.

Washington, Feb THE Littlefeld antitrust
btn passed by the House this afternoon by
q vote of 2a5 to o.
For three hours the Democrats offered a series
Of amendments designed. as they said to place
teeth" in the bill. but they either ruled
out OF order defeated by strict party vote
On only one vote were the political ranks
broken. II was an amendment offered by
Mr. Thomas, of Iowa. TO make the filing of re
turns mandatory on all corporations. On that
amendment seven Republicans voted with the
Democrats
Toward the close Of the proceedings there was
q sharp personal clash between Mr.. Littlefield
snd Mr.. De Arnond Of Missouri. Mr. De Ar
srond moved that debate on Section l of the bill
be closed.
Has the gentleman taken charge Of the bill?"
asked Mr.. Lttlefield.
Il viii say to the gentleman from Maine"
replied Mr. De Armond that do not think
there is any suggestion that anybody is taking
charge Of the BILL and there might be some
reasons TO suggest that not very much OF any
body has had charge of the bill wish TO reach
3 point where amendments that we have pre-
pared will be voted on, and do not care 10
play into the hands Of the gentleman from
Maine or anybody else who may be disposed to
fritter away time on this occasion"
Let me ask the gentleman" said Mr.. Little
field. docs he undertake to intimate that the
gentleman from Maine has been responsible for
eny Of these delays?"
I undertake to say replied Mr.. De Almond,
that the suggestion Of the gentleman that
somebody was trying to take charge OF this
hilP is entirely gratuitous. and the better sense
Of the gentleman from Maine and the better
manners Of the gentleman from Maine ought TO
make him aware Of thai faIt-
I trust" retorted MI Littlefeld. the gentle
not intend TO be personally offensive to the
gentleman from Missouri; at least, II he does
not appreciate that fact the gentleman from
Maine desires so to state"
Nr LittIeheld offered an amendment TO Sec
fion / which was adopted, providing that SUITS
for failure 10 make returns under the Dill couIo
be brought wherever the defaulting corporation
has q place Of business"
After the minority amendments had been
voted down the roll was called, on the demand
Of members on both sides Of the House. and not
q single vote was recorded against the bill IL
was declared passed by q unanimous vote, Z4o
10 O. Immediately afterward the House ao-
5ourned until tomorrow.
The bill as passed requires corporations mere
after organized TO file returns covering Iheir
articles Of incorporation, financial composlCon'
condition ETC. with the Interstate Commerce
Commission, on penalty Of being restrained from
engaging in interstate commerce, anu PRESERVES
r,enalties for false returns etc The commission
is authorized in its discretion TO call for similar
returns from existing corporations doing an in
1erstate business The commission is empowered
TO compel answers to questions, and hne OF
not to exceed 5000 is imposed for failure TO
obey The commission in this respect The giving
Of rebates by common carriers is mace puhlsh-
able with fine of not less than Sl'ooV' anu
corporations violating the provisions OF THIS sec
1ion are forbidden to use the instrUmentahtes
Of interstate commerce. Carriers are prohlplleo
from knowingly Transporting articles produced
manufactured or sold in violation or the sher-
man act In cases of prosecutions no person Is
TO be excused from tesufy1ng on the GROUND InaI
such testimony would tend to incrininate him.
INT for s7Icb testimony the witness is not to be
r,r,secutgd The circuit courts are to have Juris-
55ctjon in cases of violation, and II is made the
dirty Of district attorneys TO institute proceed
ings 10 prevent violations, and inolViouals oaIil-
pee,s by violations are authorized TO sue