The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-07-28
MR, HEFLIN TALKS
 OF FREIGHT RATES Congressman from Fifth ais- trict Says Reform Will Come COM MISSION NEEDS POWER Legislature Will Favor Regulat- Ing Railways-Expects to Be Re-
 elected to congress-Wil-
 Hams and Hearst.
COM MISSION NEEDS POWER

J. Thomas Hefin, the representative in congress from sthe Fifth district. who is in Birmingham visiting his brothers, the Drs Heiin, talked interestingly last night of the subject of railway rate re- form by federal and state authorities
 President Roosevelt" said MT. Hefiin, fin insisting upon railway regulation and reform of railway rates throughout the country, Is enforcing a traditional demo- cratic policy. It follows, therefore, that this effort of the Presidents will receive the unqualified support of all true demo- crats. I heartily sympathize with the Presidents purpose so far as this ques- ton is concerned, and I believe that ul- timately it will be accomplished.
 It occurs to me, however, that the Investigating committee in Washington has not attacked the question as ener- getically as it might have done. I be- leve that witnesses could have been sum- moned whose testimony would have made out more damaging case against the railways and disclosed gross dis tiiAiiihatioliS III lehilndS ihpSSs
 A Popular Question.
 This question:" continued MT Hefln, has gripped the people of the whole country. and it will be settled and set- tied right as sure as fate. The people have made up their minds that they are going to regulate. if not control, the rail- ways instead of permitting the railways To. 4,. ,I,to ,trAI
 .I am in favor of giving increased power to the interstate commerce com mission In the effort to carry forward this work. The fight should be made and will be made to empower both the fed- erai and the state authorities to put an end to inequalities and dscrimnations in railway freigh rate tariffs.
 Railway Fight in Alabama.
 Here in Alabama the fight has al- ready begun, and it will not end till the people have obtained the relief that they now demand. There can be no doubt that the next governor and the next legisla- ture will enthusiastically favor railway rate reform. So far as the governorship is concerned only two names are now seriously mentioned-Dr. R. M. Cunning ham, lieutenant governor, and MT. B. B. Conner, the president of the state railroad commission. The record of each of these gentlemen is satisfactory to the people or the question of rate reform Dr. Cum ningharns vote while he was lieutenant governor, made possible an elective rall- road commission. MT. Conner has done all that he could do in his present of flee to reform existing railway freight rates in Alabama l am keeping my hands ( if so far as the race for governor is con- oerned. Both Dr. Cunningham and MT. Conner have strong following in the state In case both make the race for governor. it will be an exceedingly inter- estly campaign. The legislature will be overwhelmingly in favor of railway regu- Iaton in freight rates. It will see to it that the railroad commission is clothed with sufficient power to execute the peo- ple's will.
 Reports Indicate Reelection.
 "I repeat that I am keeping aloof from the race for governor, as l am far more interested just now in the race for Con- eress in the Fifth district. It pleased me to learn from reports made to me by my friends that l shall be reelected, and probably without opposition. l have sought to merit such an endorsement and naturally shall be grateful to receive it..
 Regarding the democratic leadership in the House, Mr Hefin said:
 Williams as Leader.
 "John sharp Williams of Mississippi
 ,,Af nfof In position of minority leader. He is, l think, one of the ablest and most lovable men in public life. There has, 1t is true, been some talk of electing Judge DeArmond of Missouri to that position Judge DeAr- mond is an admirable man. but hardly think 1t likely that he or anyone else will displace MT. Williams.
 "There Is another figure in the House that needs to be reckoned with in na- tional politics. and he is Mir Hearst of New York In the last session MT Hearst strengthened himself on both sides of the chamber. He is not an orator. but he demonstrated on one dramatic occasion at least that he IS abundantly able to take care of himself in any company. MT. Hearst is man of nicety of thought and gentieness or demeanor, and the feeling is strong that he Is using his great wealth and power to protect and advance the interests of the plain people. It Is not often that a man born in the purple'-the heir to a large fortune-buckes down to work, doubles his money inheritance and then dedicates all the means at his command to help the people fight their great battle against plutocracy and privilege. l think the country is destined to hear more of MT. Hearst in the years to come.''
 Will Return In August.