The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1905-01-17
TOO MANY BILLS 70 CURB ROADS.

TOO MANY BILLS TO CURB ROADS.
Diversity Of Opinion ~ to Remedy 70
Likely to Block Progress.
WASHINGTON, D. c., Jan. 16.-The
evils of railroad rate determinations
and the injustice of rebates to favored
shippers are now being given serious
consideration by members of congress.
wide difference of opinion exists as
to the best means of remedying pre-
vailing conditions. The diversity OF
views will probably prevent any action
this session.
The bills already introduced to pre-
vent giving. rebates cover wide range.
The Cooper Quarles bill increases the
powers of the interstate commerce
commission and is in line with the
recommendations contained in the
presidents last annual message. The
Newlands bill provides for federal
control of common carriers. The Hep
burn bill carries out the suggestions
of Commissioner Garfield for granting
licenses or franchises to all corpora
tions engaged in interstate commerce.
Senator Elkins is preparing a bill,
based on the English law, to create an
interstate commerce tribunal for the
adjustment of unreasonable rates
made by railroad or steamboat lines.
Look for Legislation.
Senators Cullom, Hepburn and few
others believe there will be some legis-
lation this session. Senator Elkins
thinks it is impossible to accomplish
anything definite in the brief time al
lowed.
The senate interstate commerce COM
mittee will consider next Friday all
the bills now pending for remedying
rate and rebate evils.
In an interview today Senator Hey
burn, author of bill granting fran
chises to all interstate corporations,
said:
There is undoubtedly great injustice
done the public through rebates by
railroad companies. The people must
be afforded protection by the enact
ment of law which will secure a dis
continuance of these practices.
Congress can deal only with the in
terstate features of this matter. There
is prevailing error in many quarters
that congress can control corporations
existing within a state. Nothing can
be done in thatdtrectioo. The consti-
regulate interstate commerce, but goes
no further.
My bill provides that a railroad or
other interstate corporation must sub
nit a sworn statement that no rebates
or favored rates are given before a
charter can be issued to it. If it is
subsequently discovered that rebates
are being paid it's charter can be re-
vokej. The public, is afforded abso-
lutte protection"
What Teller Favors.
Senator Teller said:
Il am in favor Of increasing the
powers of the interstate commerce
commission to regulate railroads. The
presidents recommendation meets with
my approval. There is a growing dis
position on the part of corporations
to disregard law and measure must
be drawn which can be enforced. The
people are tired of discrimination and
something should be done for their
relief. l do not expect to see anything
done at the present session.
Senator Newlands, author of the
| bill providing for federal control OF
common carriers, said:
There should be the most stringent
/ legislation for the prevention OF re-
! bates and discrimination. These
| abuses have become almost intolerable
We are now in the midst of an era OF
rebates, preferences and discrimina-
tons. deliberately promoted by man.
ayers of the large railways in the in
terest of certain communities and Of
certain larger corporations interested
in the ownership of such railroads.
The time has come to abolish state
lines as to the construction. operat-
ing and management OF railroads. The
public interests require this and the
power to accomplish it is contained ir
the constitution"
Highly Recommends "rrib" as q Cur
I -