The Washington times., 1905-04-21
PROUTY DENIES
INTENTION TO GO
Commerce Commissioner
Refutes Allegations.
LUClUS TUTTLE'S PRAISE
D DaiJro,d DrocidovttS Tee+;,,a,u ~
Railroad Presidents Testimony to
Senate Committee Regarded as
Best Endorsement of Work.

Interstate Commerce Commissioner
Charles A. Prouty has uttered q quiet
but effective disclaimer to the report
sent out from Washington that he in
tends to resign his office here because
of dissatisfaction, and return TO his
home in Vermont, TO seek election to
Congress, in order to fight for railroad
rate legislation on the floor of the
House
Mr.. Prouty has sent word to his home
State that the report has not emanated
from him, and that he favors the reten-
ton in office of Representative Haskins.
The point that is interesting his friends
now is: Who started the report, and
what ulterior motive was there for an
nouncing with so much detail that he
had broken with the President" etc.
on the subject OF rate legislation?
Railroads Are Hostile.
An interesting sidelight on the work
of the commission was shown in the tes-
timony yesterday of President Lucius
Tuttle. of the Boston and Maine rail-
road. before the Senate Committee on
Interstate Commerce. Senator Frye of
Maine is q director of this road, and it
is one Of the most important systems
in the East. Mr.. Tuttle blamed the
Interstate Commerce Commission for
stirring up the present discussion of
railroad rates. saying it was in conse-
quence Of the annual reports OF that
body that the people at large had taken
up the agitation.
On this point Commissioner Prouty is
disposed to agree with President TuttIe
He thinks it is Il good Endorsement OF
the commission 8 work when so notable
opponent of the commission makes such
IN (lr10fS For cier
commissioner has been urging the neces-
slty for railroad rate legislation, he
said today, and the discussion has
reached such proportions that the prob
ap1ity OF so-re action by Congress is
now stronger than ever.
No Reference TO Roosevelt.
Commissioner Prouty's attention was
called TO portions of an article publish
ed in metropolitan paper alleging he
had claimed the credit for initiating
President Roosevelt's Ideas on ate leg
lslatlon. Mr. Prouty declared there was
no truth whatever in any such state
mentS. He attributes such reports to
Iersons who have been active in seek
ing reorganization of the commission,
because of the strong stand It has taken
on the regulation of freight rates.
Il have never had any great desire tC
remain in public life said the cornmis-
sioner today, "but l have not made any
plans to run for Coueress in Vermont
as is alleged. 1t i my Intention to serve
cut the balance OF nv term fere, about
two years and q haff. CGltSs the Ioresi-
dent desires otlIerwi.a. Offers have
been made me to t.tkc,-. rirs practice
of the law in Chac.,go ana : E,-yoct
but my wish Is tc rezltl';2 !. -erns in
Newport, VT, wher ny .a4 unls
Regulation MIST
For eight years past th,s zupiect OF
rate legislation Las IMP e.,ssed ne " II
its Importance. and l am glad to k-.G~
the President has come !. t-i-w The mat
ter in the same light. He las shown Z
strong grasp OF the subject. a real
ICES that something must II 10" RI't
have never claimed the credit for in
f1uencing his Views, and have never hao
the honor of pouring into his ears
stories of Illegal actions by the rail
roads The whole matter has been mis-
stated and overdrawn by some enc not
acquainted with the facts.