Evening journal., 1905-11-20

pleasing to the Senators as evidencing
sincere desire on the part OF the admin
istration to reach the private car lines
under the Elkins act, and that the Attor-
ney-General is inclined 10 share the views
Of the Senators instrumental in securing
the passage of the act. that it will be ef-
hcaclous il properly enforced.
IL is expected that an effort will be
made in certain quarters 70 discredit the
action Of the Attorney General by rails
ing the cry that the suit was brought AZ
against the private car lines for the effect
against thep rivate car lines for the effect
it would have on Congressional action.
such a charge, If true. would be mon
strous. as Indicating that the administra-
tion was prostituting its resources and
fouIing the stream of justice TO accom-
plish its ends. There is no ground for
anv belief that Attorney General Moody
is acting otherwise than in good faith
and that he has instituted these pro-
ceedings i'm the FIRM belief that the private
car lines, hitherto apparently invinciole.
can be dealt with by the strong arm OF
the law under the Elkins act.
AR. Moody points out that the Elkins
law provides that lit shall be unlawful
for any person. persons or corporations
20 offer. grant or give, or TO solicit, ac-
cept or receive, any rebate. concession or
discrimination In respect to the transpor-
tation Of any property in interstate or
foreign commerce whereby any
such property shall by amy device what
ever be transported at a less rate than
q. III nd
filed by the carrier"
RIGID ENFORCEMENT EXPECTED.
II the contentious OF the government
are upheld in the courts, as it is believed
they will be, there will be no difficulty IN
reaching other private car lines, no mat
ter how powerful, and there IS no doubt
the rigid enforcement of the severe pen
alties provided by the Elkins act viii
speedily put an end to all rebating by
means OF such devices.
The private car lines should be highly
pleased with the institution OF this suit.
Their attorneys have been clamoring for
some time to get the matter into the
courts and II this was merely a bluff"
on their part it has been promptly
The belief that all devices under which
rebates were granted or obtained could
be successful dealt with under this act
is shared by those who are most familiar
with tht subject. including Mr.. e. p.
Bacon, chairman OF the Interstate Com
merce Law Convention and the central
figure in the movement for rate regula-
tion.
The case at issue Is the one in which
it is charged that the Pabst Brewing
Company has been receiving rebates by a
device" within the meaning Of this act.
namely. through a commission granted to
the Milwaukee Refrigerator Transit Com
pany. which is owned ana operated, il is
alleged. by the stockholders of the brew
ing company. Before deciding to file the
suit Attorney-Genersl Moody took coun-
sci with District Attorney Butterneld. As
sistant Attorney General Purdy. District
Attorney Pagin and special counsel
Charles QuarIes. and the determination
to hle the suit was the outcome OF their
deliberations. 1t is announced that the
case win be pressed TO as speedy a hear
Ing as = proper regard FOR the rights Of
the defendants win permit.