The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-11-23
DEPEND ON DEMOCRATS
FRIENDS AMONG RE-
 PuDLICANS IN MINORITY.
Senate Cemmittee on Interstate Conn merce Discusses the Matter of
 Reporting Bill for Railway
 Freight Regulation.

Washington, Nov. 22.-Railway rate- making was again considered by the Senate Committee on Interstate Com merce today, but in an informal way, as no measure has yet been presented to the committee upon which 1t can base It's action. Views were expressed by several members which indicated sharp division as far as the situation has developed. There is the further indication that a majority iof the com mittee will favor a measure giving the Interstate Commerce Commission more power which means in some form con trol over rates. It seems to be quite well understood that three Republi- cans and enough Democrats favor such Legislation to insure a rate-making bill being reported.
 Informal discussion among Republi- can members of the Committee show that apprehension is felt that if bill should be. reported by Republicans and Democrats against the wish of ma jority of the Republican members 1t would create a division in the party that will work disaster in the future. The Republicans who favor rate-mak- ing legislation assert the way to avoid a rupture is to support a conservative measure in line with the recommenda- tions of the President.
 At future meetings beginning tomor- row, each member of the Committee will be given an opportunity to state his views. During the discussion to- day Senator Foraker expressed the opinion that 1t would be sufficient to meet the present situation if the Inter state Commerce Commission should be authorized to take cognizance of com plaints. bring suits to enforce the laws In the United States courts and that all district attorneys be empowered to .kA L. yer said he believed that the movement for control of rates had progressed to tho extent that legislation short of giving some tribunal of the govern ment such power would not be satfs- factory.
 Three members of the Committee have not yet arrived in the city. Sem atcr NewlaRds after the Committee ad- journed today said: 'I have no doubt that a measure for railroad legislation providing for the prompt determina- ton of rates where disputes arise be- tween shippers and communities on the one hand and the carriers on the other will be passed the coming session. But look for prolonged consideration both in the committee and the Senate and the public will probably grow impa- tient over the delay.
 2 Individually I believe in cornpre- hensive action on the whole question of transportation by means of a na- tional incorporation act, covering the Incorporation of new companies as we'll as the consolidation of old, guarding strictly against over capitalization preferences. rebates and discrimina- tions and compelling an automatic but gradual reduction in rates as the total business of the country increases. by a limitation of dividends.
 Such legislation would put the rail- roads out of politics, State and Ma tional. and would protect the Interests of investor and shipper alike and would not interfere with the initiative and enterprise, which have given us the best railroad system in the world. We should do away with the absurdity of permitting the States to charter car riers for interstate commerce. Three fourths of the transportation of the country is interstate and as interstate commerce Is clearly entrusted by our Constitution to the national govern ment, 1t is illogical that forty-five les- ser sovereignties should create the na- chimes that are to do the business of the greater sovereignty" T