Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1905-12-20
THE FIGHT At THE CAPITAL.

bill yesterday. From the outline given
by news correspondents it contains the
vital principles of remedial rate legis-
lation, and is said to be "simplitica-
terstate commerce commission. The
principal change made by the Dolliver
bill is in fact limitation of the powers
to be conferred on the commission by
the original bill. Delivers bill pro-
vides that the commission, in case of
rate complained of and found I'M
reasonable may substitute a maxi
mum reasonable rate to go into effect
in thirty days after notice. Under the
maximum reasonable rate, might fix
differential, might change classified
tons and, in some cases, fix a maxi
mum and minimum rate.
The main point in rate legislation is
the yitalizing Of the commission Any
bill that lacks this essential lacks ev-
erything. Bills like Foraker's that
grant increased powers to the commits
sion and contain saving clauses to pre-
are worse than nothing. Senator Dolli-
ver's bill shows well In the outline.
There is reason to believe that it has
been drawn to satisfy the need and de-
mands of his constituency and the
country at large, but it should be scam
ned with a careful eye by rate revis-
ionists, In critical but not carping
spirit, and it's author given support
and suggestion. The bills the thing.
Its most essential point may be sum-
med up in seven words-increased pow.
err for the interstate commerce COM
mission.
The fight before the country is over
and won by the people. There is prac-
teal unanimity for rate regulation. The
crux of the battle is in congress. Upon
it every railroad battery will be
brought to bear. Railroad interests
know that rate bill will pass. Their
effort will be toward passing ''the right
kind" Of a bill, and the kind Of bill
favored by them will scarcely content
the west or satisfy justice. No one
wants the railroads given any but a
square deal. What is to be insisted
upon is that others shall have share
in the deal.
A prominent Iowan recently return
ed from the east where his extensive
business interests brought him into
personal contact with leading railroad
managers who talked freely to him as
an old time friend and business asso-
sciate, reports that these men consider
congress the last ditch in the fight.
Astonished over the failure of their ex-
pensive press bureau, astounded at the
universal sentiment in favor Of rate
revision, they are concentrating on
washington to "save the pieces" AS
a matter of policy they outwardly sup
port Roosevelt, but in the privacy of
their offices no man is worse hated or
more deeply cursed than the president
of the United States. He is unap-
proachably honest and sticks to the
point. They can't handle him and
they hate him. Confessing themselves
beaten they smile in public and rage
in secret This is the report of a re-
sponsible man whose interests in a
considerable measure lie with the rail-
roads, and who is fresh from con-
ferences with the men who control
railroads.
There Is a call for vigilance. 1t is
the price Of emancipation from corpor-
ate domination. There should be no
wavering in the ranks of the rate reg
ulators. No matter how trustworthy
our representatives in congress may be
there is occasion for a display of alert
cautiousness. Watch every bill. Write
your congressman. The corporations
are busy. Get busy!
In this connection it might be well
to consider where the efforts and SYM
pathies of Mr.. Blythe, general counsel
for the 90" and the men and newspa-
pers who get their inspiration and or
ders from Mr.. Blythe, are likely to be
expended.
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