New-York tribune., 1905-01-12
SENATE PROCEEDINGS.
Railroad Regulation and Statehood
Discussed.

washington Jan 1.-THE attention of the Senate
to-day was divided between the Statehood question
and government regulation of railroads. Mr.. New
lands OF Nevada, made formal speech on his
soint resolution providing for a commission with
instructions frame national incorporation act
for the construction and consolidation Of railroads
engaged in interstate commerce. He became en-
gagged in a spirited controversy the points in
vosyed with Senators Spooner, Foraker and others
All amendments TO the Statehood bill, except that
relating 10 the liquor traffic in Indian Territory
we're agreed 20.
Mr. Hewlands said 1t time TO ignore State
lines in the construction, operation and manage
ment OF the railroads. and added that the power
sought constitutional He advocated in
Of the authority OF the Interstate Commerce
Commission 10 authorize il TO regulate rates
and said the consolidation Of the control Of the rail-
roads. exercised by all the States, in the ma
tional commission. would have the desirable effect
OF destroying rebates. Such control, he contended
would be advantageous 20 the railroads in that 1t
would relieve them from the expressions Of varying
conditions of popular Judgment. and take them out
Of politics.
Mr Foraker asked Mr.. Newlands how he proposed
20 secure the reiDeorporation Of tho railroad COM
panies as proposed by his resolution. TO which Mr.
Newiands replied that his measure is so framed as
partially 70 drive and partially to coax the rail-
roads He added that one means which might be
resorted 20 would be prohibit railroads which re-
fuse take national Incorporation papers from
engaging in interstate commerce.
does the Senator claim that the power, 10 pro-
hibit is comprised in the power to regulate COM
mercer" asked Dir. Foraker.
Mr.. Newlands replied that he thought
Mr.. spooner raised the point that 1t would be
impossible by federal enactment to regulate COM
merce In the States.
Mr.. Newlands replied that he did not contend
that Congress had power TO regulate commerce
confined exclusively 10 any one State. He did con-
tend, however. that when the government con-
strucfed railroad State had power to tax 1t
said the government had power 70 take possession
Of interstate commerce
The Statehood bill was taken up and an amend
lnent agreed 10 which would have the effect Of
leaving the location of the capital TO the legislature
OF Oklahoma.
The amendment prohibiting the sale OF liquor to
Indians in what is now the Indian Territory for all
time and TO other sections for ten years created
discussion. Mr. Beveridge maintained IL was neces-
sary 20 protect the Indians. Mr. German called it
a bad form Of paternasm and a reflection on the
people Of the proposed State. Mr.. Morgan and Mr.
Mallory also criticised the amendment. II was
passed for the time.
The amendment making a gift Of 5000, 600 for the
benefit 0 the public schools OF the proposed State
OF Arizona was adopted, after striking out the
provision for the payment OF interest on the sum
AT the instance OF Mr.. Long. the bill was so
amended 20 require a separate appraisement of
improvements on leased lands before sale
An amendment giving TO the Secretary OF the In
terror exclusive jurisdiction national parks
Rne reservations also was inserted
Mr. Foraker then presented his amendment pro-
rloing that the portion Of the bill applying TO New
the Constitution should be favors bly, voted on by
The Territories separately, but pending it's con-
sidersfion the Senate went into executive session
sno ef f:S p. m adjourned.