The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-01-07
THE SANTA FE CASE.

The railway rate regulation problem
which is now confronting congress is Of
vital Importance to the citizens Of the
United States.
From the confusion of reports ema-
mating from washington comes the
talk that the problem viii not be set
tied at this session OF congress or if
Legislation is enacted it will be framed
with loopholes advantageous to the
railways.
President Roosevelt's position in the
railway rate regulation matter is to
secure the correction of the payment of
rebates. He believes that no shipper is
entitled to q. lower rate for the trans
portation Of a given article over a
given distance than other shippers.
1t is a well-known fact that regard
less of existing anti-railway legisla-
ton meant to correct these evils they
still exist The subject has assumed
national proportions and many of the
leading railway men of the country are
in washington watching with interest
the proceedings.
The railway presidents apparently
are in favor of legislation along this
line But they need to be watched. 1t
is to be hoped that if any bills are
enacted it will not later prove that they
are no value TO the people.
The foremost leaders in the rate reg
ulation legislation plan are not inclined
to be unfavorable to the railways. The
dominating idea is to frame legislation
that will be alike fair to the small ship
per and the large shipper as well as to
the railways.
The case of the Santa Fe railroad
charged with paying over $1,000 q day
rebates to the Colorado Fuel and Iron
company has become irrevocably link
ed with the problem which is now be-
fore our congress. The newspaper re-
ports have been very complete on the
subject and almost all the people, at
least the newspaper reading people are
familiar with the facts as they have
been made public UP to date.
It is charged in some quarters that
the whole Santa. Fe case was trumpet
up to iniure the former second vice
president, Paul Morton. of the Santa
Fe, now secretary of the United States
navy and a member of President
Roosevelt's cabinet for no other pur-
pose than to advise and inform him
in railway matters in order that the
president may handle the problem
before congress intelligently. It is
now said that the plan is to try to
No doubt these matters will be
cleared up soon, and the public may
then know all the facts.
President E. p. Ripley asked the in
terstate commerce commission for a
rehearing of the rebate case. and it
has been granted. The rehearing will
take place next week in Chicago. 1t
is now said that Mr.. Ripley will tell
some interesting things which as yet
the public has had no inkling of.
Secretary Morton will no doubt
take the stand and testify in regard to
his connection in the transactions I'M
der question.
Both men affirm that they have
committed no wrong and they are en-
titled to a fair hearing on the sub
ject. Until their testimony is given
out. it may be only fair to suspend
judgment.
The findings in this case will no
doubt have a direct bearing on the
question as it comes before congress
and it is to be hoped that the ultimate
result Of any action upon the part OF
congress will be found to work no
hardship on the people as well as the
railroads