The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1905-02-05
LEADERS UNEASY
ABOUT RATE BILL
See Public Opinion Pitted
Against Railroad Power.
PRESIDENT URGING ISSUE
In Conference With Corporation Heads.
Allison Gets Printing Order-House
Democrats Playing Sharp.

Despite the absolute resoluteness of
the Senate leaders in their belief that
there should be no railroad rate legis-
latcn at this session of Congress, be
cause of a lack of time to properly dis
cuss the subject, If for no other reason
there are increasing indications that
they win have to contend with subtle
influences now at work TO get some
sort of a bill through before March 4.
Their only alternative seems to be
taking long chances about haying an
extra session of Congress in April. If
the present Congress adjourns without
some action.
Won't Divulge Views.
Leaders a the Capitol who have felt
that their feet were planted on the
solid rock are almost ready to admit
that the rock is dfsintegrating into
shifting sand They shrink from making
any such acknowledgment and insist
their opinions have not changed. But
still they are bit apprehensive of the
future and what ii may bring forth
in a way displeasing to them.
Have your views changed in the past
twenty-four hours?H was asked of one
of the Senate leaders yesterday
Not in the least" was the ready re-
Spouse. But no one knows what my
views are
4 Typical Illustration.
This response is typical of the attitude
of a number of the strong men of the
upper house Few know what are the
real views of many OF their colleagues
who are not DESTROYS of leaving cover
until the time comes for a vote, one way
the other. This is as true of the men
who want rate legislation as 1t is of
those opposing the idea
Yes. I've always tried TO be indie
pendent, and I think I generally am
said a Senator from one OF the Western
States. when asked the same question
yesterday But I am always a Repub-
lican too so that no one need count on
me 20 act with the Democrats in any
scheme against men of my own party"
This allusion was in response to a
suggestion that the Democrats have
trick up their sleeves.
Democrats Split Up.
Talk Of any plan of throwing Demo-
cratic support in the Senate to a rail-
road rate bill TO claim some OF the
credit for passing such measure, does
not rest upon a solid premise. Veteran
members on the minority side oppose
any such idea. and admit their party
strength is SO badly split up that such
action is impracticabIc. Whatever the
Democrats in the House may do, per-
haps in following out some Of the
Bryan new ideas, will not affect their
brethren in the Senate,
What is causing change in view.
however, as IS coming to be admitted,
is the earnest work of influencing pub
lie opinion now being conducted by
President + 1oseyelt. He is permitting
no opportunity to slip by. in his public
remarks or private conferences with
members Of Congress, to convince them
Of his determination not to let up i'll
the least because of difficulties in the
way. This diffusion of views is bearing
fruit, and there are heard now less
timid expressions of belief that the
measure to be passed by the House, or
some modification Of it, may get
through the Senate after all.
The President has heard all along
from men experienced In the intricacies
of legislation that it would be an abso-
lutte impossibiHty for any rate bill to
be given proper consideration by the
Senate at this session. He has been re-
peatedlv told by leaders In whom he has
the fullest confidence that the RAILROAD
Senators" would prevent any action IN
the upper branch. This ms IT 6is-
couraged the Executive. but lz'toWing
the power Of a few men to prevent leg
isIation when they desire, ne has de-
terrnined to give the opportunity to any
such opponents to come cut into the
open and oppose a bill on thu floor Of
the Senate
To overcome the objections raised the
President has sought the views of the
nj.
had at luncheon with hiru 1T he White
House, two railroad presi lnnts-A j.
Cassatt. of the Pennsylvania, ana sam
ueI Spencer, of the Southern The In
vitation to them was extended through
Secretary Morton, who is Geeol' inter
ested in seeing the rate proposition
properly handled.
Before going to the White House Mr.
Cassatt had been on Il tour of the Cap
itoI, but had little luck in seeing the
leaders he sought. Senator Penrose was
in Philadelphia and Senator Knox was
at home i'll with the grip. Mr. Cassatt
did see Senator Elkins, however, and
had fve-minute talk with him. These
two men are well posted as to one an
others views, which in a general way
coincide Mr. Elkins had a conference
on hand with Senator Scott. Governor
White, and Governor-clect Dawson. of
West Virginia. where the state railroad
tax law is a dominant issue, so the
Pennsylvania, railroad president did not
tarry long there.
Only for Convenience.
Senator Allison caused advocates of
rate legislation to conjure up new ex-
pectations of some action by the SEN
ate before March 4 when he introduced
yesterday a resolution calling for the
printing. as a Senate document. of the
four principal acts having a bearing on
the subject now so prominently before
Congress.
These are the act creating the Inter
state Commerce Commission, the act
creating the Department OF Commerce