The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-11-15

interstate commerce commission. I have
told you why I cannot do this unless
the present duties OK that commission
are modified do not believe congress
can delegate the power to exercise con-
troll over interstate rates to the courts
1t does not belong there.
i doubt If the courts would assume
that duty if delegated to them. Congress
must do it itself. or have a subordinate
BODY or administrative body to perform
the duty. You say these are matters of
detail. They are but, as a member Of
the senate, charged with making this
legislation, I am compelled to believe
that While you may generalize and say
do SO.
You want a law that is effective. You
do not want one that will be declared
unconstitutional. Our experience in this
state with the court of visitation law
should be sufficient for Kansas to pro-
coed with great deliberation. That law
was passed hastily, and declared uncon-
stitutional, and left us without a rail-
road law in this state for several years.
The legislation that is proposed will take
power now exercised by the railroads
and lodge it in congress. OF course in
taking away that power the railroad
will object. They will attack everything
that is done. So that everything that il
done should be done well.
Howard's Sharp RetOrt.
''While the resolution you present me
does not so state, I yet am advised to
get right with the president. was adj
vised to do this on the Esch-ToWnsend
bill, and yet the president, now, in his
Raleigh speech, takes a position that
conflicts with that measure. ] do NOT
know what the recommendation of the
president to congress on this subject
will be; nor do you; yet you ask me, IN
advance, to say that I shall agree with
everything he may recommend. L de-
cline to abdicate or shift my RESPONSE
bility on this measure to the
or to any other person You viii
hold me responsible for my vote in the
senate, and I cannot evade it hereafter.
I believe you do not want your senator
to represent the opinion of someone
else; but to vote his own judgment al
ter careful consideration of the measure;
and that is what 1 propose to do. what
did you send me to the senate for?'
Mr. Howard ITO represent US.
When you can't represent US you
should resign and come home"
"That is right" replied Mr.. Long.
"It has been my good fortune to be
somewhat closely associated with the
president of the United States ad-
mire him greatly for his Wlsn TO Sc
cure legislation that will relieve the
people from conditions which are not
right.
TT has been my privilege to cham
piOn measures IN congress WIN
which he was in accord; but never, IN
all my experience has the president Of
the United States even intimated to me
that he wanted me to vote for any
measure because he favored it. 1 sup
ported reciprocity with Cuba, and
made up my mind on the measure
without previous consultation with the
president. 7 hope that, on this ques-
ton my position will be in accord with
his recommendation, but 1 decline to
say, in advance, that I shall support
anything he may Feeommend or any
thing the committee may report.
''I am waiting. giving consideration
to this subject, and have been for
months. I shall take such a position
that I can defend. I shall be respon-
sible to the people of Kansas for the
position I shall take. I realize the
necessity for legislation. but must be
permitted, in my own way, and in my
own manner, to reach my own con-
illusions on the subject; and when they
are reached, you who live in my old
congressional district will never doubt
that i shall give the reason for my
position. and shall be ready to answer
to the people of Kansas for what I
shall do"