The Minneapolis journal., 1905-01-24
LETS GOVERNMENT
CONTROL RATES
Hepburn Bills Advantages Sum-
married. Presidents Objec-
tions to Minor Features.
HIGH GRADE EXPERTS
TO SETTLE TARIFFS
Special Court to Pass Upon Ques-
tions Appealed by the
80 Commission.
BY w. w. Jermane.

Washington, Jan. 24.-The Hepburn
bill is now running the gauntlet Of act
i've criticism, and it may be several days
before the situation is sufficiently clear
regarding. the wisdom or unwisdom of
some of its provisions. In the main,
however, it may be said that the bill is
satisfactory to those who are earnestly
and intelligently seeking relief from the
unjust exactions of the great carrying
companies. . .....l I'll. =. -,
Colonel Hepburn, it is said, has not
carried out the wishes of the president
in. all respects, but [ understand that
the president 8 objections, in the main,
are directed toward the minor provi-
sions of the bill, and not to the major.
For instance, the president does not be-
eXa that it l is necessary to appoint five
peals from the commission s rate deci-
sions. He thinks there are already
enough judges to take care of all this
business. To several Of the other less
important features Of the bill, am in
formed, the president has objected, but
that he will veto it, if given that oppor-
tunity, is hardly probable, for the bill as
direction of the satisfactory control Of
rates. ....E :.- .4 -.
Benefits of the Bill.
portant things. Three Of them may be
briefly summarized: -
First-It would give the government
absolute control over the entire ques-
tion of ratemaking, and in this regard it
goes considerably farther than the Coop
regard. No exception is taken TO the
1brond and sweeping pro visions of the
opening section which places the rate
making power In the hands of the gov
Second-It would establish a court
pass upon questions Of rates appealed to
! it from the commission. ..,1 =
I 'Third-It would constitute commits
| sion of high grade experts to determine
| rates, and to this end it would have
them appointed for ten years each and
pay them a salary Of 100000. ,...
far e meetng the critcsme Of f
shippers and toward insuring rates
which will be as nearly equitable as it
will ever be possible to make them by
legislation. .... Z,
Some Will Be Disappointed. =
On the other hand, however, the bill
will probably be a disappointment to
many people who are clamoring for leg
islation, just as any other bill would be
what it's provisions were. For instance
the shippers Of the country, seem te
have the impression that they can gel
legislation which will reduce rates. This
is a mistake; neither the Hepburn bill
nor any other bill which it would be
result. On the other hand, the bill il
; enacted may increase rates in many 10
calities. It will, however, make al
rates subject to investigation, on com
plant, by the interstate commerce com
mission, and it's general effect, if Wig
orously enforced thru complaint, would
be to have rates uniform, broadly speak
ing.
Looking at the bill from the NOR
narrow point of view. of communities
| however, it may not be satisfactory il
it's operations. The struggles betwee1
communities would be continued unde
the Hepburn or any other bill whic
g they might be intensified. This woul
: also be true of the Cooper -Quarles bill
| Rebates Already Covered.
| The Hepburn bill has nothing what
. ever to do with rebates These wer
! effectually taken care of in the Elkin
legislation of two winters ago. TIL
= statutes prohibiting, rebates are fu7
e and sufficient, and there is no though
e House or the capitol.
$ Messrs. Bacon and Barry, who ar
J representing before congress the grea
e shipping interests of the country, ar
5, very well satisfied with the Hepbur
= bill, and are prepared to support il
. Other representatives of shippers fee
. the same way. Still others-as in th
Continued on I'd Page, 9th Column.