The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-12-08
SWEEPING RATE
BILL POSSIBLE.
Thru Democratic Maneuvers and
Railroads Strategy Extreme
Measure May Be Passed.
BY w. w. Jermane.

|
Washington, Dec. s.-John Sharp
Williams, leader Of the democratic par
ty on the floor of the house, doesn t
quite like the impression that has gone
forth, that the democrats in congress
have been bowled over' by Presi-
dent Roosevelt on the rate question,
and are preparing to follow his lead
without. reference to democratic ira
ditions. He admits that the democrats
such as the president favors, but he
wants it understood that the demo-
cratic party for many years has favored
such legislation, and that the president,
in taking his present position, is simply
coming over onto democratic ground.
With this explanation, he comedies that
practically every democrat in the house
will support whatever bill comes out
of the committee on interstate and for
eign commerce. This is distinction
with very little that suggests differ
enoe; but since the democrats insist
upon making it, the country will ac-
cept it-for what it is worth.
A Move for Party Integrity.
The democrats, in taking this po-
ing to preserve their party's integrity
and block the charge that Roosevelt g
rate issue has obliterated party lines.
This is highly important. A general
campaign is coming on next year, and
the e democrats !n party will endeavor to
issue of republican failures in the SEES
sion this winter. Obviously, they do
not want their party organization i'm,
paired, and hence Mr.. Williams fine
distinction above referred to-.
While it is the purpose Of the demo-
Gratis to support the administration rate
bill, it is also their purpose to give
the republicans as much trouble as pos
sible while the bill is up for debate
in the house. They will offer amend
mcnt after amendment, and viii prob
ably demand some measure much more
radical than the president orr any OF
his party will agree to. This will be
done for the purpose Of embarrassing
the republicans, and so, in all probable
ity, when the rate bill is reported, it
will be accompanied by a report from
the committee on rules limiting debate
other way can the house be made to
adopt the presidents plan. The demo-
Gratis will oppose the H.gag' rule, will
offer various amendments, and accuse
the republicans of not going far enough
with their bill to give the desired relief.
In proportion as this talk can be made
to impress the country at large, the
rial for next year. 49,
President Conservative.
| The president himself has been ad-.
| vised that this will be the situation in
the house, and he has taken the posi-
ton that as IS l SnYs as the republican
country for what is done, and not the
democratic party, it will be highly nee
essary for any rate bill that becomes
a law to: be couched in conservative
phrase, and it will be found, before the
rate question is over in congress, that
he is one Of the most conservative of
i the great leaders of his party. He
1 doesn't know to what, lengths the fol
by the enthusiasm r51hich the rate. de-
/ bates will create. iHe .doesn It know
l how far, Esch and Townsend will 60.
4 IF they join the radical element, either
J in their own party or the democratic,
the president will not follow them.
mission. or some other body to which
4 congress will delegate the rate-making
4 function, to have the power to name
a rate and put it at once into effect.
Here he stands. and here he will con-
tinue to stand. All such things as the
! private cars, terminal rebates, ETC., will
be included in any bill that will stand
snie on Of eh hss@ se and Ths nG
regards this part of the battle as al
ready won. But the question Of whether
i rate, when named, shall 20 at once
into effect, is still undetermined, and
around it the contest will be waged,
especially in the senate.
... Railroad Men Inconsistent.
The elaborate argument of Samuel
| Spencer president of the Southern Rail-
way system, that the bill which has
been drawn by the interstate commerce
| commission is unconstitutional, is
looked upon here as being likely to re-
bound against the railways, for If what
Mr.. Spencer says be true, the best