Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-02-01
CAUCUS WILL APPROVE
Republicans to Consider Rail-
way Bill Reported.
TO MEET NEXT FRIDAY
OPINIONS DIFFER AS TO EXPEDI-
ENCY OF ALLOWING AMENDMENT
Attitude Toward the Proposed Increase
Test Vote in Senate.

Friday afternoon at 3 o'clock the repub-
licans of the House will meet in caucus to
outline their course in regard to the pend
ing railway rate legislation. 1t is said the
caucus undoubtedly will indorse the bill
which has been reported with the unani-
nous Endorsement of the republicans of the
committee on interstate and foreign COM
merce. There is some question, however,
as to the mode of procedure for handling
the bill in the House.
Some of the republicans desire rule from
the committee on rules which will permit
Of debate but preclude the opportunity for
amendment. This does not meet the ideas
of some others, however, who insist that
there should be full opportunity for amend
ment, even though radical amendment
might be proposed and carried through with
the aid of the democratic votes. 1t is like
ly that rule will be adopted providing
for the ironclad escort of the bill through
the House without danger of assault.
Situation in the Senate.
A very interesting situation exists in the
Senate. Some of the prominent western
senators are of opinion that the House
bill is a good measure and should be en-
acted. Senators Allison, Spooner, Dolliver
and Clapp are mentioned as among the
westerners who take that view. These gem
tlemen are also said to believe that there
is prospect of legislation at this session
somewhat along the lines of the House bill.
There is no indication, however, Of any
weakening of the opposition In influential
quarters to the bill. This opposition re-
fleets the antagonism Of the railways and
it 'isisaid that the big trunk lines are unal-
terably opposed to the rate-hxing clause of
the bill. The section that gives the inter-
state commerce commission authority to
name the rate and gives that rate all the
force and effect OF law of the United
States until 1t Is reviewed by a court of re-
pealed by the commission is highly objec-
tionable to all railway interests.
Southern Criticism.
1t was said today that some of the south
ern democratic senators are disaffected to-
ward the proposition to invest the COM
mission with such power. A case in point
Is cited in support of that objection by
one of the senators, who said:
Suppose there was a phenomenal crop
OF peaches watermelons and It was de-
sired to secure special rate to market
these fruits in Chicago or Milwaukee or
Minneapolis. Suppose the railroads, in order
TO secure the business on the perishable
commodities. were willing to make spe-
cial rate. These fruit growers could not
get in until petition was made to the inter-
state commerce commission and all of the
red tape gone through. If the commission
were behind on its docket, as undoubtedly
1t will be. the rate could never be obtained
in time for it's application to that CROP
Test Vote in the Senate.
1t was said today that an effort will be
made to get test vote in the Senate when
the House bill comes over through a mo-
ton directing the committee on interstate
commerce to report a bill to the Senate
within specified time. Senator's who are
opposed to legislation say that they are
afraid that considerable debate would ensue
upon the offering of such a motion which
might interfere with the important business
on hand.