The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-11-27
NOT FOR THE
FORAKER
Rate BILL

Washington. Nov. Acknowledgements
within the next week are apt 20 clear the
situation with respect to prospective rail-
road legislation. The interstate com
merce committee Of the senate Will re-
sumo its meetings behind closed doors on
Tuesday.
The meetings last week were notproduc-
tive OF anything save the presentation Of
the Foraker bill and the accompanying
explanation OF its features. which gave
the public an idea OF the general lines
along which opposition 10 a radical ratc
fixing policy was forming
The bill commanded attention and much
approval from Senator Foraker's commit
tee colleagues.
For a time it looked as If the bin might
afford a rallying ground for a majority
OF the committee. and some OF its features
commended themselves TO the Democratic
members. one Of the latter said he could
support the bill IL Senator Foraker would
accept an amendment which amounted to
IN addition instead OF a change.
This proposed amendment was APP
parently not Objectionable. Another
Democrat on the said the bill
was admirable I'm many OF It's features.
Blu the president promptly put his
foot down on the measure. He let II be
known e~mphatically that he would not
accept the Foraker bill whole or i'm part
nor consider IL as a basis for compromise.
The able constitutional lawyers who are
among his immediate advisers began 10
md alleged flaws I'm the Foraker bill.
They declared that the bill conferred rate
making power on the courts. which pro-
jected into the future. and II woud there
fore be called unconstitutional by the
United States supreme court, which had
held that the power 10 make rates was
q legislative. not a judicial function.
Senator Foraker and other friends OF
his bill expressed their willingness Ia have
the Foraker bill subjected 10 the consti-
tutional tests. They pointed out hat the
bill did not propose 10 confer the power
10 make rates on the courts. hut merely
provided that the courts on proper show
Ing made should exercise an equitable
Jurisdiction TO enjOin the collection or all
above a reasonable rate. And the eNer-
else OF this power by the courts, the de-
tenders OF the Foraker bill claim Is CON
stitutional.
But the effort Of the presidents posi-
tive stand and other conditions served TO
disconcert some OF the opponents OF his
policy in the committee, and Just now
they are less hopeful OF legislation than
they have been at any time since the rate
tight opened--
In Is said that when the Interstate
commission resume It's sit
tings Tuesday the future Will he cleared
up somewhat. The opponents or the
president will have had some time in
which TO recover from the blow he dealt
the Foraker bill. They will have oppor-
tunity after conference 10 shape their
future course.
All. or nearly all. the senator will have
arrived In tho city for the session, which
begins one week from tomorrow. and
their views will be available. first hand.
The president is said 20 be impressing his
opinions quite forcibly on all the now
senatorial arrivals who call at the White
House. and some views formed In the re-
cesses OF a rural vacation may undergo
modification afteFtreatment BY the presi-
dent.