The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-11-28
Senators Stampede to Join the
Roosevelt Banner.
Even Railroad Presidents Are
Falling Into Line.
SEE THE INEVITABLE.
Will Of the People Cannot Be
ThWarted.
Foraker Will Fight Rate Bill to
Last Ditch.

Last UlGcns
Washington. Nov. est developed
today that the subject under considera-
ton at the White House conference last.
night which was participated Ia By the
president, Secretaries Root, Taft and
Bonaparte. Senator Knox and Commis-
sioner of Corporations GARFIELD was the
projected legislation Affecting freight
rates. It has been positively declared
that there shall be no further express
sion of the Administrations views on this
subject, pending the publication OF the
presidents message to congress, IN
which it is treated at great length
It is also learned that there has been
no change whatever in the presidents
view as to the best form of rate Iegis-
lation. In other words his views have
not been affected by any Of the PROPOSE
tons recently made public.
Senator Dolliver. of Iowa, a member
of the committee on interstate COM
merce, talked with the president briefly
| today After his interview the senator
remarked when asked about rate legis-
lation:
I'VE are moving along toward prac-
tically unanimous stand for the presi-
/ dents policy"
| Representative Hinshaw Of Nebraska
| who also talked the president, declared
1.-The people Of Nebra IA are unan-
| imous in support Of the presidents posi-
ton as to rate legislation"
Foraker win Fight.
| Washington Nov. Ex-senator ElkinsY
chairman of the senate committee on
| interstate commerce, followed Senator
Aldrich to New York It is expected
| that the two will consult With railroad
| friends and will tell them that the pres
| ident viii accept no compromise and
| that the sentiment Of the country IS IN
/ sistent for legislation permitting the
government to TX rates.
| Mr.. Roosevelt has put his foot down
| strongly on the Foraker measure he
has let it become known empnaticaLiy
/ that he would not accept 1t in whole or
in part, nor consider It as basis for
| compromise
Able constitutional lawyers who are
! among his immediate advisers declared
that the bill conferred rate making pow
ers on the courts, which projected into
the future, and It therefore would pe
declared VI constitutional by the TTnit-
ed States supreme court which had held
that the power to make rates was leg
islative, not a judicial. function
Senator Foraker and othe- friends oI
| his bill have expressed their willingness
to have it subjected to the constitution
al tests. They point out that the Dill
does not propose to COZ r the power 70
make rates on the cG4rtS but merely
provides that the courts, on proper
showing, shall exercise an equitable
jurisdiction to enjoin the collection OF
all above a reasonable rate
But the effect Of the presidents posi-
tive stand and other conditions served
to disconcert some of opponents OF
his policy in committee, and Just now
they are Aess hopeful Of favorable leg
isIation than they have been at any
time since the rate fight was opened
The conditions which have intervened
| may be enumerated as follows:
l. The reported attitude OF the pres
idents Of two great railroad systems,
Mr.. MeIlen of the New York Rev
Haven and Hartford and Mr. Cassatt or
the Pennsylvania, both OF whom, it Is
stated on reliable aulnoflLy' nave * *
pressed an unwillingness to oppose the
presidents wishes, even If they N0@ TO
/ acouiesce in the proposal to cOnfe- rats
making powers on the government.
Democrats With the President.
2 The disposition of Democratic sem
ators, even in the Interstate commerce
committee, to follow the presidents lead
Senator Foster of Louisiana is outspok-
en- for his policy. Senator Tillman OF
South Carolina apparently Is OF g
same mind, and while Senator New
. | lands of Nevada has q bill OF his own,
the purpose of which IS to guard against
overcapitalization. he is expected to nna
up ultimately with the president
8 The unexpected declarations OF
several New ENGLAND ators-notably
Hale and Proctor, both Republican
favor of the presidents policy and the
report that Frye and Dillingham;, Re
/ publicans were Of the same mind. All
of these senators had been counted on
as opposed to comforting the rate max
ing power on the interstate commerce
commission.
Senator FIkins, the chairman, it can
be stated with authority, admitted that
I he regarded it as a futile EFFORT try
to stand out against the president when
: railroad presidents and Democratic sen
? ators are flOcking to the support OF his
l policy and conservative senator appar-
} emily are changing front to support him.
: Senator Foraker alone. it is said,
/ seemed unwilling to acquiesce In the ad-
r ninistration view. He stoutly defend
2 ed his bill as constitutional and de-
r clared to his colleagues in the commit
t tee that he never would consent to con-
fer the rate making power on the inter
= state commerce commission.
He declared, it is said, that he would
: lido nothing to obstruct legislation, bui
r was prepared to be outvoted II need
. be on the senate floor rather than sur
= render.
, He contended that If the interstate
: commerce commission we're empowered
] to make rates It would IN his judgment
plunge the interests affected Into com
pIicated litigation, the end Of which
could not be fOreseen-
w. E. Thomas to Philadelphia.