The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-10-06
ROOSEVELT ISLANDS PAT"

The character of Mr.. Roosevelt is
on trial in America with reference tc
the bill to confer upon the Interstate
Commerce Commission power to fix
railway charges that are unfair. He has
taken stand that is opposed by every
railroad and every railroad lawyer
and every beneficiary of the transpor-
tation trust in America. No influence
is more powerful. They postponed the
passage of an isthmian canal bill for 80
years and when they could not de-
feat 1t forever, they whipped around
from the Nicaraguan canal to the
Panama hoping that the fight over
the route would delay the great work
another decade. In that they were
mistaken. They get the favor OF
nearly all public officials by free
transportation and many courtesies;
they send their attorneys and friends
to the United States Senate; they own
Governors and Legislatures in some
States; they have dictated the appoint
ment of most of the Federal judges UNI
der the Supreme court and they have
judicially repealed laws of the Fed
eral Government and many States;
and they levy tax upon the people
greater than is imposed by any State
government through which the rail-
roads run.
The transportation trust has defeat
ed every proposition that would give
power to fix rates. 1t was able to
postpone the establishment of the
Interstate Commerce Commission for
many years, but when it saw that it's
creation was inevitable it went to
work to emasculate the bill before 1t
became law, and after the law was
enacted it employed the ablest law
yers to ride rough shod through the
law and make it of no effect. 1t never
slumbers or sleeps. The man who
stands in the wa of It's domination
il marks for slaughter. The man who
serves it faithfully is kicked over
board when he can no longer help 1t
to control politics, shape legislation
and escape taxation. 1t has no heart
or feeling. 1t demands to be allowed
to fix rates to suit itself and brooks
no effective supervision.
1t Is that powerful interest that is
arrayed against proper railroad rate
regulation. 1t has been trying to
make the President call off his fight
and lay down, and not a few people
have been afraid he would not press
the legislation with all the resource
his great office gives him. Here is
his answer to doubts and fears:
"a great deal has been said about
what / will or will not do or say con-
corning railway rate legislation when
Congress meets. l am not RESPONSE
BILE for most of what has been printed.
There has not been the slightest
change in my position on the question
of giving to the Interstate Commerce
Commission the right to fix railway
charges, when the commission has
decided that a certain charge is UNI
fair"
Mr.. Roosevelt can compel the pas
sage of the Esch-Townsend bill
through the Senate only by making
it virtually the only legislation that
Is made an administration measure.
He will need to be strenuous to the
highest degree and will need to prac-
tice Rough Rider methods to prevent
the coralling of Senators in the rail
A "a N
people who wish nothing but justice,
regardless of party, will hold up his
hands as he presses this battle il he
will be as determined to secure It's
passage as he was to secure the rati
fication of the Panama treaty ana
other. measures which he has pushed
to a successful issue.