The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-10-24
CHAMBER STATES
ITS OBJECTIONS.
COMMERCE Law
8 CONVENTION NOT APPROVED.
Board of Directors Issues Statement Of
Five Reasons for Opposing E. P. Ba-
cons Plan-Will Defeat Establish
nent Of Reasonable, Effective and
Desirable Regulation of Rates.

Following the Indifferent attitude as
sumed by other Minneapolis and st.
Paul commercial organizations toward
the Interstate Commerce Law conven-
ton that is to meet in Chicago, begin
ming Thursday Of this week, the board
of directors of the Chamber. of Com
merce has adopted and issued a me,
mortal opposing the specific form OF
legislation advocated by the promoters
of the convention. While the reasons
given for opposing the convention cover
practically the same points that are
raised by other commercial bodies that
are opposed, the board of directors OF
the Chamber of Commerce have taken
a more decided stand than have other
organizations, inasmuch as they for
mally state their reasons. In their state
ment, which is issued today, under date
Of yesterday, they say:
"The board of directors has thus far
deemed it to the best interests of this
market to oppose the specific reform
legislation advocated by the Interstate
Commerce Law convention (so-called)
for the following reasons:
"First-It will defeat the establish
ment of reasonable, effective and de-
sirable regulation of railway rates and
practices by properly constituted and
competent, tribunal, or commission.
OCCOuu tuc
power to put certain rates into effect
within thirty days, subject only to ad-
verse decision by the supreme court, or
transportation court, will, we believe,
be not only unfair to the railway com
panies, but in time lead to the estab-
lishment of rates based largely on dis
lance, which will be disastrous to In
terror markets or icbbin:g centerHss, such
as the twin cities, injurious y affecting
both tho small op1 1arro chInnar
Third-The absolute prevention OF
| rebates or other forms of secret con-
| cessions is highly desirable, and neces.
sary to secure stability and equity of
railway rates. The proposed legislation
while attempting to accomplish this,
| contains certain Objectionable provi-
sions which we believe will insure its
| rejection by congress.
"Fourth-The so-called interstate
commerce law convention does not rep
resent the view of conservative, well.
| informed shippers, nor the majority of
the shipping interests of the country
"Fifth-We believe the movement
should he taken up along broader, more
representative lines, with, greater pros:
pect Of securing legislation calculated
to correct transportation evils now
existing.
Bacon Sends Missionary.
E. P. Bacon of Milwaukee, general
director of the convention, evidently
has premonition that his invitations
to the business organizations of Min
neapolis may not be accepted. Myro1
W. King, representing the execu
tive committee Of the Interstate Com
merce Law league, of which Mr.. Baco1
is chairman, is in the city today tt
stimulate interest in the convention
and to urge the commercial bodies Of
the city to send delegates. .....
After discussing the invitation, thu
Commercial club took no action. Th,
Mississippi Valley Lumb ernaen s asso
citation will send a delegate, but mas
much as the association has alread,
taken action against a change at tn
present time, its delegate, under re
cent ruling by Mr.. Bacon, will prob
ably be declared Ineligible In thi
case he will probably take part in dis
senting convention that has been ar
ranged for delegates whose association
have similar views
Mr.. King is making a thoro canvas
| of the twin city associations, urgin
T them to send delegates. He spent
, part of his time today in South st. Pau
with the live stock association, TIL
St. Paul Jobbers' association will no
!. send delegate.