The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-01-31
Who is the norrower2

VIM ~ lHt
Some observers are amused and more
are surprised by the sight of Mr.. BRYAN
and tho Democrats in the act of holding
up Mr.. RoosEvEIT's hands az he labors
for the enlargement Of the powers of the
Interstate Commerce Commission and
for Government supervision of railroad
rates. The Hon. JOHN SHARP WILLIAMS
and the Democratic brethren in the
House of Representatives rally around
the President with a well simulated
enthusiasm. They will be his shields
against monopolistic Republicans, if
such there be in Congress
In this lightning change comedy of
politics has Mr.. BRYAN Topped" to Mr..
ROOSEVELT or has Mr.. ROOSEVELT
Topped to Mr. BRYAN? Have the
Democrats become Republicans or the
! Republicans become Democrats?
The best way of answering these ques-
tions is to consult the Republican national
platforms and tho Democratic national
platforms, beginning with 1896, the first
year of organization.
What did the Republican platform of
1896 say upon this now all-obsessing and
supreme subject Of Government regula-
ton of railroad rates?
Nothing.
What did the Republican platforms of
1900 and 1904 say about it2
Nothing.
Turn now to the Democratic books.
Fret ha L., ,N1at fOr ~
Tho absorption of weal,hby the few. tho con-
solidAuon of our leading railroad systems and the
formation OF trusts and pools require sirictcr
control By the Federal Government OF those arteries
OF commerce. We demand tho enlargement OF the
powers OF tho Interstate Commerce Commission
and such restrictions and guarantees in tho control
OF railroads will protect the people from robbery
and oppression
In 1900 the Democrats called for laws
providing for publicity az to affairs of
corporations engaged in interstate COM
merce, and requiring these to show, be-
fore doing business outside of the State
of their origin. that their stock is not
watered and that they are not trying
to monopolize. More specifically az to
railroads:
-Wo favor such enlargement OF the stcp. ~
the Interstate Commerce law as Will enable the
Commission TO protect individuals and oouimuHi-
ties from Determinations and the public from un-
just and unfair transportation rates"
The Democratic national platform of
1904 repeats the cry of 1895 and 1900:
We demand an enlargement OF the powers OF
me Interstate Commerce Commission, 20 tho end
that tho travelling public and shippers Of this
try may have prompt and adequate relief from the
abuses To which they are subjected In the matter Of
transportation"
Three times the Democratic party was
beaten Three times its platform was
rejected Three times the Republicans
showed by their silence that they did not
want the powers OF the Interstate Com
MERGE Commission enlarged,
In his message to Congress Dec. O,
1904, Mr. ROOSEVELT said:
The Government must. in increasing degree
supervise and regulate tho workings OF the rail-
ways engaged in interstate commerce. and such
increased supervision IS the only alternative to an
Increase OF the present evils tho hand or a
stIll more radical policy tho other. Ia my judy
mcnt, the most important legislative act now needed
as regards tho regulation Of corporations is this ]
act to confer on the Interstate Commerce Commits
sion tho power to revise rates and regulations. tho
revised rate to go at into effect and to stay
effect until the court OF review reverses g."
Thus Mr. ROOSEVELT complied with /
tho Democratic demand" for an en-
largement of the powers Of the Inter
state Commerce Commission. Naturally
the Democrats, like MoLlERE, take their |
own where they find it.