The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-02-03
LINEUP AGAINST RATE BILL.
HOIs Sc REPUBLICAN Caucus NAY
TAKE ACTION TO-DAY.
Slblcy Calls Conference or Pennsylvania
Delegation to Unite Them Against
Townsend Mcasure-Lcaders With Him
An Extra session -un Possible.


Delegation to Unite Them Against
Townsend Mcasure-Lcaders With Him
An Extra session stll Possible.
VAsurNGroN, Feb 2.-Active and bitter
opposition 10 the Townsend rate regulation
bill developed in the House to-day. the
result of which was the calling of con-
ference of the Pennsylvania delegation
with view TO unit OF action in the Repub-
lican caucus tomorrow afternoon. The
hour fixed for the conference is , o'clock, or
an hour before the meeting of the caucus.
q The call for the conference was due largely
TO the efforts of Representative Sibley, who
IL endeavoring to bring the delegation in
line TO oppose the bill and the rule for
it's consideration. It's promoters however,
were careful to avoid a caucus of the dele
cation whose action would be binding on
its members, as it has not yet been ascer-
timed how they stand on the rate subject
There IS little do1bt that the movement
has the sympathy and support OF the House
leaders with the exception. perhaps, Of
Speaker Cannon. The pending bill was
reported from the Interstate Commerce
Committee against the wishes Of its chair
man. Representative Hepburn. and Repre-
sentatives, Mann, Sherman and Wanger.
the principal Republican members Of the
committee.
The numerical strength Of the Penn
sylvania delegation. If 1t should agree to
vote as a unit against the bill, may have
considerable effect upon the action Of the
fnll caucus, but such an agreement is prob
lematic.
Although the President some time ago
reached the conclusion that his scheme of
legislation affecting railroad rates and the
novers OF the Interstate Commerce Com
mission could not be put through Congress
at the present short session, he has by no
means abandoned his idea of calling Con-
press together in extraordinary session
between now and next December.
The Presidents first purpose in consid-
erirr n special session was to cause the
amendment of the Dingey Tariff law before
the converting OF the regular session on
the first Monday of next December. Sub
seouently. however he let II be known
that he regarded the proposed increase
in the mower of the Government over rail
roads az more vitality important.
Mir. Roosevelt has reached no conclusion
nc IN what action he will take iowa rd calling
Con gress together in advance Of the regu-
lar time of meeting. but no surprise would
be caused among well informed persons IL
he should decide 10 issue call in the early
autumn II he does 70. he may discuss
both the tariff and the railroad rate question
in his special message.
Another unsuccessful effort was made in
the House to-day TO get unanimous consent
for the Richardson clan of the minority OF
the Committee on Interstate and Foreign
Commerce TO withdraw its report on the
railroad rate bill and the bill it suggested
"a A desirable substitute for the Townsend
measure. for the purpose Of amending them.
The request for unanimous consent was
made by Mr. Williams, the minority leader
who stated that IL was desired to make
some verbal changes in the report and 70
add 10 the bill section declaring private
and refrigerator car lines TO be common
carriers. and subjecting them 10 the pro-
visions Of the Interstate Commerce act OF
1887 and Of the bill included within the re-
port.
Mr.. Shackleford Dem. Mo.)-with Mr.
lamar of Florida comprising the other
branch Of the minority-I desire to with
draw my objection to the request which
/ made Yesterday afternoon.
Mr. Esch (Rep. Wis)-l rise to renew
the objection.
Which ended the matter for the time.