Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1905-12-07


they have powerful friends, especially
| in the Senate.
They urge that the step is I'M
necessary inasmuch as freight rates
are already as low as can be allowed
and to reduce them means the ne
eessity of cutting down the wages OF
their employees; that, indeed, there is
no general or intelligent complaint OF
them on the part OF shippers; that
the proposed step is socialistie and
contrary to the spirit Of our govern
ment; that 10 hand the liking Of rates
over to a commission appointed by the
pre- jdent means placing in the hands
of the executive an unWarranted power
that will result in making the presi-
dency SO important to the railroad
corporations that they will be forced
TO take a direct part in his choice Can
intimation that they will support the
candidate who promises them COM
mission favorable to their interests D
that present interstate laws are ade-
quate to serve present needs. ii en-
forced and that the proposed regula-
tions could be secretly avoided.
The presidents position is that he
proposes no new plan, but one which
has already worked to advantage tor
years, until overturned a few years
ago that the complaint arises not so
much on account of freight rates being
too high on the average, as because
they are not uniform, thus giving GER
tain shippers advantage over others, to
the detriment and disaster OF the
latter; that the commission can only
fix the rate Professionally, for the sake
of celebrity, and that the railroads have
the right of appeal to tie courts, il
they feel aggrieyed that the interstate
lines of commerce have become so
powerful and their regulation to the
end that they shall treat all their
patrons fairly has become so urgent to
the well-being Of the people as a
whole that the simplest and most
methods should be employed
to bring it about.
Undoubtedly this question Of rail
road regulation will be the most alb
sorbing topic Of the session. At the
last session a bill passed the House
easily, embodyiug the presidents
views but the railroad lobby succeeded
n sidetracking it in the Senate. As
his is a new Congress, a new bill
will have to be prepared and pass both |
houses. The struggle will come in
he Senate. 1t is practically assured |
hat the Republican supporters OF the
Presidents policy in that chamber
will have the aid OF nearly all the
Democratic senators from the South. |
md it seems likely that the railroads !
will have to yield, at last Possibly |
hey may be able to secure some CON
SESSIONS, ii they show a submissive
pirit.
As to tariff revision, it is less likely
o come about. There is a vigorous
Iemand for a change in many of the
chedules, for lower duties, for the
,lacing Of certain raw materials on
he free list and for reciprocity with
'anada. This demand comes from a
element in the Re-
publican party, and of course is IA
-ored by most Democrats and indie
Iendents. 1t has made itself felt in
be state elections OF Massachusetts.
for the past two years
The president Is known to give It
ertain measure of his approval. But
encounters a good deal of inertia on
be part of the great body of Republi-
ans the country over The ''stand.
Observation-Disclosures spirit has
hem in its grasp. They do not evince
much interest in the matter, and |
ather prefer that it be not taken up.
lost Of the old-line leaders of the |
arty in Congress and throughout
he country do not seem disposed TO
avor tariff revision at this time.
How the Panama canal shall be
'uilt, whether lock or sea level. winII
lso be determined by Congress. This
$ a momentous subject. Experts who |
AVE studied it carefully on the ground Il
1--WE opposing opinions. A commits
ion selected by the president to con-
ider it reported in favor Of sea
eyel canal, out it was divided nearly T,
venly as between the two views so
bat its findings lose weight. It is II
Omitted that sea level canal. when
.nally built, would be much better
'ut the immense additional OUTLAY and
he l0uupr pprio1 raouiral 60. 81. - /