Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-05-07
WILL ENACT A Law
Legislation on Railway Rates
Regarded Probable.
MODERATE IN TENOR
EXPRESSED BELIEF OF SOME
SENATORS.
It is Thought That the President Will
Acquiesce-Secretary Morton's
Recent Declaration.
MODERATE IN TENOR
EXPRESSED BELIEF
SENATORS.

The senators who have been following
pretty closely the progress of the agitation
for railway rate legislation and events in
legislative circles bearing thereupon say
mat the outcome, SO far as enacted law
may be concerned, seems reasonably well
outlined at this time 1t is their opinion
that there will be legislation. but not to the
extent recommended by the President at
the beginning of the last Congress.
These senator's go on to say, further
that they are convinced that President
Roosevelt, when the time comes, will ac-
quiesce in this partial measure of new
law upon the subject he seems to have so
much at heart. Their reasons for express
ing these opinions at this time are the re-
suit Oh number of considerations
Probable Legislation.
When asked to outline the probable
scope of the legislation which they think is
possible at the next session of Congress
they say that undoubtedly a bill will be
passed upon the general subject of rail-
way regulation and reform. They are
positive that it will not go to the extent
OF empowering any governmental body to
make rates. They say the bill will be lin
lted ito prevention of determinations
through the private-car system; to the
|
existing system of terminal facilities and
probably provision for additional rules
| of evidence in rebate cases.
Inc argument OF these senators is that
When such an act Is presented to the Presi-
cent with the suggestion that it Is the
Dest the senate can do. and the intimation
that he can take 1t or let Congress go
away without action of any kind, he will
| consider that half loaf is better than
| no bread. and will yield gracefully to the
/ inevitable. Their 10
| upon the superstition that President Roose-
welt Is gutter in a fight but that he Is
wise enough to know when it is of no use
| 10 night further, and that he Is too adroit
! to produce schism In his own party by
| clinging to a forlorn hope.
Alleged Change in Sentiment.
Senators who have followed the situation
| carefully in the weeks since Congress adj
| Journed say that there is a marked change
| of sentiment in the country on the question
OF rate regulation. 1t is due, they say, in
part to the campaign of education con-
Quoted by the railways. which, although ex
| parte in intent, has been of a nature call
cuiated 10 create some popular impression.
| 1t is confidently claimed that a reyuIston of
puohc teellng has to a certain extent fol-
IoWed THESE efforts and that President
Roosevelt will depend upon that alleged
change in sentiment as Endorsement for his
acceptance of the modified legislation.
IL 10 Grained by THESE senators that the
Juror which at first blush was aroused over
the suggestion of railway reform and regu-
lauon mas given way to a more conserya-
1--WE consideration by the people of all the
elements involved The railways have
plugged away persistently at one idea .
namely, that legislation once enacted can
not easily be changed, and it is said that
they have made impression upon the popu-
lar mind with that suggestion
Republican Leaders Divided.
The opponents of radical legislation ex-
pect to work upon President Roosevelt prln-
cipally with the fact that there is division
among the leaders of the republican party
| over this question of railway rate regula-
| ton They are now pointing with consId-
| cradle citation to the recent utterance OF
secretary Morton to emphasize the diff
| 1erences which exist among republicans on
TINS subject. Secretary Morton, In ad-
| dressing the railway congress Wednesday
| night, said: MY own opinion is that II all
| vicious determinations can be abolished the
| question of rates will adjust itself"
Indeed, In some quarters Secretary Nor
! tons statement is being represented as the
| actual attitude of the President himself,
| and 1t is claimed, whether justly or not
| that Secretary Morton is probably voicing
the Presidents supposed position at this
| time upon this important subject. At any
| rate, the belief Is strong among senators
! OF certain class that if the President has
not already concluded to accept cOnSerya-
| tive action by Congress on railroad uues-
lions he can be convinced before the close
| of the next session of the ACCESSIBILITY of so
doing.
Conservatism in the Senate.
There is no question of the existence of
powerful faction in the Senate inimicaI to
radical legislation. 1t Is an independent
faction also, because most Of the senator's
comprising 1t still have terms of from four
to six years to serve and will not be an
swerable at the bar of public opinion in the
near future.
This faction Is intent upon resisting to
the utmost the clamor which is expected to
proceed from the incoming House of Rep
resentatives in favor of popular ideas OF
railway reform. They realize that the new
House will comprise a large element of
men who have fioated in upon the Roose-
welt tidal wave and who may be expected
to follow the President in anything the ex-
ecutive might purpose But these senators
say that they will be here when many or
the hedgling statesmen have been rele-
gated to the obscurity whence they ema-
mated. and that. anyhow the Senate is re-
sponsible in the end.
PRIVATE CAR LINES