New-York tribune., 1905-02-22
RATE BILL DISCUSSED.
Senate Committee Reaches No De
ciSi0n-M0re HEARINGS.

Washington, Feb. 2l--The Senate Committee
on Interstate Commerce to-day reached no def
.nite conclusion as 10 postponernent of railroad
rate legislation this session of Congress-
The committee will go on with hearings on
Thursday. when the resolution of Senator Kean
providing for an investigation of the subject of
rate legislation during the recess will be con-
side-ed
The committee considered for more than an
hour the question Of reporting TO this session
bin for the regulation of rates or a resolution
asking that the committee be authorized TO sit
IN the recess 70 perfect some measure that will
meet The objections urged against the Esch-
Townsend bill, which was passed by the House
The sentiments expressed by members of the
committee were SO varied that agreement was
impossible and, amid confusion the committee
vas adjourned by Chairman Elkins with the
announcement that meeting would be held on
Thursday 70 hear stuyvesant Fish. president Of
the Illinois Central Railroad and others who
have been invited by the committee TO appear
The controversy over the programme TO be
ADOPTED was started within few moments after
the committee was called TO order Senator
Dolllver moved that the committee take I'd the
Esch-Townsend bill and other measures before
the committee and continue TO meet every day
until some bill could be reported 10 the present
session Of Congress. Opponents Of the bill re-
1nonstrated in chorus. but Chairman EIkins
made himself heard in order TO respond TO the
motion. He declared that the number of pro-
tests that had been made against the bill passed
ey the House and the number Of demands for
hearings made by the interests affected by the
proposed legislation made il imperative that ex-
hausttve hearings be held.
Senator Cullom called attention TO the Presi-
dents message on rate legislation, and argued
that it YES due him that some action be taken
a. the present session He thought the House
bill might be amended TO make II a safe meas
ure for the present, the COMMITTEES having in
mind further amendments after q trial had
been given It by the Interstate Commerce Com
mission Senator Dolliver talked in a similar
vein, and Senators CIapp. Foster. Of Louisiana
and Csrrnack thought some action should he had
without delay.
IN response 10 the demands for Immediate ac-
tion on the House bill. Senator Kean said that
nearly every lawyer who had examined il had
poked his fingers through il and declared many
of its provisions unconstitutional, and that II
did not reach the evils complained Of bv ship
pers' but did jeopardize the securities Of the
railroads
The President himself realizes that no ac-
ton can be had at the present session" inter
rupted Chairman Elkins. He does not indorse
this bill row. and believes that q better meas
uTe can be drawn Re is willing to take the
responsibility OF postponement, especially as
he has been assured that II no measure is passed
al mis- session the committee will meet early
and press and investigation right through"
r. spite OF the opposition developed. Senator
DoliYer pressed his motion. II was met with
arguments from several Democrats as well as
the Republicans quoted.
senator kean prepared resolution several
weeks ago. asking that the committee be desig-
I-7led 10 SIT IN the coming summer. but, after
consultation with members Of the committee de-
'!oeo 10 submit il 10 the committee instead of
oINrlng i IN the Senate. He had intended 10
ou@r u to-day. but Senator Dolliver forestalIed
y WITH MS motion. The resolution was not be-
lpTe The committee. but its provisions were
,Alo~'L and the course suggested formed tn.
Dass Of the argument. No vote Of any kind
Nas had st the meeting, and 2 division Of the
-ohlr1ittee could not be made from the argu-