Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-07-05
NINE APPOINTMENTS
Members of the Interstate
Commerce Commission.
UNDER NEW RAILROAD LAW
No Necessity for Their Being Named
Until September 1.
SOME CHANGES ARE LIKELY
James S. Harlan Spoken of for Chair
man-Three of the Present Board
may Be Retained.
SOME CHANGES ARE LIKELY

No appointments more important to the
country, with the possible exception of cab
met officers, are to be made by President
Roosevelt than the members of the inter-
state commerce commission, under the au-
thority of the recently passed railroad rate
law. The new law win go into effect about
September THAT is, sixty days from the
date of it's enactment. II is expected that
by the expiration of that time the Presi-
dent will have determined who shall con-
stitute the new commission. Already he
has given some consideration to the per-
sonnel OF the commission to be named un-
der the law, but no announcement Of his
intentions has been made.
1t is the known purpose of the President
to create a commission which shall COM
mand at once the confidence of the people
and of the railroads. He has stated in pub
lie speech and In private conversation that
he desires to do nothing that will affect in
Juriously property rights, and it will be
his purpose in naming the new interstate
commerce commission TO choose men of
high character, eminent ability and we'll
known standing before the people of the
country, in order that, from the beginning
the commission shall have the confidence
OF all parties in interest.
Some Changes Likely
1t is likely that some changes will be
made in the present commission From
time to time, criticism of the existing
commission has been made. 1t has been
charged that some, at least of the mem
bers are not so strong as they ought to be
to occupy positions of so great response
bflty and Importance. Statements along
these lines We're made during the debates
in Congress on the railroad rate measure
III was the evident opinion of senators and
representatives who gave the matter care
ful consideration that 1t would be neces-
sary for the President practically to re-
organize the commission under the new
law and this he doubtless will do. The
extent to which he will go in the reorgan-
ization of the commission has not been
disclosed. but 1t is quite certain some of
the members of the present commission
Will not be retained on the new commits
sion.
1t is pretty we'll assured that a change
Will occur in the Craftsmanship. AT this
time James S. Harlan of Chicago, son
of Associate Justice Harlan of the United
States Supreme Court, is thought to be Ger
tain of appointment to the Craftsmanship
of the new commission. Mr. Harlan is
strong man, an able lawyer and is consid-
cred admirably equipped for the position
for which he Is slated. He is the sort of
nan who appeals strongly to President
R6dsevelt-virile, Independent and honest
In politics he Is a republican and, a year
or so ago. was a candidate for the mayor
atty or chicago. He already has made q
mark for himself In national affairs and
those who know him best believe he will
administer admirably the affairs of the in
terstate commerce commission.
Three May Be Reappointed.
OF the present commission, the likelihood
is that three members will be reappointed
to the commission under the new law They
are Commissioners Prouty, Cockrill and
Lane. Commissioner Prouty had much to
do in framing the new law and was one OF
the Presidents closest advisers through
out The railroad rate contest. Former Sen
ator Cockrill Is regarded highly by the
President, who believes ne will make an ex-
cellent member of the new commission.
Franklin K. Lane was confirmed as ffsom-
Der Of the present commission in the last
days of the Senate's session He is a dem
ocrat from California. In his own state
he has been an important figure for many
years Objections were made to his ap-
pointment by the senators from his own
state, but those objections were political
and not personal The President stood by
him to the end and finally brought about
his confirmation.
No intimate yet has been given as to
the other members of the new commission
but assurance is afforded that they will
measure up TO the demands that the body
shall be able, honest and impartial.