Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-03-15
PASSED BY THE HOUSE


When the House met today Mr. Townsend
(adichJ called up his resolution complying
with the Presidents suggestion that addi-
tional powers be given the interstate COM
merce commission. that 1t may comply with
the Tiilman-G Gillespie resolution directing an
investigation of the relations between GER
tain railroads and the coal and oil Industry.
The resolution was agreed to without dis
sent, after It had been amended by striking
out the $4,000 appropriation to pay the ex-
pense of the inquiry. This was done on the
statement of Chairman Tawney of the APP
preparations committee that the commits
sion had indicated that the inquiry would
cost at least $4,000. and that detailed esti-
mates had been asked for and doubtless
would be furnished, at which time the ap-
preparation could be made
MIR. Mann Qll) expressed the opinion that
the President had been unfortunate in his
information that added powers were neces-
sary. He contended the commission was
created for this purpose and already had
the necessary jurisdiction and power.
Mr.. Townsend cencurred with this idea.
but said the resolution could do no harm
and was compliance with the Presidents
ideas.
Action was taken intended to clear the
House Of an imputation that members had.
abused the Thanking privilege Mr.. Sibley
(Pa-) reported unanimously from the COM
mittee on post offices and post roads that
an investigation made under the Sims res
olution developed no truth In the charges.
and the committee asked to be discharged
from further inquiry. This action was
taken after Mr.. Sims tTenn) had spoken
briefly on the subject.
In its report the committee INDUCES In a
severe criticism of newspaper misrepre-
sentation. 1t prefaced this with refer
in his annual message that publicity can
by itself often accomplish extraordinary re-
suits for good. and the courts of public
judgment may secure such results where
courts Of law are powerless.
The newspaper criticism causing the in
Quiry stated 1t to be universal knowledge
that the abuse of the Thanking privilege by
members presents the perfected spectacle
of graft"
Both the managing editor and the writer
who produced the article disclaimed to the
committee the knowledge of any facts af-
fording basis for the statement. This edi-
torial the report continued, doubtless had
been copied extensively and must necessa-
rily tend to contempt for law by imbuing
the public mind that those who make the
laws were venal The report states that all
official action Is proper subject OF press
criticism. but it respectfully submits that
the press which stands as censor owes 1t
not alone to the public but to itself that
when q general Indictment Is drawn there
should be substantial basis of facts before
Congress Is arraigned at the door of public
opinion.
When the legislative bill was taken up
Mr. Keifer (Ohio) took the floor in advo-
cacy OF his reapportionment bill reducing
the representation in Congress, as follows:
Alabama. nine to five; Arkansas, seven to
five; Florida, three to two; Georgia, eleven
to six; Louisiana seven to three; Missis-
sippi, eight to three; North Carolina, ten
to six: South Carolina. seven to three; Ten
nessee. ten to eight; Texas, sixteen to
twelve, and Virginia, ten to eight. The
rights of both the white and colored popu-
lations in these states, he said, had been
abridged.
Gen. Wood Criticised.
Brief comment on the recent battle in
the Philippines was made by Mr.. Jones
Va.), who said, making every allowance
for the personal relations known to exist
between the President and Gen. Wood, he
was unable to understand how the Presi-
dent could indorse the killing of women
and children. 1t had shocked the whole
nation.
ain my judgment" he continued. this
action on the part of the commanding gen.
eral of our forces in the Moro provinces
cannot be condoned or excused"
It would only have required wait of q
few weeks to have starved out the Moros.
when they would have surrendered, he
added.
The dispatch from the Secretary of War
to Gen. Wood showed that he thought an
explanation necessary. The affair was, he
said, blot on this country. The dispatch
from Gen. Wood he characterized as q most
remarkable document.
That the republican caucus might be held,
the House adjourned at 2;JO o'clock until