The Springfield herald., 1906-05-25
WINS in SENATE
VOTE FOR RAILROAD RATE BILL
ALMOST UNANIMOUS.
ENDING OF LONG CONTEST
Only Three Senators Vote Against the
Hepburn Bill as Amended-One Re-
nIIhIica and H.An De


publican and Two Democrats.
Washington-After seventy days of
almost continuous deliberation, the
Senate ut ABB p. III. Friday passed the
railroad rate bill by the practically
unanimous vote of II 10 3.
The three negative votes were cast
by Senators Foraker, Republican. OF
Ohio; Morgan and Pettus, Democrats,
of Alabama.
There was somewhat larger at
tendance of Senators than usual. bat
the attendance in The galleries was by
no means abnormal, and there was 10
manifestation of any kind when the
result was announced. There was.
however, an almost general sigh of re-
lief among the Senators.
In addition to passing the bill, the
proceedings consisted of concluding
the consideration of amendments as
such and the delivery of = number OF
speeches on the bill. The only amend
ment adopted was the one offered
Thursday by Senator Teller eliminat-
ing the words lin its judgment" from
the power given to the Interstate
Commerce Commission TO fix rates.
The bin has received more attention
from the Senate and from the country
at large than any measure that mas
been before Congress Since the repea,
of the purchasing clause Of the Sher-
man act in 1893.
II was reported to the Senate Febru
AIRY 26th and was made the unfinished
business March 18th. From March l2th
to NAV 4th the bill was under general
discussion without limitation on the
duration of speeches. ffty-eisht OF
which were delivered. Many of these
were prepared with great care, and two
OF them consumed more than days
time in delivery. Senator La Toilette.
the junior senator from Wisconsin,
spoke for three days. and Senator
Daniel of Virginia for two DAYS. Sen
ators Bailey, Foraker. Lodge, Rainey.
Dolliyer anC others each spoke for an
entire day.
For twelve days the bill has been
under consideration under rule limit.
ing speeches to fifteen minutes each.
The debate at all times has been ear
nest and animated, but for the most
part devoid of personality as between
senators, the past few days, however.
having called out some caustic crl-
ticisms of the President and of some
newspaper correspondents by Senator
Bailey.
The principal purpose of the rate
bill passed Friday is to permit the In
terstate Commerce Commission to fix
rates. The provision which confers
this authority is found in the fourth
section of the bill. which amends sec
ton 15 of the interstate commerce law
so as to investigate complaints or un-
Just or unreasonable charges on the
part of the common carriers in the
transportation of persons or property,
or of regulations or of practices af-
fecting such charges. 1t also author
ICES an inquiry as to whether the rates
or practices are prejudicial or other
wise in violation of the act, and in case
any of these conditions are found to
exist, the commission is empowered to
determine and prescribe what will be
the just and reasonable maximum rate
and what regulation or practice is
Just, reasonable and fair.
Further, authority is given the com
mission to enforce its orders, and they
are to go into effect within thirty
days and continue in force for two
years unless suspended, modified or
set aside by the commission or by a
court of competent jurisdiction.
Other powers conferred by this sec
ton are TO aDpOrtiOn joint fares. es-
tablish through routes and maximum
joint rates and prescribe their division,
and to determine the compensation to
be paid to shippers doing service for
carriers.
Section 16 of the present law is so
changed as to provide for an award OF
pecuniary damages TO complainants
found entitled, and in case payment is
not promptly made in accordance with
this award the beneficiary is author
lied to file suit in Il United States cir
cult court to compel compliance. The
finding of the commission is to be re-
ceived as prima facie evidence OF the
facts in such suits, and the petitioner
is absolved from all liability for acts.
Another provision renders legal the
service of the orders of the commits
sion through the mails and provides
that these orders shall take effect
thirty days after service unless sus-
pended or modified by the commission
or suspended or set aside by the
courts.
A penalty of $4,000 for each offense
in disobedience of the order is i'm
posed, and the penalty is to accumu-
late at the rate of $1,000 day in case
of continuous violation.