Custer County Republican. (Broken Bow, Neb.) 1882-1921, 1906-02-15
R. Y. Rate Bill
Passed House.
The Hepburn Bilito Regulate
Railroad Rates Passed by
Lower House.

Last Thursday the house of
representatives, by vote of $40
to Z. passed the Hepburn R'y rate
bill. Those voting against the
bill were: Littleheld, Mccall,
Perkins, Sibley, Southwick,
Vreeland and Weeks, eastern re-
publicans.
The bill, according to Mr..
Hepburn's statement in closing
the debate on the measure, was
intended and did, so far as 1t
could be made, he said, comply
specifically with the recon-
mendations of President Roose-
welt on the rate question. 1t
gives the Interstate Commerce
commission authority, when
rate has been complained of as
unreasonable" by shipper to
investigate that rate, say whether
or not it is reasonable, and if
found to be unreasonable to name
a rate, which is to be the maxi
mum rate to be charged.
This rate so fixed is to GO into
effect thirty days after it is an
nounced by the commission sub
ject during that time to be set
aside or suspended by the COM
mission or by the courts. After
it has gone into effect it is to re-
main the rate for three years.
During this time the opinion has
been expressed by those who
have participated in the debate,
the rate may also be reviewed by
the courts, and if found to be in
conflict either with the terms of
the act or with the constitution,
by being confiscatory, it can be
set aside by the co urts.
Another important feature is
the definition of the word rail.
road" and Transportation" in a
manner to include all auxiliary
instrumentalities of the common
carrier and to bring them within
the control of the commission.
This power to name reasonable
rate and the inclusion of the
commission are said to be the
new features. All other provi.
sions are notifications of existing
law. They include publicity oil
railroad methods, which is to be
aided by prescribing a system oil
bookkeeping and charging the
commission to seven members
and increasing the salaries OF
members to $4,000 year.
The Omaha Bee says: 1.-The
measure passed is the result OF
careful deliberation and was
thoroughly discussed. 1t was
framed to meet the views and
recommendations of President
Roosevelt and is entirely accept
able to him. 1t was unanimously
approved by the house committee
on interstate and foreign com
merce. OF the seven republican:
who voted against the bill some
are probably opposed to any rate
regulation, while others simply
objected to certain provisions O
the Hepburn measure. They
will have an opportunity mex
fall to explain to their constitu
ents the reasons for their action
Interest in the matter will
now center on the senate. On
the 10th the committee on inter
state commerce of that body will
decide as to which one of thu
several bills it has under con
sideration shall be reported t.
the senate. The general opiniol
is that a measure essential TIT
same as the house bill will be re
ported and that after prolonged
discussion will be passed. 1t i
understood to be the sentimen
in the house to adhere firmly t.
its bill and to accept no measur,
that changes its vital provisions
At all events the promise o
legislation at this session regu
lating railroad rates continue