Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1906-02-26

frOIn the Tune tndt senator 'IlllInan
presents his report on the railroad rate
bill to the Senate Oh Monday until that
measure shall have been finally dispos-
ed Of by the Senate, that bill will ac-
tually, if not technically, occupy the
foremost place on the Senate calendar.
From the beginning of the session the
rate regulation question has received
eager attention whenever the subject
has been approached. even though in
an informal way, as has been the case
on several occasions and the formal re-
porting of the measure will necessary
lily intensity the interest in it.
There is no prospect of Immediately
displacing the statehood bill, but there
have been many limitations that such
course might be pursued if that bill
continue to be Enacted on when q few
weeks later senators generally find
themselves prepared to enter what all
have believed from the beginning would
be the conflict of the session. All sem
atorS whatever their individual view
unite in considering the railroad ques-
ton as the most important before Con-
gress and friends and opponents of the
Hepburn-Dolliver bill alike unite in the
desire to have it taken up as promptly
as possible. There will be Il lull, how
ever, after the formal report Is made,
because all who expect to participa te
in the debate feel the necessity for suf-
fjcient time to prepare for the conflict
With this preparation once made, it
how locks as if no other subject less
seriously considered would be allowed
to stand in its way.
Even during this period of prepara-
ton the rate question will not be per-
mitted to remain in complete obscurity.
There will be reference to it from time
to time. and if the future may be judy
ed from the past. every mention of it
| on the floor of the Senate will provoke
discussion. 1t is not at all improba BILE
| that the presentation of the report on
| Monday will develop debate. and it is
quite well understood that several
members of the committee on Inter-
| state Commerce, by which the bill has
been under discussion, will take this
| opportunity to explain their votes in
| COMMITTEES. This line of proceeding
will net be permitted to go beyond two
O'Clock. however. for at that hour the
| v,
and cannot be replaced except with tbs
consent of its friends.
On "Wednesday Senator Foraker will
take the floor with a prepared speech
on the railroad question. His will be
the first formal speech on the subject
subsequent to tn" reporting of the bill
| so FAR as announced. the Ohio senate,
stands alone in opposing all railroad
legislation along the lines of the Hep
burn-DOlliver bill He has heretofore
announced his position. and it is under
STOOD that his speech is intended to be
legal exposition of the reasons for his
attitude Many Interruptions of his adj
dress Will undoubtedly occur and it is
very doubtful whether he will be able
to conclude in one day.
| There is already much speculation as
to the prospects Of the rate bill. The
most generally accepted view is that
IL WEI be amended by the Senate in
some particulars. Most of the Demo-
| cratic members of the Interstate COM
merce committee. as well as other DEM
| ocratic senators. have EXPRESSED the
opinion that there should be changes
in the bill and ii is not probable tina
they will alter their minds simply be-
cause the consideration of the measur.
has been transferred from the commit
| tee-toom To the Senate floor. The same
may De SAID of the Republican members
or inc committee who voted against re-
| porting the bill and other Republicar
senators. 1t is already apparent tina,
| the crucial amendment will he tba nd
| dition of an appeal clause. and ova,
that here will be unuuestionahly no ..
determined conflict Friends IF .;,cb /,
modification claim g; Rcpublican SEN.
ators favorable t" the addition of this
proEiSioi ana some IF the Democrats
nave III lie past stated that they would
regard such clause with favor.
Senators 8everidge and Nelson. who
have the statehood bill in charge VIII
not admit the possibility of ,lisnla..-
ment. even in the remote future and
they will do their utmost TO pross -,
consideration.
Mr.. Reveridge is temporarily absent
but Senator Nelson will insist MONDAY,
that nothing shall stand in the wav If
Senator Dicks proceeding with bis
speech in support of joint Statehood
The first half OF the speech was do
llivered more than a week ago and Mr.
Dick sought in vain all last week r.
Isecure an opportunity for its conc,u-
sion. Mr.. Dick will be followed nv NJ
lLong and Mr.. Hopkins in support n,
the bill ana probably by some of TIM
Democratic members of the committe.
on territories in opposition. Senate,
Foraker will press his amendment fo
i 20 for Ariznno
sion and will try to secure an agree
ment to vote at an early day, but tn
friends Of the bill as it stands will M