The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-02-02
HOUSE CALLS FOR
COTTON ESTIMATES
sibley Arraigns Rate Legislation
Charging That 1t is a So
cialistic Step.
lRv Associated Press

WASHINGTON. y. c.. Feb. 1.-The
House to-day called for the estimate OF
cotton yet to he gnned. which the d.
rector OF the Census has compiled. but
which he has no authority TO make pup
lie until March. This action precipitated
a lively discussion. but there was no OPP
position to the resolution on It's passage.
The discussion of the railroad rate bill
was continued. and the House agreed 10
meet at II O'Clock hereafter until the de-
bate Is ended.
The feature to-day was the lengthy
speech OF Mr.. Sbley. of Pennsylvania,
who arraigned the legislation and an
nounccd unalterabie opposition to the BIZ.
When he charged that the legislation WAS
socialis,ic and a step towards govern
mcnt ownership and the dream of Bryan
and Hearst. Mr.. James. OF Kentucky
asked what the reason was for the right
about-facc of the Republican party In
the direction of the Bryan leadership
II will gracefully place the responsible
ity on my colleagues of broader shoui-
ders," retorted Mr. Sibey
In presenting ~ privileged resolution
asking for the census bureau estimate OF
cotton yet to be ginned Mr.. Crumpac.-
or OF Indiana, elected keen interest. The
resolution was introduced some time ago
by Mr.. Simms, OF Tennessee.
Mr.. Crumpacker" explained that the dl,
rector Of the census had collected the
information sought at the same time the,
last seml-monthly inquiry was made as
to the quantity of cotton actually ginned
up to January 18th. IT was secured then.
to save expenses. rs the Inquiry In ques-
ton was not required by law until the
middle Of March. The director had said
the information was not complete. Mr..
lowering OF Massachusetts, wanted the
resolution amended so that the informa-
ton should be made fpHblfc in exactly
the same manner as other statistics and
not sent to the House. Mr.. Simms said
but three men knew the result of the In
quiry. and 1t was unfair to them to keep
1t secret. Mr.. Ellerbee, of South Caro-
lima, said n rumor was current that the
testimony had already leaked" Oppos-
ton to the resolution was made by Mr..
Adams, of Pennsylvania, and also by NJ.
Payne, OF New York. who declared he
was heartily sick and tired of constant
efforts to force information TO aid gamb-
ling
Adopt Resolution.
Mr. Coverings amendment was ruled
out OF order, and the resolution agreed
to without objection.
Director of the Census North will conf
plete the figures in time for submission
to the House tomorrow morning.
Mr.. Shackleford (NilssourD recounted
three defeats for the Democratic party
as result of the contributions against
1t by tho "McCalls. McCurdys and Hydes,
and others of their class.
Support to the bill was pledged by Mr..
Shackeford, who united with Mr.. Lamar
(Florida) last session In report on tho
Hearst BILL. However Mr.. Shackleford
will at the proper time, move to include
in the bill control of express companies
and jurisdiction to regulate the long and
short haul.
Characterizing the new policy being in
augurated as .'political rate making and
business by law suit Mr.. iSibley penn
sylvania) said 1t had received the high
official endorsement of Bryan and Hearst
as a. distinct advance towards govern
ment ownership. Why should the govern
ment not also fix the price of bread, he
asked.
In washington. he said. we are not
without striking example of a govern
mcnt engaged in manufacturing and busl-
ness. nor are we unfamiliar with the
abuses which seem to be inseparable
therefrom.
Mr. Siblcy dictated u measure to cure
the rebate evil This was to make rate
determinations n crime With the favored
shipper a party to the crime, with penhl-
ties on both sides of from, $4,000 to $10C,O0O
fine. and from two to ten years inprlson-
ment for each official or employe having
guilty knowledge. The Interstate COM
mcrce Commission, he said had been do
clared in error by the Supreme Court
In nine out of every ten cases, and the
next STEP then, was government owner-
ship. MI Siblcy did not regard the bill
as a worse measure than the Esch-Town-
send bill "That would be impossible
lie added.
Referring to tho Panama Canal Mr..
Sibley said seventy per cent. OF the esti-
mated cost of the Nicarauga Canal al
ready. had been spent He said he be-
I lieved there has been an honest admin
istratlons OF affairs. hut the work has
not progressed, "yet neither man nor
angels could have done much more with