The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-03-20
RAILROAD NEWS.
Mellen Scores the Hepburn Rate
Regulation Measure.
Declares 1t Has Been Drafted
With Ulterior Motives.
NEED STRONGER LAWS.
But None With Such PerniciOus
Provisions, He Says.
Gossip and Matters of Interest
in Railroad Circles.

Hartford. Conn, March 19.-Presi-
dent c. S. MeIIen of the New York,
New Haven & Hartford railroad de-
livered an address last night before
the Get Together club. taking as his
subject fThe Hepburn Rate Bill In
discussing it he declared that he con
sidered the bill bad and full of evil
possibilities and that he believed the
measure had been drafted with some
Interior motive. He said in part:
.'It is claimed favor this bill, while
the fact is I regard it in its present
form as most pernicious piece of leg
islation-one of the worst that has
attracted my attention.
"The bill is so bad. and is full of
such evil possibilities, regarding which
I am disposed to believe some of US
advocates have been imposed upon It
Will probably oyershoot the marx ana
a careful examination caused me 10
speculate whether 1t may not nave
been cunningIy devised by someone
opposed to all legislation 50
utterly subversive is it of all principles
of justice, so utterly regardless is it OF
all warrant in constitutionality, so ar
bitrary and autocratic is 1t in its pro-
visions regarding unimportant mat
ters. that 1t may well be believed that
it was the design to cause disgust dis
trust and antagonism among all right
thinking and fair minded men.
IF such a result should obtain it
will, in my judgment be misfortune
to the railroads as we'll as to the pub
lie. The need of additional legislation
have always admitted, have publicly
advocated, for the power OF the rail-
roads is too great to be longer per
mitted to be exercised without greater
restraint in the interest of the public.
Any legislation along the lines that
will accomplish the practical elimina-
ton of preferences and discrimina-
lions, and the present laws have nearly
accomplished their purpose in these
respects; amendments to law requir-
ing the frequent examination of
books, records and accounts as in the
case of national banks, with the full
est returns and their publication and
accessibility, viii do more good to the
public and be without harm to the
carriers than any such legislation as
is now pending before the United
States senate. Under existing laws,
amended to include car companies and
other carriers not now subject to the
interstate commerce act and with
power to exa mine books and accounts
and give such measure Of publicity to
the operations Of the carriers as might
be adjudged necessary. I would myself
undertake to stamp out and hold un-
der restraint the payment of all re-
bates and the practice of discrimina-
ton as completely and efectually as
are murder and other crimes against
persons and property in all. we'll or
ganized, we'll disposed and law
abiding communities. Such a bill as
this is unnecessary to eradicate the
only evils of railroad management
which are claimed to be existing and
would appear to be an attempt to
obtain doubtful legal powers for an
Interior purpose"
Mr.. Mellen in conclusion said that
"such a law as this would cover with
shame the car of Russia or the sultan
of Turkey"