The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1906-04-11
ARRANGING RATE COMPROMISE
RADICiL SENATORS CONCEDE THE
MOST IMPORTANT POINT.

ing which prevailed last night that an agree
ment between the opposing Republican
factions in the rate bill controversy had
virtually been reached, or was about to be
effected, must now be subject to- the inn
portant qualification that neither side has
definitely committed itself, although the
outlook for a compromise arrangement is
regarded as excellent.
Realizing that there is no likelihood that
the Senate will adopt an amendment pro-
viding for a limited degree of judicial re-
view of rate fixing orders, the radical Re
publican Senators are now willing to con-
cede some Of the things for which their
conservative party colleagues have been
~contending, and IL these are acceptable to
the conservatives the enactment Of a rail-
way rate regulation law will probably be
accomplished within a very short time.
The most important forward step toward
a compromise is the decision OF the radicals
TO consent TO changes in the restricted
review amendment offered by Senator
Long Of Kansas. It Is understood by
conservative Senators that Mr.. Long is
now engaged in recasting his amendment,
AS offered by him originally a week
ago yesterday this amendment pro-
vided in effect that the Federal
judiciary should have power when
the question involved was whether the
constitutional rights Of the appellant a
beer violated or whether the commission
had exceeded its authority. 1t is now
intended so to amend this provision as to
permit the courts TO pass upon the law
fulness" of the rate fixed by the commission.
In return for this concession the radicals
expect the conservatives to agree to a
provision that the carrier who appeals from
a rate fixing order of the commission shall
be required to furnish bond to prevent
loss TO the shipper should the courts decide
that the rate fixed by the commission was
just and reasonable.
The conservatives are expected also to
agree to a provision that appeals from
orders Of the commission must be filed in
each case in the judicial circuit within
which the appellant carrier has its prin-
cipal office, instead Of permitting the carrier
TO file the appeal in any circuit through
which its lines pass.
Whether they will accept the amended
Long amendment, the conservative leaders
in the Senate are not willing to commit
themselves at this time. They desire to
see the propositions of the radicals put
down in black and white before consenting
to any formal agreement. 1t is not to be
overlooked, however, that in agreeing to
concede a liberal judicial review provision
the radicals have given way on the most
important point-it may be said almost the
only important point-over which there is
serious disagreement.
The conservatives admitted to-day that
they had heard something about the inten-
ton of Senator Long to redraft his amend
ment, and they did not conceal their elation
over the outlook for a harmonious agree
ment that will insure the passage of the
rate bill probably by the end of the month.
Some Of the conservative leaders said
to-day that it would be probably necessary
before any formal compromise arrange
ment with the radicals could be effected
to have a vote on Senator Bailey's amend
ment providing for placing an embargo
on the authority of inferior judicial tribu-
mails to suspend rates fixed by the Inter
state Commerce Commission pending judi
cial review.
These leaders expressed the conviction
that Mr., Bailey's proposition would be over
whelmingly defeated, and when it was once
out Of the way, they said, the atmosphere
would be cleared and the opportunity
afforded for determining Upon the judicial
review feature of the forthcoming rate bill.
In the course of Senator Bailey's speech
to-day, in which he made an exhaustive
argument in support Of his non-injunction
proposal, Senator Hale Of Maine, whose
title to leadership among Republicans is
not disputed, expressed agreement with
what Mr.. Bailey said. 1t was declared
afterward by several Of Mr.. Hale's Republi-
colleagues that he was believed to be
the only Senator Of the dominant party who
would ote with Mr.. Bailey.
The Conservative leaders now know that
ave enough support in the Senate
TO defeat any proposal to limit the authority
Of the Federal judiciary to review rates,
and by the same token to put into the bill
an amendment providing for the broadcast
review, but they hesitate to show
their strength for the reason that to &C.
these things it will probably be
at this time to depend Upon the
votes of some Democratic Senators. The
Conservatives are anxious to control the
rate bill situation with Republican votes
1 II irkdluVt at iuNc lo'dpiV 'hoN 'hV
compromise upon the Long amendment
be effected in a day or two, and this
result in bringing to the conservatives
all or nearly all the radical rate bill ad-
vocates among the Republican Senators
and permit the passage of the measure by
Republican votes alone.
The decision Of senator Long and other
radical leaders to redraft the Long amend
ment was not reached after consultation
President Roosevelt. The President
has not taken any part in the pending ar
Engagements. There has been some resent
nent shown in the Senate over the reports
hat the President has sought to influence
he rate legislation, and there is reason
% believe that whatever agreement is made
~ Senators Of his own party will be brought |
about without seeking suggestion from
and perhaps without his knowledge.
There was some talk to-day that the
President would veto a rate bill which did
lot accord with all the suggestions he has
made on this important subject, but there
5 no warrant for gossip Of this sort.
Movements OF Naval Vessels.
W.su,Hnr0S Anvil IN The ba ttlanhis