The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1906-02-07
LAST DAY Of THE
DEBATE ON THE
RAILROAD BILL

Washington, Feb. THE railroad rate
bill was taken mp at IL o'clock in the
house today. and the last day of general
debate was begun. The program included
speeches by Bourke Cochran IN ", Mr.
Mann Qll). Mr.. Williams (Miss) ana Mr.
Hepburn Qowa).
A short speech I'm favor of the bill by
Mr.. Bankhead (Ala) preceded Mr.. Cock
ran. who was limited TO an hour and
quarter.
Mr.. Cochran gave an analyses Of favor
itism and discrimination, Favoritism was
always granted corrupty.
Sir" he continued. "the history of
railroad management in this country is
the history Of fayoritism, OF corruption
and OF fraud"
In spite OF this he would not say the
railroads had not rendered enormous ser
vice. but they had not been as efficient
as they should he.
He next declared that railway influence
predomihated both political parties and
that the representatives OF wealth ig-
nored the courts and dominated state ad-
ministrations.
The very court which had dropped the
proceedings against II. ii. Rogers had the
next day issued a most vigorous injunc-
ton against striking printers.
He reviewed the Northern Securities
decision. which he said declared Grim
inals and conspirators those responsible
for that combination.
Hartman and Rogers, he said. quarreled
over control of several railroads in the
northwest which threatened 10 interfere
with their plunder. The president decided
on an action against them, The court de-
clared conspiracy
What was the result?" he asked at
was To reduce the control Of these prop
critics from two TO one. When they came
TO distribute the stocks Hartman had
been eliminated Morgan was supreme.
A more perfect conspiracy was perfected
by the decision Of the court itself. And
the stock which was selling at 800 and
sl02 when the decision was pending sold
for $3.50 after It was announced. thus
enriching the conspirators. who walked
out OF court some millions richer for hay
ing been convicted.
The fact that no criminal proceedings
had been begun was dwelt upon and the
jail sentence OF Dobs and the conviction
OF two senators for mere indiscretions"
con ntrasted.
Compliments were made to Rockefeller.
"at once the richest and most despsed OF
our whole population" The most effective
feature OF the bill, he maintained, was the
popular disposition back Of II. the next
was dts publicity feature.
Universal applause greeted Mr.. Cock
rams conclusion.
Mr.. Mann Qll.) then took the floor.
SENATE
In anticipation OF spirited discussion
or Mr.. Patterson's resolution declaring
against the policy Of caucus dictation in
disposing OF treaties with foreign nations,
the senate galleries were almost filled
when the senate was called to order to-
day. Interest was not diminished by the
report generally circulated in the cham
Der that some OF the Democratic leaders
would reply to Mr.. Patterson. All were.
therefore prepared for day of much dis
cussion. but no one Yentured the opinion
that the venerable chaplain of the senate
DR. Edward Everett Hale, had this fact
In mind when he prefaced his prayer with
the scriptural quotation: "I have set
watchmen on thy walls who shall never
hold their peace day ner night"
Mr.. Patterson did not appear until
few minutes before the expiration OF the
morning hour. lie was very promptly
recognized by the chair II ebegan with
a few words OF personal nature. saying
there was nothing he disliked more than
10 inject his own personality into a public
question, but az times such a course was
necessary.