The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-02-08
DIDN'T REACH A VOTE.
Final Action on Rate Bill Deferred
Until Today.

Washington, Feb. S.-By continuing
its session practically to o'clock, the
house concluded all preliminary steps
to the passage of the railroad rate bill.
ordered a roll call on the measure and
put off the final action until today at
noon.
The time for amendment came at
o'clock and for three hours following
one amendment after another came up,
was read, debated in some instances,
and went down to defeat So fierce
was the struggle to amend that often,
when a para graph of the bill wars con-
cluded in the reading, dozen members
waived their amendments and shouted
for recognition.
Not one of them was adopted They
contained all manner of propositions,
such as regulating preferentiais, the
long and short haul, free passes ana
court procedure. Whole rate bills and
parts of bills went by the board
Previous to this exciting proceeding
the house had been entertained for nYe
hours by the oratory OF It's pest SPEAK
ers. Mr.. Bourxe Cochran, Of New York.
gave his approval to the measure in an
Ella horate speech. Mr. Mann, of Illinois,
followed, when the minority leader, Mr..
Williams expounded the measure and
eongrat ulated everybody on It's success
Chairman Hepburn closed the dep3te
in a comprehensive speech dealing with
the arguments of its opponents and the
terms of the bill
Throughout the day the attendance OF
members was large and the galleries
were crowded.
Summary of the Bill.
The following is a summary of the
Hepburn railroad rate Dill, on when
the house votes today:
The bill, according to Mr. rep
burns statement, in closing the debate
on the measure, was intended, ana
did, so far as it could be mace, ne
said. comply specifically with the rec
concentrations of President Roosevelt
On the rate question. 1t gives the in
terstate commerce commission -al1-
fllo7.ifv s4vheff a rate has been COM
blamed of as unreasonable" bX a
shipper to investigate that rate, state
whether or not it is unreasonable,
and if found to be unreasonable to
name a rate which is to be just and
reasonable and fairly remunerative,
which is to be the maximum rate 10
be charged.
This rate SO fixed is to go into effect
thirty DAYS after it is announced by
the commission, subject during that
time to be set aside or suspended by
the commission or by the courts
After it has gone into effect 1t IS to
remain the rate for three years. Dur
ing this time the opinion has been
expressed by those who have partici-
pafed in the debate that the rate may
also be reviewed by the courts, and if
found to be IN connect eitheF Win the
terms of the act or with the consti-
tuition by being confscatory, can be
set aside by the courts
Another important feature is the
definition of the word railroad" and
characterization in manner to in
clude all auxiliary instrumentalitfes Of
the common carrier and to bring
them within the control of the com
mission This power to name rea-
sonable rate and the inclusion of the
auxiIiaries within the jurisdiction of
the commission are said to be the new
features. All other provisions are
notifications of existing law. They
include publicity of railroad methods.
which is to be aided by prescribing a
system of bookkeeping, and charging
the commission to seven members.
and increasing salaries of members to
$4,000 a year.