Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1906-04-19
DEBATE IN SENATE
Senator Foster for Three Hours
Spoke in Support Of Rail-
road Rate Bill.
NOT A PARTISAN QUESTION
A Demand for n Square Deal and an
Equal Opportunity In CONNER
cial ARairs-Country Be
coming Restless.

Washington, April 18.-Preceding
the taking up Of the railroad rate bill
in the senate Tuesday Mr.. Tillman
called up his resolution directing the
senate committee on finance to enter
upon an investigation of the question
of campaign contributions by the ma
tional banks and after he had spoken
at length the resolution was referred
to the finance committee.
In his speech Mr.. Tillman read a
letter from New York banker sng-
costing that the auditor of the re-
publican national committee should
be called to give testimony concerning
the contributions to the republican
fund of the last campaign. Mr.. TIL
man said that he would not confine
the inquiry to the republican commit
tee but would extend 1t to the demo-
cratic committee. He again referred
to the affairs of the Walsh bank Of
Chicago and in that connection was
engaged in sharp controversy by Mr.,
Hopkins who declared the Walsh bank
not to be insolvent. He also said In
reply to a question from Mr., Tillman
that Mr.. Walsh had not been indicted.
Mr.. Foster spoke for almost three
hours on the rate bill, contending for
the validity Of the proposed legisla-
ton urging Its necessity in order to
check the growing powers Of the rail-
roads and announcing his support OF
a broad court review with a prohibit
ton against temporary injunctions In
rate cases by the inferior federal
courts. When he concluded he was
warmly congratulated by many Of his
colleagues.
After reviewing the legislation look
ing to rate regulation, Mr.. Foster said
it was a mistake to think the present
demands spring from everything but
conditions arising from modern BUSH
ness and a demand for a square deal
and equal opportunity in commercial
affairs. Mr.. Foster quoted from pres
idential messages to congress touching
upon the need for legislation upon this
subject to show that the question was
not a partisan one, republican and
democratic presidents alike reeogniz-
ing the needs.
Discussing the pending legislation
Mr.. Foster said that unless the pro-
visions Of the rate making section are
passed such failure on the part of
congress will give impetus to gov
eminent ownership and so far as he
was concerned he would be willing to
forego any objections he had to other
portions of the bill in order to pass
that section. He gave 1t as his opin-
ion that the railroads not only are
giving rebates, practicing discrimina-
tons against localities, but are equal
ly guilty Of exacting unreasonable
rates.
Mr.. Foster said that the country Is
becoming restless, not 80 much be-
cause Of excessive rates as because Of
the utter helplessness Of the shipper
In the face Of the combination Of the
railroads. He described the result Of
this combination as a hotbed Of mo
nopoly.
Mr.. Foster announced his support
1f Mr.. Bailey's non-suspension amend
nent.
He discussed the charges Of uncon.
made against the bill,
aging that II the charge was vell
bundled -our government falls fai
hort Of the hopes and purposes I'M
Ter which It was established and the
IOonsr the people End this out the BET
er Il win Be for the country"
Mr. Foster discussed At some length
he question Of a rovisW BY the courts
4 the findings Of the commission
lEhile be had eyoD couhdsnns IN he