The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1906-03-20

1T has been suggested that my re-
marks be upon the pending rate bill
commonly referred 10 as The Hepburn
bill, and no other or more agreeable
subject could have been proposed for.
Incidentally, / shall take occasion 20 set
one matter right regarding which | havo
been greatly misunderstood and too fire.
Quently misquoted. 10 my annoyance
that is. my own position In connection
with the proposed legislation.
1T is claimed that favor this bill. and
everything I have said on the subject
(Which has been very lttle) has been so
construed, while the fact is | regard 1t
in its present form as a most pernicious
piece of legislation-one OF the worst that
has attracted my attention.
FRAUGHT WITH DANGER.
"I believe It TO be fraught with the
greatest danger In that section OF the
country in which l have my home. and
the business interests of which are my
constant study and care
"The bill is 80 bad and is full OF such
evil possibilities (regarding which l am
disposed 10 believe some OF its advocates
have been imposed upon that IL will
probably overshoot the mark and a care
full examination causes me to speculate
whether Il may not have been cunningly
devised by someone opposed TO all legisla-
principles OF Justice so utterly regardless
Is It OF all warrant In constitutionality
so arbitrary and autocrauc is II I'm its
provisions regarding important matters,
that, IL may well be. IL was the design
20 cause disgust. distrust and antagonism
among all right thinking and fair-mind-
ed men.
"If such a result should obtain 1t will
in my judgment be a misfortune TO the
railroads as well as the public. for the
need OF additional legislation / have al
ways admitted. have publicly advocated,
and my position in that respect Is un-
changed at the present time.
POWER TOO GREAT.
"The power OF the railroads is too great
20 be longer permitted TO be exercised
without great restraint in the interest
OF the public,
"Our transportation interests are so
vast. their power for good orievil Is so
tremendous and the public has so great
an interest at stake, that IL should never
permit such power 10 rest in the hands
OF any set OF men. except under carefully
guarded restraints as TO the exercise OF
that power. and with the greatest pos
sible publicity OF all that IL done
"Under existing laws, amended 10 IN
eIude car companies and other carriers
not now subject 20 the interstate COM
merce act. and with power To examine
hooks and accounts and give such meas
ure OF publicity TO the operations OF the
Carriers as might be adjudged neces-
eary. ! would myself undertake 10 stamp
. out and hold in restraint the payment OF
ali rebates and the practice OF discrimi-
nation as completely and effectually as
. are murder and other crimes against per-
SONS and property In ali well-organized.
well-dlsposed and law-abiding communi-
ties.
."NNhy 7 believe there Is some ulterior
purpose in the present bill is because II
Il SO dra ftod. IL was plainly the intent
NJ the trainers 20 interfere In the relation
OF the carriers between themselves In
matters wherein the public has no inter-
est
VICIOUS PROVISIONS.
"The bill contains provisions intended 10
force the carriers to contract among
themselves FOR through lines or routes:
10 compel corporations created by the
states 10 do that which their charter re-
ouirements do not contemplate, to amend
their charters. ia fact putting additional
burdens upon them without their con-
sent. and all this by a power that had no
mart I'm their original being or creation.
's1'he carriers are compelled by their
own charters 20 carry persons and prop
erty at reasonable rates, but they are
under no obligation beyond their own
lines and I do not believe that there is
anv warrant IN equity or justice Ia at
tempting 20 make them assume a liability
be vond their charter limits.
finder section l5 the power attempted
lo 10 conferred upon the commission r.
yuch that our company. having a line
partly by rail- and partly BY water over