New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-02-13
TO AMEND RATE BILL.
Precision for Judicial ReUie1o of
Comnlission's Orders.
[From The Tribune Bureau

Washington Feb. 12-Mr Tillman's attack
on the administration to-day came with bad
grace. in view OF the fact that the late bill he
fore the Senate is the result Of the combined
work OF Democrats and Republicans, and that
efforts are now IN progress to secure friendly
agreement between the two parties in the Com
mittee Interstate Commerce 20 bring forth
a harmonious measure which will be approved
by majority Of both parties in the Senate
II is well known that an agreement Is practl-
cally in sight for a favorable report on the
Hepburn bill, with amendments which will be
accountable TO the House Republican members
Of the committee with the aid Of Democratic
votes will bring out bill next Friday which
will carry provision for judicial review or the
raternaking power. and this amendment will be
agreed TO by the friends OF the administration.
The best judgment in Congress at this time is
that a perfected rate bill will be In the Presi-
dents hands within the next four or hve weeks
When the measure comes from the Senate com
rnittee IL Will be practically In form acceptable
TO the Republicans Of the Senate and conse-
uUently to the Republicans OF the House. II is
certain that Senate Democrats will attack the
measure and the debate which will follow that
effort will be the only serious delay 10 maj
The Democrats are determined to make polti-
cal capital out Of railroad rate legislation. IT
is their only stock in trade for the coming cam
nsfen for Congress. They will cater to popu-
Iistic sentiment in the Far West and South, and
hope TO be able TO charge the Republicans with
falling short OF the ideals Of legislation which
thew will set up. Nothing less than this can be
eYnacted of the minority party and the Repub-
lfcans stand ready 10 take responsibility TOT the
acts of the majority. Present prospects are that
the Republicans will be able TO present a united
front for the bill reported. and viii resist wild
Dernocratic amendments well refute Dem
ocratic charges Of shortcomings.
Tn 10 to-day IL was the belief OF conservative
Senators that an amendment restricting rail-
roads from taking part in ownership of coal
mines was inevitable. To-day's action was
Saarned wise because IL will stop agitation and
ralazate the subject TO future consideration. The
Interstate Commerce Committee will take the
reaoutton I'D when IL has passed Congress, and
tbars WIFI be nothing more for Congress to dis
cuss until a report is made. If there had been
onoosftion 10 the resolution there would have
80 endless debate in both houses on subject
-, "a admitted TO be prolific of criticism.
rrberA IS no fear OF a deadlock IN the confer
100 committee. The House and Senate are not
Co. ansrt ct the worst and before the bill is
trough, into the Senate IL will be In a form to
command the support Of the administration and
tbet fact will suffice 10 give II standing with
the House. ,., $1,000. . 49,,
LEGISLATION Is in remarkable contrast to that or
o year ago Then the most optimistic friends
of The administration in the Senate were doubt
f,I ~ ever passing the kind OF bill the Presi-
dent recommended. Probably none or them
,,o1,id have dared TO prophesy that within twelve
months such q bill is now in prospect could
receive the sanction Of the Senate.