Martinsburg statesman. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1869-1906, 1906-01-12

themselves as adverse to radical ac-
ton. Since Congress met, great num-
bers of letters and protests have been
received from shippers all over the
country, declaring that they are ad-
verse to giving the rate-making power
to the Interstate Commerce Commits
sion, or to any other political tribunal.
The protests coming from shippers 10
members of Congress are very Ell
fective, since the shippers are usually
among the most influential men IN
Congressional districts.
The situation Is full OF possible
complexities and changes. the only
Apparent developments thus far being
a less radical public view OF railrsa4
matters, which is being rejected IN
the more conservative attitude on the
part of the thoughtful Members OF
Congress and Senators. There seems
to be a growing recognition OF the
fact that the subject is one fuu OF
intricate and complex conditions
which make final action inadvisabiee
without a very full understanding OF
what the practical effect OF any pro
posed legislation would be, not only
upon transportation interests, but up
on the hundreds of thousands OF peo-
pie throughout the country who con-
stitute the shippers.
Democrats to Support President.
J There has been such a stampede OF
Democratic Representatives and SEN
ators to the support of ANY rate BILL
which the President may want on
the ground that any rate bill is GOOD
Democratic doctrine, that many OF the
Presidents political advisers are
warning him that he may be In the
position of having to dodge an alliance
with the Democrats, which is exactly
what the President does not want. !.
While 1t is generally believed that
the House will promptly pass the
Administration" bill, yet Speaker
Cannon said not long ago that while
it was impossible to say what Con-
gress would do, he felt convinced that
the House would not again pass the
Esch-Townsend bill. Yet the Inter
state Commerce Commission bill is
much more radical measure and IN
every way is more far-reachlng.
Whether this is to be made the basis
of a compromise or whether the Pres
ident will insist that commission
appointed by him shall be invested
with this plenary power OF constitu'
tional government-legislat judo
ial and executives a matter OF some
conjecture.
In connection with the foreign and
domestic policies above mentioned, !,
is said alike by friends and critics o.
the President that he is facing q cru
cial period. not only In bis own career
but also In that OF his own party
Party harmony, to the end OF con
tinued party control, Is known to d
quite as inspiring motive with Pres
fdent Roosevelt as are those grea'
social. political, and Industrial re
forms with which his fame Is linked
hence. those who believe they best un
derstand the President temperament
ally, and also appreciate his patriot,
zeal no less than his robust republl
canism, are firm in the conviction tina
rather than endanger his party b.
an obstinate insistence upon the en-
actment of legislation that exactl
embodies his ideas, he viii accept tn
best compromise OF the railroad quei
ton. confident that the American pei
pie. who gave him the amazing ma
iority of 2.5o0.0 900 votes last year. wi
continue to hold him In esteem tina
has been accorded 70 no man OF hi
time.