The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1907-03-16


tho bill. as did representatives OF the
various state organizations OF COM
mercial travellers. The hearing VIII
be continued and probably completed
tomorrow. IL Is quite evident that I'M
less the railroad companies make an
unusually convincing showing tomor-
row. the bill Is altogether likely 10
pass for Il IS conceded that the gov
crnor and railroad commissioner had
mucn the better OF the argument last
Wednesday. This was Commissioner
Glasgow's first appearance In argi-
ment before a legislative committee
since his appointment several weeks
ago ana he made a decidedly favor
able impression. In fact, the commits
sloner has impressed the public and
the companies under his supervision
alike with his candor and eminent fair
ness and much Is expected from his
administration. Those who know him
best are confident that he will deal
fairly with all concerned and prove
IN be n very valuable official.
Opposed by Employees.
The bill was opposed by several
railroad employees, whose argument
was that the result OF reduction OF
rates would be the abandonment OF ex-
cursion trains, lessening OF passenger
revenues and the consequent reduction
OF employees and probable decrease In
wages BY way Of meeting this argu-
ment Governor Warner and Commits
sioner Glasgow showed from reports
OF officials OF other stntes whore re
ducrions have been made, notably
Ohio, that no such results have been
experienced Letters from Governor
Harris and the railroad commissioners
OF Ohio, as well as from the father
| OF the Ohio law were submitted. These
showed that there has been no aban.
donment OF excursion or other trains
In that state since the law was en-
asted more than a year ago, and no
reduction OF train crews or hours or
work. On the other hand the passen-
ger revenues OF the Ohio companies
had invariably Increased. IL was also
shown from the official reports that
following reduction OF rates under the
existing law in Michigan, which pro
yldes for a sliding scale OF fares
based on passenger earnings per mile
OF road operated. there has invariably
been an Increase IN passenger earn
lngs, while no lcssening OF train serv-
Ice or reduction In wages OF employees
has been made Representatives OF
several state organizations OF CONNER
clal travellers also talked In favor or
the bill. II IS not believed that the
companies will be able TO produce any
argument that will stem the tide that
has set in strongly in favor OF this
measure.
Reciprocal Demurragee
As much cannot however, be said
OF the reciprocal demurnge bin OF
which mention was made last week
At n further hearing a few days ago
, this bin was again considered, but the
feeling ii still strong among the legis-
, lators that the companies have made
decidedly strong showing against the
bill. demonstrating quite conclusively
that they are not rightfully blamable
? for the existing car shortage This
situation has had the effect of creating
sentiment in favor of tho bill pro
v,dlng for the creation OF board OF
three rnilrond commissioners with very
extensive powers. IL Is believed by
many that the situation can be re-
llcvcd only through rules promulgated
and enforced by such a commission.
This bill has not yet been introduced,
not yet being perfected in all its de-
tails. This work Is In the hnnds OF
ton OF Manufacturers and Grand
, Rapids Board OF Trade and will be
completed nj an early day, Doubtless
II Will 10 amended by the legislative
committees, but its projectors wish 20
, have Il in as perfect shape as possible
before II Is presented 20 the legisla'
, ture.
Galbraith Loses Fight.
, Representative w. j. Galbraith, one
or the strong. men OF the house, fought
: losing battle last week when he
mnde an eleventh hour attempt 10 de-
feat the bill amending the act Of 1905
, which permits a mining company "a
1 own the stock OF another mining com
! pany operating n producing mine. Re
: cent discovery that the Calumet and
!. IIecln was purchasing a controlling
/, interest In the Osccola led 10 the IN
! PRODUCTION OF bill amending the law
mentioned so ns Ia provide that while
! one mining company could own the
/, stock OF another, Il could not vote
. such stock NJ meetings OF stcckhoid-
! crs. The bill took this form In order
/, to head of what appeared To be an
effort 10 create a copper trust In Michi-
! gan. The fight was short and sharp
/ tho bin being passed IN both houses
within two days after is Introduction.
The Calumet and Iiccla people denied
! any Interior motive In the premises
!. and charged that the amendment was
instiEntcd by the Standard OIL com
pany. The bill came up during the
absence OF senator Charles Smith and
Representative GaIbraith, and both
hastencd 20 return 20 the city as soon
as they learned what was going on.
Tho bin had already passed the sen.
ate before senator Smith reached the
city, and ne made an Intellectual at.