New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-02-10

individuals and would prove an entering wedge
for the breaking down of the Railroad Rate
bill On the other hand, Mr.. McCumber an
nounced his opposition to any concessions to the
government, and said that he should antagonlzo
the amendment IN any form.
Mr.. Spooner contended that concession to
the government would not be a discrimination.
because all the people interested in the gov
ernment and all would be benefited by any
economy that might be practsed by the ad-
ministration This position was characterized
by Mr. McCumber "paternalism."
Senator Warren made a plea for the right Of
army officers to accept passes, calling attention
10 General Funston's declaration that they are
now getting less than hodcarriers in San Fran
cisco, and this plea elected from Mr.. McCumber
a sarcastic reply in which he said that his heart
also bIed for the poor military vino drive
to the railroad stations in their carriages" and
he contrasted their condition with that Of the
ordinary man 10 their great advantage.
Mr.. Scott suggested the hardship caused when
an officer was ordered from army post to
another, in which case he had TO bear the
pense Of transportation for his family and
household goods.
Mr. McCumber replied that this hard
ship 10 government employees Of all kinds. He
also criticised the great difference between the
salaries Of the officers of the higher and lower
grades The compensation of the latter he
garded inadequate. 1t the greatest
privilege that could come to young man In
this country he said, to be educated by the
government assured Of a commission in the
army, and then Of retired pay What he wanted
to emphasize that the blood of such young
men did not turn from red to blue when they
became army officers.
Mr. Warren pictured the hardship OF the en-
listed man In the Philippines when compelled to
" to oh
Pay the American soldier adequate COM
pensation," replied Mr. McCumber. and let
him do he pleases with his money, but don't
try TO do something for him indirectly which
should be done directly"
The hardships of the army officer were pointed
out by Senator Spooner One Of the greatest OF
these was that he was always subject to the
orders of another and must go where he was
sent.
Referring TO the Rate BILL Mr.. Spooner re-
marked: Il think If we could have proceeded
TO the enactment of the rate legislation in the
usual Senatorial way. with less OF friction and
more Of conference and discussion such as is
usual when the Senate acts within itself per-
haps some provisions Of the Rate bill which are
to-day found Objectionable and others the OBJ
Jecuons TO which have not yet been discovered
would not be found existing in 1t. But If there
Is anything IN the Rate bill so far army Off
GERS are concerned which is not just ii ought TO
be eliminated. and this IS a good place 10 elimi-
nate it,
The difficulty Mr. Aldrich saw In the amend
ment was entirely disconnected from the Ques-
ton Of the pay Of army officers. The PROPOSE
ton IS. he said, that the government of the
United States IS to ask the railroads TO carry
their materials and officers for one-half OF the
published rates. He regarded it 20 be the pur-
pose Of the rate legislation that every man
should stand equal IN the matter OF rates
Mr.. Fulton interrupted to say that a special
rate to the government was in the interest of
the whole people.
To carry that argument out Mr. Aldrich re-
piled. Congress ought TO provide that all gov
eminent transportation should be free. But he
commended this would Of necessity increase the
rate TO all private shippers to pay the actual
cost of the government transportation.
Mr.. Spooner contended that the proposition In
the bill was not a gratuity from the roads to the
these roads hundreds Of millions OF dollars in
land grants.
Mr.. Aldrich said that the proposition would
reduce the roads which had no land grants TO
the level of those which had received such
grants
1T was not compulsory" replied Mr. spooner:
"the roads may grant the reduced rates: they
are not compelled TO do So"
But II violates the principle we established"
persisted Mr.. Aldrich.
rs there any evidence here" interposed Mr.
Tiilman. of these tranScontinental roads com
peting against the land grant roads with which
the government has already performed its con-
tract-are any Of these roads asking the priv
iege Of handling government material at half
rates? If that is so it IS overwhelming proof
an unanswerable argument, for a reduction OF
railroad rates all over the country
We nave mere established principle. and
at the very next session We are asked TO abro-
gate that principle on behalf OF the government"
It don't know OF single railroad or a single
railroad man." answered Senator Warren. that
has even mentioned the matter. l am approach
ing II from the side Of the War Department. and
more especially the officers themselves Il Is
not certain yet that the Interstate Cornuerce
Commission Will not rule that the railroads can
not make reduced rates for the government"
This remark caused exclamation OF sur
prise from Mr.. Aldrich and Mr.. Tnlnan sinful
taneously.
Did you say the commission held IL had mower
to make such a ruing?" was the question asked
Mr.. Warren could only guess" that the com
mission had the power.
Further consideration OF the bill was post
poned until Monday