The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1907-02-12
ARMY MUST PAY FARE
Proposed Changein RateLaw
Ruled Out.
SPOONER FOR TARIFF REVISION
In Running Discussion with AIdrIch
Wisconsin Senator Says He FavOrs
Readiustment of Existing SEIZED
uIes-Beveridge Explains Meaning
of Some Troublesome Terms.

For nearly four hours yesterday the
Senate INDUCED in a running debate ad-
dressed ostensibly. TO the army appropria-
ton bill. but which embraced the railroad
rate law, the tariff, shipping legislation.
and the Panama Canal
The discussion revolved upon an amend
ment to the bill amending the railroad
rate law 10 permit railroads TO grant re-
duced rates TO army officers and their
families. which Vice President Fairbanks
finally ruled out Of order A point OF Or
der had been reserved, and it was "a fore
gone conclusion that il would be sus-
tanned, bat that did not serve 20 limit the
debate Mr.. Lodge had given notice that
he would call up the bill providing for an
agricultural bank in the Philippines, but
the discussion went on regardless Of the
fact
The debate disclosed the fact that Sena-
tor Spooner is not a standpatter, but
agrees with Secretary Taft. who hap
pened 10 be in the Senate chamber during
the debate, In favor OF a revision of the
tariff. The confession Of the Wisconsin
Senator was brought about by Mr. AID
rich in a running discussion. in which the
latter was contendlng that the govern
ment ought TO pay the same as individuals
for whatever il obtained. Mr.. SpOOner
had espoused the view that the govern
ment ought to enjoy combinations Of
rates in those matters, which were for
the common good. such as the transpor-
tation Of the military and military sup
plies
Government and Customs Duties.
The Senator from Rhode Island called
attention to the fact that up TO 1880 Ger
tain importatiOns for the government had
paid customs dues. but since that year
Congress had imposed them on the theory
that the government ought to pay the
same as its citizens. Mr. Aldrich re
minded Mr.. Spooner that he had voted
for the legislation
1t is probable that I did" replied MI
SpO0ner. but are we wiser than the
fathers OF the republic, who held that the
government was entitled TO the admission
of its supplies free OF duty7"
Mr. AldFich laughed at the introduction
Of the shades of the fathers.
"Ah, YOU may smile" said Mr.. Spooner,
holding aloft his finger deprecatingIy.
You cannot answer arguments with
sneer."
Mr.. Aldrich contended that as the peo-
pie paid ultimately for transportation
charges, st would be just as well for the
government TO deal equltably and observe
the same limitation it imposed on IFS ciu-
zens in regard TO transportation rates.
Why should not the government pay
the same that the individual shipper
pays he asked.
Because the Senator from Rhode
Island and the Senator from Wisconsin
are competitors as shippers" replied Mr
Spooner while the government when il
transports the army or supplies completes
with no one, Our rate legislation was %
prevent Determinations and preserve
healthy competition
remark by Mr. Aldrch about pro-
lection brought from Mr. Spooner the
confession, accompanied by wave OF
the hand
"Oh, 1 am in favor Of revision Of the
tariff
Nj. Tiliman suggested that II the gov
eminent had a right 20 demand a com
mutation OF rates for transporting sup
plies for the common good. the Post-ofiice
Department ought 70 make the railroads
carry the mails free OF at more reason
able rates
Mr. Spooner said he would make q
distinction between carrying the mails
and transporting military supplies.
No Idol tn N-orsbfn
As confusion seemed 20 be in order Mr..
Warren. of Wyoming. recorded his views
on the railroad-rate bill. Il was not so
strenuously in favor Of the railroad
rate bill as some. others" said he. Il
don't think it is a matter Of perfection
or divinity. I don't think we should set
it up here as an idol to worship"
The Senator said he thought the amend
ment proposed would only carry our the
spirit Of the law 10 equalize burdens O,
transportation Some Immigrant rail
roads were now compelled to carry gov
eminent military supplies for 80 per cent
Of the regular rates. Tho amendment
proposed only 30 per cent decrease
The debate was brought to a close by
Mr.. Beverage. of Indiana. who instruct
ed his colleagues, particularly Mr.
SpooneT, on the meaning of such terms
as commerce between the States" and
commerce Of the United States"
At the conclusion of Mr. BeveridFa's
speech the Vice President ruled tho
amendment ont Of order, and the de
bate passed into history as academic
discussion.
The Senate adjourned to meet to-day.