The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1907-03-05
Magnate Thinks Govern
ment IS on Eve of Big
Campaign.
Says Cooperation With
Experienced Railway
Men Is Needed.
Willing to Sit by Presi-
dent and Advise Him
All Day.

E II. Hartman. the king Of railroads
and wizard Of finance. expects a great
campaign on the part OF the Adu.inistra-
ton TO bring about more stringent rail-
road laws. That was made plain in an
interview given out by him today.
More than this. there Is reason 20 be
lieve Mr.. Harriman's mission 10 Wash
ington is intimately connected with the
fact that he is looking for such cam
TaiCn- He eblieves the Administration
and the Interstate Commerce Commits
sion are reaching cut to secure more
power over the railroads at the hands Of
Congress.
1t is Of no small significance that
since he arrived here last Friday even
ing, Mr.. Hartman has seen many of
the Leading members of the Senate and
has talked freely with them. II is i'm
possible that a man of such great
shrewdness and ability as Mr. Harri-
man should not have bee nabIe in
these several days to gauge pretty ac-
curately what Congress is likely 20 do
in the near future in the way Of en-
larging the Federal power over rail-
roads.
Stronger Rate Law.
When Mr.. Hartman was asked today
whether he considered the Administra-
tlon. would make an effort next session
to get legislation further to strengthen
the rate law, he said plainly he thought
the ''inquisitiOn" was conducted with
this purpose in mind.
Mr., Hartman received newspaper
men Immediately after a late break
fast which was served IN his rooms
at the Willard. He came 10 the door
Of his apartments and talked for sew
eral minutes
on being pressed for a statement OF
what ne thought the Administration
anti-railroad plans are, Mr.. Hartman
said:
I should Judge from the hearing al
New York rather the inquisitiOn, thai
II is the purpose 10 impose further re-
striCtiOIs on The railroads OF some kin,
of some kind or another
Cooperation Needed.
4 think that instead Of creating agi
! tajion and bad feeling the Interstate
/ Commerce Commission should try {.
bring it about that the people who know
about transportation lines should co
operate with them first 5efore appealing
i to a prejuaiced public sentiment The,
! should began right If they are earnes
and sincere.
/ Asked If he thought he would be con
PEELED to answer by q court questions
/ he refused to answer before the Com
mission. Mr. Hartman SAID,
Since ! have been here Z have beer
/ treated by everyone with great con
( sideration / have simply taken IT,,
/ position that / am qualified 10 tail
! about my own affairs. and that l an
! entitled 10 the same consideration tina
every other American ought 10 have
Talked to President.
! When IL was suggested that the Presi
dent might benefit by talk with Air
/ Hartman on these matters the latte
said, You ask the President to appOin
me rs his special adviser, and l vii
sit by him night and day and advis
! him what TO do
Mr. Hartman said he saw the Presi
/ dent half hour on Saturday. but on
! social mission purely. While railroad
matters were touched on. they were no
| discussed seriously. he said.
Roland, Mr.. Harrimans s son, returned
! this morning to school at Lakewood.