The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-07-14


they have the 'whiphand." and having
II they do not propose to LAY down at
this point and let the railroads beat I
them out" on perpetual injnnctions
This is vigorous language, but 1t is
precisely what Is being heard IN othcial
circles The state wants the case
determined. and X the companies show
any disposi.lon to proceed with rea-
sonable speed by assisting In making
in a test case, no drastic action will be (
needful H. on the other hand, the lat |
Ter shall be content with the present /
IN junction proceedings. and shall fJhtI
for continuance thereof, Something
viii certainly drop" before the flowers
of tho next springtime BLOSSOM
II has been suggested thnt member
Of the commission, or one or It's DILL
cers. violate Judge Pritcha.d's orders:
no to Jail for contempt OF his honor's
court and endcavor TO get the case up
on hnbeas corpus proceedings. There
seems to be question among law
yers ns to whether writ OF habeas
corpus would lie, after the decision OF
TIE case by Judge Pritchard. but this
matter Is not giving any one great
deal Of concern. as there Is no pros
pect that this course VIII be adopted.
Legislation Expected.
Again 1t Is suggested that the Legis-
liature be convened In extraordinary
session to furnish ways and means for
carrying the case as speedily as pos
sible to the court OF last resort. but
| this is not likely, as the States cred
| It Is good, and the Governor Is at
| liberty to obligate her for any amount
| he may deem proper, which obligation
| in such n case would of course be
promptly met by the Legislature at its
next session.
Whatever may happen pending the
meeting Of the new General Assem-
| bly, In January next, railroad legis-
the proceedings. and II the companies
shall persist in their efforts a remedy
will be sought through the law-mak-
! ing branch OF the government
The wave of popular sentiment which
| is sweeping over the country in favor
Of railroad regulation has not failed to
reach Virginia. and It is not only an
Issue here at the capital where the
passenger rate battle is being fought,
but 1t is cropping out strongly In many
/ of the legislative districts where nom
| nations are being made for the two
! branches OF the General Assembly. It
/ Is strongly suggested by one who Is
!. high up in official life. that under GER
tain conditions--for example. contin-
ued fight on the part OF the railroads
against the passenger rate promulga-
tion---the Legislature may be called
upon to adopt a flat two-cent rate
measure. fixing adequate penalties for
its violation, and providing for Its
rigid enforcement.
The putting Into effect OF such law
and It's violation by the companies
would at once make UP a test case upon
which the controversy might be speed
lily settled.
Fight in the Senate.
Apropos OF the battle now in pro-
gress between tho State authorities and
the railroads, and the possibility OF the
necessity of legislative action in the
next General Assembly. 1T may be said
that no efforts will be spared to or
ganize that body along lines that will
permit anti-corporation legislation II IL
shall be deemed needful.
The House has usually responded
pretty we'll to the popular will. but the
Senate In former years has been known
among the corporate interests as the
balance Wheel" and many bills aimed
ct corporate regulation have found
their last resting place in the pigeon
holes OF that body For ten years and
more the employers liability biz pass
! ed the House at every session, and fol
I ten years and more 1t met its death
s regularly in the Senate.
:. Some OF the leading men who have
I served in the House, Will be among tn,
new Senator's. and already they, Will
s others, have planned to capture tn
: organization of that body from thos
: now in charge. and to carry the igh
against alleged corporate interests al
d the way down the line
8. Senator Henry 7. Wickham. who l
d general counsel for the Chesapeake an
n Ohio system. is president protein. 0
o the Senate and chairman OF the Con,
mittee on Finance. II he Is returne
by his constituents over his competi
tor DR.. C. U. Gravatt. Of Carolin.
: he Will be opposed for both place.
!, The Craftsmanship OF the Democrat
: most important and influential plac
- in either branch. The caucus chair
: man names the Steering Committee
/. Of the Senate, and the Steering Com
), mittee" in turn names all the stand
= ing committees Of the body.
: This place will be contested warml
= from present Indications. It is he'll
-. now by Judge William Hodges Man,
who Is an attorney for the Norfolk an
Western Railway.
= Hon. E. c. Folkes. OF this city. in hi
!. recent campaign for Senator, sounde
= the battle cry against the eclectic
of Judge Mann. and 1t Is known t
have been taken UP In other quarter
Indeed, 1t is known that prominer
q member of the Senate who will be re
= elected, will be put forward for tn
20 place, and a great fight is expected.
;. Judge. Mann has opposition for tn
= nomination in his district Hon. e ]
~ Wallace, of Lunenburg, being his con
= petitor. The friends OF Mr.. Wallac
claim that he has good chance I
"a win but the supporters of Judge Man
!, declare that their favorite will be, ca.
.e lily returned to the Senate. A fight
10 on all along the line.
N
9 MEXICO PLEASED WITH
ROOSEVELTS NEW PLA