Evening bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1895-1912, 1908-03-12
Following Up
The President
THAT LAST MESSAGE RESULTS
IN GREAT CROP OF
NEW BILLS

credited with getting the quickest
action yet reported, by way of catch
ing step with the music of the Pres
ident's message of last week, says
the New York Evening Telegram.
The message, demanding vigorous
continuance of the program of pro-
gressive policies, was read at noon
Friday. Before that hour on Satur-
day Senators Dolliver and Clapp, rs
a subcommittee of the Interstate
Commerce Committee, had reported
to the full committee, with recon-
mendation that it pass, the Fulton
bill. This measure provides that in
case of opposition by trading inter-
osts, no increase of rates by rail-
road shall become effective till the
Interstate Commerce Commission has
Investigated the case and given APP
proyal.
1t is now plain that, largely as q
result of the Presidents pronounce
ment, unprecedented activity is GO
ing to follow Il long period of relax
alton in the matter of railroad regu-
lation legislation. There is going to
be determined effort to get three
measures of the first Importance out
of the Senate committee early enough
are:
Railroad Bills Pending
The Fulton bill, already described.
The La Toilette bill, commanding
the Interstate Commerce Commission
to proceed to valuation of the phys
lcal property of the railroads of the
country.
The bill already drafted by Sena-
tor Deliver, and to be introduced
this week and referred to this COM
mittee, establishing Federal supervi-
sion of the issue of securities by in
terstate railroads.
This looks like a pretty imposing
array of regulation measures; but in
truth 1t is only a beginning. Before
the House Committee on Interstate
Commerce hearings have been held
on a new arbitration law designed to
prevent labor troubles, and in large
part to take the place of the Erdman
act Just declared unconstitutional.
The bill might have slept in commit
tee till the sessions end but for the
Presidents trump-call to action. Now
it is said to be certain of an early
| report.
Stock Gambling Action
But this is still not all. Repre-
sentative Hepburn, chairman of the
| House Committee, has been working
| for months on the draft of bill to
penalize stock jobbing, dealing in fu-
lures in securities, provisions, cot
ton, grain, ETC., when actual delivery
| is not contemplated. He has not yet
introduced the bill, but it is reliably
stated that 1t will be introduced very
soon and pressed as the Administra-
lions meaure on this subject.
The employers liability bill, de-
NY tht W ldht lht
place and cure the defects of the law
Just held unconstitutional, is to be
passed without fail. There is gener-
al agreement on this point, though
the details are not yet settled.
Representative SABBATH of Chicago
has drafted a measure believed to be
unique on this subject. Recognizing
that there are constitutional limita-
tions, he provides that certain EN-
ployers liability provisions shall be
optional with corporations doing In
terstate business; but that the gov
eminent shall make no contracts
and transact no business with any
concern which does not bind itself to
be ruled by these provisions.
To Compel Car Service
There is still more ofthe program
of regulation for big corporations
which the Presidents message has
rejuvenated. The House Committee
will unquestionably report bill in
troduced early in the session, to
compel the railroads 10 fufnlsn cars
to shippers, and to provide prompt
service under supervision of the In
terstate Commission.
In the Senate this is the Culbersor
bill. 1t aims to give that measure
of control over the physical opera
lions of railroads which the Presi
dent demanded in his message.
This is by no means catalogue o.
the measures, aimed in the main al
the carriers, which are to be drawn
out of the pigeonholes and urget
upon the consideration OF the sud
denly awakened houses. But 1t Il
plenty to keep the mill grinding
even with the utmost energy applied
at the crank.
|