The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1908-02-03
MESSAGE STIRRING
SOLONS TO ACTION
Imposing Array of Railroad
Regulation Measures
Coming Forth.
Employers Liability and
Stock Jobbing Bills
Answer Call.

Senators Dolliver and Clapp are cred
ited with the quickest action yet re-
Ported by way OF catching step with the
Elusic OF the Presidents message OF
last week.
he message, Demanding vigorous con
tnuance Of the program of progressive
policies, was read at noon Friday. Be-
fore that hour on Saturday Senators
Dolllver and Clapp, as a subcommittee
OF the Interstate Commerce Committee,
had reported TO the full committee, with
recommendation that 1t pass, the Fulton
bill, which provides that in case Of OPP
position by trading interests, no increase
OF rates by a railroad shall become ef-
fective till the Interstate Commerce
Commission has Investigated the case
ana given approval
1t is now plain that, largely as a re-
suit OF the Presidents announcement.
unprecedented activity is going to fol-
low a long period Of relaxation in the
matter OF railroad regulation legislation.
There is going 70 be determined effort
TO get three measures Of the first i'm
portance out Of the Senate committee
early enough to secure action this ses-
sion. They are:
The Fulton bill
The Ia Toilette bin, commanding the
Interstate Commerce Commission 10
proceed 10 a valuation of the physical
property OF the railroads OF the coun-
try.
The bin already drafted by Senator
Dolliyer, and to be introduced this
week, and referred TO this committee,
establishing Federal supervision Of the
issue Of securities by interstate rail-
roads.
This looks like a pretty imposing array
OF regulation measures; but in truth Il
is only a beginning. Before The House
Committee on Interstate Commerce
hearings have been held on a new ar
bitratlon law designed 20 prevent labor
troubles, and IN large part 10 take the
place or the Erdman act Just declared
uncOustitutior / The bill might have
slept IN committee. till the sessions end
but for the Presidents trumpet call 70
action; now it is said TO be certain of
an early report.
But this is stlll not all. Congressman
Hepburn. chairman Of the House com
mittee, has been working for months on
the draft OF a bill 10 peualiZe stock
tObbing, dealing in futures in securities.
EEbNASADll5s t1AA1-Ar gram GAt-f "AlEAA
tuaI delivery is not contemplated. lie
has not yet introduced the oil, but y
IS reliably stated that II VIII be INTRO
duCed very soon, and pressed as the
Administration measure on this sub
jeCt
The employers liability bill, demand
ed by the President 20 take the place
and cure the defects OF the law just
held unconstitutional, is TO be passed
without fail There Is general agree
ment On this point, though the details
are not vet settled Representative Sa-
bath Of Chicago mas drafted "A measure
believed 10 be unique on this subject
Recognizing that there are COnBtiLu-
tiOnal limitations, he provides that GER
tain employers liability provisions shall
be optional with corporations doing in
terstatc business but that the Govern
uent shall make no contracts and
transact no business with any concern
which does not bind itself to be ruled
by these provisions.
There IS stiH more or the program OF
regulation for big corporations which
the Presidents II eSSage has rejuVenat-
cd. The House committee will unques-
tiOnab.y report a bill introduced early
in the session, 20 compel the railroads
10 furnish cars 10 shippers, and 70 pro-
vide prompt service under supervision
OF the Interstate Commission. IN the
Senate this is the CulbersOn bill. II
aims TO give that measure Of control
over the physical operations Of rail
Dads which the President demanded
in his message.
This is by no means a catalogue OF
the measures. aimed in the main g the
carriers which are 10 be drawn CIT Of
the pigeonholes and urged upon the
consideration Of the suddenly awakened
houses. But IL Is plenty TO keeo the
mill grinding. even with the utmost
energy applied at the crank.