New-York tribune., 1909-11-30
NEW RAILWAY Law
CUMMINS'S ATTITUDE.
Iozca Senator Expected to
Favor Mr. Taffs pie7cs.
[From The Tribune Bureau.


Washington. Nov 29.-President Tafts
proposed amendments TO the Hepburn rate
law continue to be the most important
topic of discussion in political and official
circles. IL is conceded on all sides that
these amendments Will constitute the chief
subject of legislation during the earlier
part OF the coming session OF Congress.
The President spent four hours at the
White House to-day In consultation with
the Attorney General Senator Elkins.
chairman of the Interstate Commerce
Committee: Mr.. Lane, Interstate Com
merce Commissioner, and Senator Cum
minis. the leader of the insurgents
in the Senate. The Attorney General pro-
duced the bill which he has drafted. and
with this a basis the entire subject OF
railroad legislation was taken UP. At s
O'Clock II was decided that another meet
ing was necessary before there could be
thorough understanding of the varying
views. and It is probable that the men
present to-day will be summoned to the
White House later In the week.
IL Is known that all Of those present are
IN entire accord with the President and the
Attorney General except Senator Cummins.
and after the consultation even the Iowa
Senator announced that he was eminentiy
satisfied with the progress which was
being made and extremely gratined at the
prospects of long forward stride in rail-
road legislation. 1t Is known that MT
Cummins urged a more radical programme
than the President is willing 10 present TO
Congress- but II is confidently predicted
that when the amendments come up on the
floor the Iowa Senator will submerge his
views for the time being and take strong
stand behind Mr.. Taft This prophecy
seems more certain of verifcation II the
conservatives begin an attack on the Presi-
dents recommendations and attempt to
weaken his amendments.
Senator Cummins is in substantial accord
with the Presidents plan He feels that
the amendments are long steps in the right
direction, but he would go further than Mr..
Taft and insist that the commission have
adequate powers TO investigate the condi-
tions surrounding all railroads in the coun-
try and be authorized 10 fix every rate He
will undoubtedly make these views known
to the public, but he has little hope that
his opinions will carry enough weight to
bring about a cOnsummatiOn OF his plans.
In fact. it is known that he will not oppose
the Presidents programme. but that IL he
fails TO impress his own views on Congress
he will content himself with obtaining what
Ht CoASltClS luc iNOSl ctiuANdbir NOHPAt-
mise. That compromise will probably be
the Presidents own amendments.
At the Capitol Representative Mann.
chairman of the Interstate Commerce Com
mittee. is likewise engaged in drafting
amendments. His committee will begin its
consideration of railroad legislation as soon
as Congress cOnvenes. The present plan
is TO await the Introduction Of the number
of amendments which will undoubtedly be
proposed before final action is taken by the
committee. The Attorney Generals bill
will be sent to the committee for study. and
It is expected that Mr.. Mann's bill will In
substance conform with that measure. Mr..
Mann does not believe that there will be
great opposition 20 broadening the Hepburn
law. He feels that the necessity for CIV
ing greater authority TO the Interstate
Commerce Commission is generally reoog-
nized and for this reason he predicts that
the amendments TO be proposed by his COM
mittee VIII accord with the views of ma
jOrity in Congress.
Now that Congress has defined its policy
toward the railroads. said Mr.. Mann to-
day. there is no reason why IL should
withhold the authority necessary to carry
out that policy. The rate fight showed that
the people Of the United States desire gov
tTuNeHl SUPERVISION OL IdAAIOduSr anu NAaN
they likewise desire that the Interstate
Commerce Commission be given ample
power 10 exercise that supervision. This is
/ think, generally admitted by members of
Congress. and although there may be a
minor difference Of views, in the end IL will
be recognized that amendments are neces-
sary. and amendments will be made / am
opposed TO the commerce court feature OF
the Presidents prOgrame. and will fight IT,
I do not know how the other members OF
the committee stand on this point. I am
hopeful that the House will dispose OF the
question without delay"
The President has set HIS mind on accom-
piishing something in connection with alter
ations in this law. and. while his policy is
not to interfere with the work OF Congress,
he will use everv reasonable influence TO
make the laws governing transportation
stronger in their control over railroads and
In their benefits to the shipping public and
TIE masses.
Frank B. Kellogg. OF the Department Of
Justice. and Secretaries Wilson and Dickin-
son also gave their views briefly.
While the President has not vet made his