The Washington times., 1909-11-20
Annual Convention of Asso-
citation of Railroad Boards
Adjourns.
BETTER FEELING
is EXISTING NOW
Cooperation in State and Federal
Regulation Is Promised
as Result.
By J. c. wELLIVER.

The annual convention Of the Associa-
ton Of State Railroad Commissioners.
which adjourned. after most animated
session, on Friday evening, developed
an unusual measure Of sympathy with
the purposes and projects of the Inter
state Commerce Commission. The reso-
buttons adopted Endorsed a number OF
abe most important matters the Federal
commission favors.
This outcome was especially crafty
ing 10 the Interstate Commission, be
cause 1t indicates that a better under
standing exists between State and Fed
eral authorities than. heretofore. There
mas been for many years sharp rivalry
between the State and interstate rail-
road regulative authorities.
The State commissions as a rule have
been disposed TO view with jealousy all
efforts for expansion of the Federal
control, on the ground that it was
likely 10 minimize the powers and i'm
portance of the State organizations,
and ultimately 20 concentrate the entire
regulative authority in Washington.
Not Sectional
This feeling has been in no wise sec
0cPal. Indeed, ir some cases Southern
State officials have been the best
friends of the Federal commission, while
Failroad commissioners from Northern
states have been most determined in
their guardianship OF the State rightE
Of control and regulation. The question
has brought up, time and again, the an
Gent but always new Issue of State
rights versus Capitalization.
There was a period, indeed when
some of the most progressive and in
fiuential State railroad commissions de-
the national organization, and remained
away from its annual convention, sim
ply because they regarded 1t as q waste
81 time 10 attempt any sort Of cO-OperG-
1ion-
In these cases the refusal to coon
crate was based on the general feeling
that the State commissioners were too
much concerned about aggrandizing
themselves and protecting their own
dignity and Importance, and too little
interested IN such cooperation with
the Federal authorities as would pro-
mote the interests of the public in the
regulation OF both State and interstate
commerce.
Not Represented.
Even this year. despite that the State
commissioners have been taking in re-
cent years a more enlightened and
broad view Of the relation, some Of the
progressive commissions. as that Of
Texas, We're not represented.
But the proceedings of the session
lust ended justify the hope that a new
era Is dawning. While there was mani
tested a good deal of the old narrow
ness and prejudice, and there was EOre
or less quiet talk OF the 'domlneerlng
attitude of the Interstate Commission,
Yet the general feeling was much bet
ter than formerly The convention gave
Endorsement, even though sometimes IN
rather unsatisfactory ana HesllallL5
terms, 10 some really important projects
which are certain 10 enhance the I'M
portance of the Federal convention
One of the most important resolutions
adoDted was that ind0Tsing the proposal
Of a Federal valuation OF the railroads
This has become a nXed part OF the
policy Of the Interstate Commission,
though that body has Deen curiOusly
hesirating in pressing Tor touBIes-
sionai authority and appropriation.
That the convention Endorsed the meas
ure on a national basis Is significant
OF a much better understanding of what
IS involved in the whole question
Important Action.
Even more important than this was
the action Of the convention in indors-
ing the policy Of Federal regulation
and control OF capitalization issues,
through the Interstate Commission
There was indeed some determined op-
position TO this By some Of the state
commi ssioners, who could not see how
the States were TO charter corporations
hut the Federal Government TO control
their capital issues. That question has
indeed worried some other people. But
as a practical matter Il is recognized
BY all the students Of the problem thal
no other authority than Federal can
possibly do the regulating ana 40 III
effectively. It was pointed out, IoT IA i
stance, that the Southern PACING kan
way Company, one OF the greatest lu the
country, has not q mile OF line Ia ken
lucky: yet II is Kentucky corporation
arr Ia Tfr
lied upon for regulation or its capital
fzation. the Legislature at Frankfort
would have TO leglslate upon one OF the
most vital concerns Of The people ln q
half score OF other States. while Ken
tuckv would have no concern With Il
whatever. AS q practical matter, there
fore, il was obviously an utterly am
possible arrangement
Supports Taft.
In view Of these highly practical con-
s.derations. Federal regulation was In
dorsed. and the Endorsement is expected
10 have important weight in FAVOR Of
ono Of President Tsfts policies OF the
coming session.
-rhe proposal TO establish a Federal
oa,frt Of interstate commerce appeal was
given an Endorsement. and this ike
wise is likely 10 nave cons. 1cTa5-e sig
nifcanCe with COngreSs- The impression
has gained much ground That this mra-
sane will BASS Congress the coming Will
tsr There is much difference Of Op-n-
ion about it. and il Is generally. agreed
h. friends Of the measure mat an ul-
friendly committee could easily report a
bin which would De good deal worse
tlan 10 law al ALL
The old prejudice against the inter-
state commission cropped out MANY
Times In the discussions The GcmuT age
rules which the interstate authorize
rad worked out in conference with 'IC
railroad people were vigorously de-
s1uurad as being altogether TOO strongly
rr0-ratIroad. and there, was some Ie-
- L..-aLIlt.. n r.r.l.L.r-. I..L--n. l.