The Washington herald., 1910-05-10
NEW HOPE SEEN
FOR RAILWAY BILL
Senate Leaders Confer on the
Prospects OF a Rally.

Republican Senate leaders took stock
yesterday on the railroad bill and they
feel very much encouraged that after IN,
House has acted the Senate will be abl,
10 put through a measure that VIII b,
acceptable
A conference late yesterday was held
in the room of Senator AIdrich. who
evinced a desire 10 know just what
progress had been made in his absence
I in the direction Of an agreement Sena-
tor Root was at the conference and ex-
pressed the hope that 4 vote might be
reached before May q, as he expects &c
leave on that day for Europe Immed-
lately after the conference. Senator Root
went 10 Senator Clay Of Georgia. and
arranged a pair on the bill and amend
ments.
New Strength Develops.
The first vote in the Senate will come
on the long and short haul amendment.
A poll disclosed unexpected Republican
votes in favor Of the amendment. At
least nineteen Republican Senator's VIII
vote for #, and it was said that the op-
ponents would have 10 command the
votes Of al least eight Democratic SEN
ators in order 10 defeat the amendment.
II is possible a vote may be reached be-
fore the return Thursday Of Senator'S
Cummins and Dolliver from Iowa A
number Of speeches are 20 be made vet.
Senator Smoot. Of Utah. is 10 speak IN
favor and Senator Lodge. who yesterday
presented a memorial from the Boston
Chamber Of Commerce protesting against
the amendment. will be heard in opposi-
ton.
No More Concessions.
one matter that has been practically
determined is that no more concessions
are TO be made to the insurgents The
commerce court feature will remain in
the bill and the Attorney General will be
authorized to take charge OF defending
the orders of the Interstate Commerce
Commission I'm the courts. The only con-
ceSsiOn that the insurgents Will get in
this matter is the amendment that has
already been put in the bill. authorizing
complaining shippers to appear and be
made parties to the suit and TO be rep
resented by counsel.
The suggestion that part OF section L
would be restored to the bill was prompt.
" vetoed to-day by the Senate leaders.
The restoration Of a part of this section.
which relates TO mergers, came from
Senator Elkins. but it did not meet with
favor. Senator Cummins amendment to
section 10 give the Interstate Commerce
Commission the power to approve all in
creases Of rate before such increases go
into effect. will be met with a motion to
table. and the Republican leaders believe
that they have the votes TO table the
amendment
Doubts nS to Last Sections.
There is stiu a difference of opinion as
to what disposition shall be made of the
last three sections Of the bill. which re-
late to stocks and bonds
The situation is very uncertain in the
House. The final vote is to be taken to-
iay. The test will come on a motion
10 recommit the bill and an amendment
to strike out the provision for a COM
nerce court. Some Of the Republican
in the House admit that they are
doubtful of the outcome.
The bill will take much time I'm con-
ference. and there will be much debate
Under such conditions no one is willing
% predict an adjournment OF Congress
before July :, and Speaker Cannon pre-
iicted yesterday that Congress would be
n session on July T.