Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1910-06-18

He Bore Enough TO Try Patience OF
Most Astute Lawmaker-This Has
Been Most Important and Most
Strenuous Legislative Battle in
Which the Senator Has Participated
Washington, d. c., June 16.-
Throughout all the long and some
times bitter fight on the railroad bill,
Senator Stephen p. Elkins, chairman
Of the Senate Committee on Interstate
and Foreign Commerce has been the
storm center. But ne has cheerfully
borne the burden, and he now feels 4
great measure OF relief that the bill
has been agreed upon by the confer
ees. and is now before both houses.
While from time to time there have
been severe arrangements OF the vari-
Gus sections of thd measure, there has
been no fault found with the conduct.
of the fight led by the West Virginian.
On the contrary those who opposed
him have had much to say regarding
his eminently fair treatment of them
during the course Of the discussion.
Senator Dolliyer, OF Iowa, leader Of
the insurgents, particularly commend
ed Senator Elkins' leadership. In his
speech following the passage Of the
BIN In the Senate, he said he wished
to testify to the never failing fairness
and good humor with which his as
sociate from West Virginia treated
those who could not agree with him
the merits of the measure.
Strenuous Legislative Bate.
This has undoubtedly been the most
important as we'll as the most strenu-
Gus legislative battle in which the
West Virginia Senator has partieipa-
ted during his long service in Con-
gress. He had charge of a bin against
which attacks were made involving
fine points Of constitutional law, ex-
pert railway operating, the intricate
Of rate making, State rights
and the antitrust law. This was
enough to have tried the experience
and abilities of the most astute law
maker.
Before the railroad bill was reported
The Interstate and Foreign Commerce
devoted weeks to hearings
upon the features of the proposed law
Then when it came to the Senate the
debate consumed weeks of time. This
meant hat the West Virginian must
be "on the job at all hours. In sea
and out. And he was.
When the bill finally passed the
Senate and went to conference still
more hard work was ahead. There
had to be an agreement upon such
sections as the two houses would con-
cur in. Much had to be sacrificed on
The part of both bodies.
President Consulted.
The President had to be consulted.
A bill had to be reported which would
meet with Executive approval, else
here could be no legislation at all dur
ing this session.
The conferences We're held during
the day and were then adjourned for
dinner. After dinner night sessions Of
the conferees were held. Sunday was
to the adjustment process.
Many Senators were clamoring to get
away. They wanted an adjournment
early as possible. and to aceommo-
date them, the conferees labore6 with
out c~easing on their report.
That is why Senator Elkins felt a
distinct relief yesterday when the re-
port was finally made and the matter
referred once more to the whole Sen
ate. He was glad, too, because he
was facilitating, as much as possible
an early adjournment.
If the West Virginian lost his pa
tience or his genial, goOd-natured bear
ing during the whole fight, it was new
or obvious to anybody. This was
true whether the vote went
for him or against him.