The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1910-05-20
WASHINGTON LETTER


The administration railroad bill, adopt
ed after three weeks discussion, has been
the most important legislative event of
the week, or perhaps of the session.
There is much discussion in political and
legislative groups with reference TO the
effect Of the bill. The regular Republi-
cans insist that il reenacts the present law
in regard to the long and short haul.
The Democrats seein it much progress in
the right direction. The insurgents are
evidently disappointed with the bill as
passed. 1t is, however, evident from the
bill that the burden is shifted from the
shipper TO the railroad in the matter of
long and short haul rates. Under the
terms of the bill as passed, the railroad
will have to satisfy the Interstate Com
merce Commission that the rates are
equitable and not unduly discriminatory.
Under the present law, this burden has
been upon the shipper. who has had to
oppose the long and short haul rates npon
the ground of their unreasonableness.
The insurgents are satisfied with this
feature of the bill and are claiming VIC
tory as far as it goes. The long and short
haul feature of the bill was introduced
by Senator Dixon of Montana and his
amendment made it unlawful for any
common carrier to charge more for Al
short haul than for long haul when the
short haul is included within the long
haul. There was, however, clause TO
the effect that by application to the Inter
state Commerce Commission, the common
carrier might in some cases be authorized
by the Commerce Commission to charge
less for longer than for shorter dis
tance. The passage of this amendment
emphasizes what has long been evident
with reference to all legislation, that
little direct and positive progress can be,
made end that all enactments in closely
contested bills are the result ola series of
compromises and that very seldom radical
or important changes are enacted.
-.
Two more statues have been added this
week to the many that adorn the parks
squares and triangles of Washington.
One is an equestrian statue of Count
Pulaski, and the other heroic sized
statue of Koscinsko. These statues have
been presented by Polish citizens of the
United States who, with their descend
lants, are said to number from four to FIVE
millions. There was a great parade of
regular and volunteer soldiery, fully 5000
In number, with speeches from the Presi-
dent and cabinet officers and also from
distinguished Poles, and one delivered in
the Polish language. There is no city in
this country and scarcely any city in the
world that has more bronze monuments
than Washington, and quite number of
others are contracted for, notably that Of
the equestrian monument of Gen. Grant.
surrounded by a group of distinguished
contemporaries
There is now good prospect that Con.
gress will pass bill changing inaugural
tion date from the proverbially Indictment
March 4th to the last Thursday in April,
nearly two months later, and to time of
year more suitable for a great outdoor
pageant. The bill will be called up
Monday by Congressman Parker of the
Judiciary. Committee, who has it in
charge, and put upon its passage under
suspension ofthe rules. Mr.. Henry. who
is the author of the bill, says that there is
but one possible obstacle to its passage
and submission to the states for ratifica.
ton; be is afraid of indifference in Con.
gress and not in the state legislatures
after the measure has received the an
proval of the national Congress. If the
bill is passed nearly two months will be
added to the short session of Congress.
and with the growing national business.
these months are ofgreat Importance. It
is known that the new bill would assure
good weather, or at least tolerable
weather for the great public function
which occurs once in four years, the in
auguration of president, and which at.
tracts now a quarter of million people TO
Washington and which in good weather
will attract a still larger number. The
bill or amendment, if adopted. will 60 in
to effect January Ist. 1913. which is after
the term Of the present Congress, and it
arranges that the term of the president
and vice-president then in Office shall be
extended to the last Thursday in April
and that all subsequent terms of the
president, vice-president and members Of
Congress shall end that day 1t is thought