Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1910-05-25
CONTENTION HELD FOR
SHIPPERS PROTECTION
Whether the Proposed Corporation
Statute Shall Prohibit Flatiy In
ereases In Railway Charges 10 Die
cussed at Length In Upper Branch
Such Move 10 Favored by Rebels.
rRy Associated presal


WASHINGTON, ID. c., May a.
Whether the railroad bill shall pro-
hibit fatty increases in railroad rates,
without the approval of the Interstate
Commerce Commission. or shall ex-
tend to six months. the time in which
the commission may suspend increas
ed rates. was the question before the
senate when Il adjourned today. The
session was devoted TO arguments In
favor OF Cummins' provision by Its
author and by Senators Borah and Dol
liver. The general contention was
that such requirement was neces-
say for the protection of the ship
pers. This argument was challeng-
ed by other senators and there was
general debate in which Senator Cum.
minis. Dolliver. Borah. Aldrich, Flint,
Rayner. Hepburn, William Alden
Smith. Martin, Clark. of Arkansas;
Clay and Jones participated.
His Suggestion Mac
The suggestion of the extension of
the time in which the commission
may suspend rates for investigation,
was made by Senator Martin, In the
course Of Mr.. Cummins' speech. His
proposition was that the Cummins
provision should be amended by in
sorting proviso requiring that "a
iinal decision shall be rendered with
in six months from the date in which
the schedule Is fled"
IL was Immediately taken up by q
rumbar of senator's on both sides and
soon became the basis of general
cloak room discussion OF that compro-,
mise
Irfc t-.1 fol-
announced their unwiilinghess to ac-
cept II and Senator Dol.iver and Cum
minis indicated favorable inclination.
Senator Rayner stated openly In the
senate his willingness to adopt the
suggestion and number of other Demo
Gratis privately acquiesced in his ut
terance.
Many senators predicted its ac-
ceptance when the question comes TO
n vote
Position of Regulars.
The regular Republicans viii prob
ably insist upon having the Martin
suggestion put in a different form. As
originally made IL is in the shape of
an amendment to the Cummiis
amendment. but it's acceptance in
that form would mean the ultimate
acceptance of the Cummins provision.
as modified by Martin.
Many OF them prefer 1t as a substf-
tute for the provision allowing
suspension of rates for 800 days.
A part OF the general understanding,
so far as there Is an understanding.
is that the sections of the bill dealing
with railroad capitalization. shall be
eliminated from the measure TO save
the time that would be required to
debate them.
Difference of Opinion.
In so far as the Martin proviso was
discussed today II was considered as
a part OF the Cummins amendment
Much difference OF opinion regard
ing it arose as to whether the old
rates or the new would be In effect
after six months II the commission
failed to reach a conclusion under
II within that time.
Mr.. Martin contended that the old
rates would continue. but refused 10
accept \ suggestion made by NJ Ray
ner to do away with ali doubt BY ex-
tending the proviso 80 as TO declare
explicitly for the continuance Of the
old rates.
The hope for vote during the day
on the Cumm.ns amendment. which
had been entertained early in the
session. was dissipated b. the an
nounccment that Senator faFolIstre
wished to be heard in support os tie
provision.