The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1910-06-19

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washington. ID. c., June 1s.--Two of
the most Important OF the administra-
ton measures, namely the railroad
and statehood bills, were acted upon
finally by Congress to-day and VIII be-
come laws as soon as they receive
President Taft's signature. This action
was taken by the House. the Senate
having previously disposed of both OF
the measures. 1t was accomplished
practically without debate and in rec
ord time, not even roll call being
required In the whole procedure.
The railroad bill was the first to re-
of tho Committee on Interstate and
Foreign Commerce. called the confer
ence report from the Spe eaker's table.
Brief speeches were made. among them
being several by Democrats in express
sion Of their opposition to the railroad
Legislation as perfected in conference.
Diplomatic Work.
Final action on statehood legislation
was accomplished with even greater
ease BY reason of pressure from the
White House. and aided by some diplo
matte work by Postma ster- General
! Hitchcock. opposition TO the acceptance
OF the Senate amendments 10 the state;
hood bill was almost entirely dissipat-l
| forego their objection, through the ju-
dicious circulation OF report that II
| the bill went into conference 1t might
not emerge during the present session.
Chairman Hamilton OF the House Com
| mittee on Territories. at once realized
that the only way to put the legislation
through and not delay the present ses-
sion was to agree to the Senate amend
| ments. and he welcomed administration
assistance
| 1t cannot be stated definitely when
Arizona and New Mexico Will come into
the Union under this legislation. 1t
requires that the Constitutions adopted
| by the proposed States must be ratified
by Congress and approved by the Pres,
ident. Conceding that the statehood
bill will be in force within few days.
| 1t will be necessary for the Terrific
ries to hold constitutional conventions.
which will require many weeks, sub
NIT the Constitutions TO the people OF
the Territories for adoption. and then
return them TO Washington. Provision
is made against joint elections for the
| adoption of the Constitutions and for
the nomination or election of State
officers. 1t is impossible. therefore. to
| specify when the people OF the two
Territories will enjoy the benefits OF
statehood, /, and many believe that it
will not be before the presidential
| election of 1912.
In Accordance With Message.
| The railroad bill, which will be ready
| for the Presidents signature on his re-
| turn TO Washington. is substantially in
accordance with the Presidents mes
sage demanding amendments 4 to the
| interstate commerce laws. About the
only exceptions are tha, it does not
| legalze holding agreements made by
railroads permit mergers or regulate
the Issuance of stocks and bonds. 1t
creates commerce court and broad
ems the scope of the jurisdiction blythe
Interstate Commerce Commission as
regards regulations and practices by
railroads. 1t also brings telegrap.r
! telephone and cable companies within
that jurisdiction.
| Supervision Is given TO the commits
( sion over increases of rates, and this
section, as well as one making pro-
vision for the investigation Of the
stock and bond question. will go into
| effect Immediately upon the bills being
! signed. Other provisions, an! they are
extensive, will take effect within sixty
days from the date of approval
Cannon Scoreu Ere,,,,o. G9