New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1910-04-02
REPORTED TO HOUSE.
Many Changes an Admn'istra-
ton Railroad Bill. .-.

Washington, April 1.-The administration
railroad bill, changed in many of its feat
ures but still providing for a commerce
court and the regulation of railroad agree
ments. consultations, securities, rates ana
routes, was reported to the House to-day
by the Interstate Commerce Committee
Chairman Mann. who will act as sponsor
for the bill. though opposed TO the COM
msrce court and some other PROVISIONS
will seek TO fix a date for its consideration
on Monday. but members of the committee
think the naval bill will occupy all OK
next week.
The majority report which Mr.. Mann
signed with the other Republican members
calls the proposed legislation more i'm
por1ant than any preceding acts for the
control of interstate railroads, holding that
il imposes no undue burdens on and does
not interfere with railroad management,
but confers large benefits on shippers and
the public.
Referring TO the commerce court. the re-
port says IL is proposed TO centrallze the
existing authority and jurisdiction of cir
cult court in one commerce court, but
without eniarging such jurisdiction OF au-
thority-
An inhibition against purchase or lease
a
TALLY competitive railroad or water line is
MADE in Section I. which also prohibits
the same person serving competing di-
rectorates. II permits any corporation de-
string to acquire interest IN another similar
corporation to make a preliminary agree
ment and ther file a petition with the com
MERGE court for permission to carry out the
agreement
The concluding sections prohibit railroads
from issuing any stock or bonds except on
az:2licatfon to the commission, which is 20
specify the amounts of stocks, bonds, etc,
authorized 20 be issued for the purposes TO
which The proceeds are to be applied, and
stating the price at which such securities
may be sold.
Common carriers are authorized 10 enter
into agreements specifying freight clas5i-
fication and passenger and freight trara-
portation charges Notwithstanding existing
laws. Including the Sherman anti-trus: law,
II a copy of the agreement in form and
detail prescribed by the commission is
FLED with that body within twenty days
after il is made and al least. thirty days
before the classification or charge goes into
effect The commission. however. has fun
authority to suspend the agreements.
Carriers are expressly prohibited from
making any agreement fer pooling or divi-
sion of earnings. A long and short haul
clause prohibits a greater rate for Il shorter
than a longer distance over the same line
IN Che same direction, The shorter being
within tn longer, Or from receiving q
eaoa;er condensation - through rate
than the aggregate OF tho local rates, al
though special exceptions are authorized.
Other sections forbid rebates, enlarge the
scope Of complaints, authorize the commits
sion 10 establish through routes ana joint
classif;cations and rates, although exempt
Ing water traffic and street electric pas
senger railways not engaged In general
freight business
The minority report, speaking OF the
commerce court, declares that no nntried,
governmental legislation OF doubtful con-
sti.utional character. should be entered
upon by Congress AT tIis time when neither
consumers, shippers nor railroads ask for
zach legislation"