Omaha daily bee., 1910-03-19
CUMNINS CLOSES PROTEST
Iowa Senator Completes Four Day
Speech Against Railroad Bill.
SENANE THEN ADyoURNs IN PEACE
Many Members Congratulate Hawk
eye Man on Attitude-Main Com
pIaInt on Railway COnsOlidR-
tiOn Clause.

WASHINGTON, March 1s.-After holding
the floor for four days Senator Cummins
today completed his speech in opposition
to the administration railroad bill and the
senate adjourned until Monday next.
The Iowa senator's discussion today
dealt principally with the provision sregu-
lating the consolidation of railroads and
with this provision he found much fault,
Pointing out that the regulation extends
to railroads alone, he declared that in the
omission OF water lines there was posi-
bility of great abuse. He referred to the
prospective completion OF the Panama canal
and said It would be impossible to pre-
vent the transcontinental railroads from
acquiring the water lines thus cutting out
all competition. t.
He also called attention to the fact that
electric lines were specifically excluded
from the provision and declared 1t would
be possible for an electric line to gain con-
troll of all the railroads in the country.
Kicks on Many Features.
Mr. Cummlns also criticised the words
directly competitive" as defining the lines
which may consolidate. He said such
language would afford much margin and 1t
was doubtful whether many lines would be
found to come within the elastic prohibi-
tion.
Mr.. Cummins engaged in a colloquy with
Senator Elkins during which he declared:
Il want to prevent competing lines from
consolidating"
That is what we all want" responded
Mr. Elkins. IT am glad to see that the
senator from Iowa is bringing himself into
substantial accord with his committee"
You mean that the committee is being
driven gradually to accept my position" :"
retorted Mr.. Cummlns.
Mr. Aldrich interpreted this statement
as an ultimatum and remarked that It
seemed to be one Of several ultimatums
which that senator had undertaken to lay
down. Mr.. Cummins disavowed any such
purpose
Senator Nelson suggested the striking
out of the entire provision regarding rail-
road mergers, leaving the antitrust law to
control in such cases. IF we adopt this
section 1t will be folly to carry on further
the prosecution Of the Union Pacific
merger" he said
New Court of Commerce,
Mr.. Cummins took up the provision plac-
ing the approval or disapproval of con-
solidation agreements In the discretion Of
the proposed court of commerce and de-
clared 1t to be extraordinary and uncon-
stitutional, because, as he contended, it
delegated legislative authority to the court.
Senator Borah inquired who was the author
Of the provision
Search u.s." replied Senator Clapp
MT Cummins suggested the attorney gen.
eral as the real author and intimated that
he believed the president to be responsible
for the original suggestion.
1T is plain" interjected Senator Nelson,
that the bill is an orphan"
MI Overman did not agree with him in
view of Senator Cummns statement and
Senator Elkins thought its paternity un-
important.
1T is here" he said, ''and the question is
whether 1t is right and whether we ought
to vote for 1t regardless Of its origin"
Senator Borah said he did not believe
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