The Morning examiner. [volume] (Ogden, Utah) 1904-1910, 1910-06-19
9 c @ c o O @ 9 O @ c C c @ ;

WASHINGTON. June 1S-Two OF
the most important administration
measures, namely the railroad and
statehood bills. were passed on finally
by congress today and VIII become
laws rs soon as they receive Presi-
dent Tafts signature. This action
was taken by the house, the senate
having previously disposed OF both
measures. II was accomplished prac-
tically without debate and in record
time. not even a roll call being re-
quired In the whole procedure.
The railroad bill was the frst TO
receive consideration Chairman
Mann OF the committee on interstate
and foreign commerce called the con-
ference report from the speakers
table Brief speeches we're made.
among them being several by Demo
Gratis In expression OF their oppo-
sition to the report.
Final action on statehood leglsla-
tion was accomplished With even
greater ease
BY reason OF pressure from the
White House and aided by some dip
lomatic work by Postmaster General
Ii.
ance OF the senate amendments TO
the statehood bill would almost en-
tirely be dissipated The Democrats
we're induced to forego objection
through the Judicious circulation of
n report that If the bill went into
conference 1t might no5 emerge dur
Ing the present session. Chairman
Hamilton OF the house committee on
territories at once realized that the
only way To put the legislation
through and not delay the present
session was TO agree to the senate
amendments .4pIl- welcomed the ad-
ministrationis- 1 ASSiStance.
II 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 president Conccding that the
statehood bill will be In force With
in a few days, it will be necessary
for the territories to hold constitu-
tlonal conventions. which will require
many weeks. submit the constitu'
tions 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 con
stitution and for the nomination or
election OF state officers. 1t Is I'M
possible, therefore. TO specify when
the people OF the two territories VIII
enjoy the benefits of statehood and
many believe that it will not be be-
fore the presidential election OF lslz.
The railroad bill, which VIII be ready
for the presidents signature on his
return to Washington, Is Substan-
TALLY in accordance with the presi'
dents message demanding amend
ments to the Interstate commerce
laws. About the only exceptions are
that it does not legalize holding
agreements made by railroads, per-
nit mergers or regulate the issuance
of stocks aud bonds. 1t creates a
commerce court and hroadens the
scope OF the jurisdiction OF the In
terstate commerce commission re-
gardins railroads. II also brings tel'
egraph. telephone and cable compa
nies within that jurisdiction Super
vision is given 10 the commission
over increases OF rates and this sec
ton, as we'll as one making pro-
vision for the Investigation OF the
stools and bond question. WIFI go Into
effect immediately upon the bills be
ing signed. Other provisions. and
they are extensive, VIII take etfect
within sixty days from the date OF
approval.