The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1910-06-11
AN AGR EE ME N I
IS NOW IN SIGHT
Conferees on Administration
Railroad Bill Are Getting
Together.

Washington .Tune l0.--Conferees on
the administration railroad bill had the
aid of Attorney General Wickersham
at both of to-day's sessions, and II was
announced tonight that there Is a
possibility of a final agreement being
reached on Monday, or within a day
OF two following. This prediction was
made BY both Senators Elkins and
Aldrich. and even Representative
Mann. of Illinois admitted that sub
stantiai progress had been made.
IL was learned that A tentative agree.
ment was reached as to the long and
short haul provision which will con-
sist practically of all OF both the Sem
ate and House amendments on THE
subject The stock and bonds provi.
sion Is to be eliminated because of the
assertion by the Senate conferees that
they could not obtain the adoption OF
o conference report containing any
provision for Federal regulation of the
securities of corporations on account of
the opposition of Democrats.
VIII Be Dropped.
The ascertainment of the physical
valuation of railroads. 1t is asserted,
VIII not be provided for in the con-
ference bill. During the day Mr. Mann
submitted substitute for the House
amendment on this subject, but the
Senate conferees characterized it as
a make shift. which meant nothing,
and which. II adopted. would subject
the conference committee to general
condemnation by supporters OF legis-
lation looking TO an investigation OF
the value OF railroad property.
Mr.. Mann has not entirely abandoned
hope of compelling the acceptance OF
SOME provision on this subject.
President Taft. according to present
Indications. Will win on only one Of
the three suggestions which he made
tention of the House amendments con-
corning stocks and bonds, the reduce
ton from ten to six months in time
allotted by the Senate bill to the In
investigation of increases of railroad
rates. and the making of the section
regarding rate increases effective at
once instead OF after sixty days. as
provided by both bills
All of the members of the confer
ence committee agreed to the wisdom
of the latter suggestion because of Its
application to notices given by rail-
roads recently of many proposed adj
vances.
The Senate conferees have told the
President that they could not consent
TO the stocks and bonds feature, be-
cause of their agreement with Demo-
Gratis. The insistence upon the sus-
months in the event that period was
required by the Interstate Commerce
Commission TO pass upon their reason
ableness, is a concession to Insurgent
Republican Senator'S.
Sop to Insurgents.
Several of the amendments adopted
by the Senate as the result of de-
mands made by the Insurgent Republl-
cans VIII be retained They lin include ra
roads the burden of proving the rea-
sonableness OF advances in rates.
On the other hand 1t is understood
that the Paynter amendment, requiring
that both the old and new rates mus,
the shipper reimbursed for the amount
of the increase in the event 1t was
held to be unjust. would be dropped
| out of the bill.
Senator Foster. the minority mem
| Der of the Senate conference commits
tee. resigned to-day. and Senator New
lands was appointed to succeed him..
| The Democratic members of the COM
mittee have not been admitted to any
of the councils, and will not be until
| a complete agreement has been reach
! ed by the Republicans.
!