The Mena weekly star., 1910-01-13

taken in payment to such carrier cor noratlon. of the par or other required nrice of such stock, bond or other obiiga- tlou. except the fair value of such prop ertv. services or other thing ascertaihea bv Inc commission: and that such act shall also contain provisions 10 prevent the abuse by the improvident or improp CT issue of notes maturing al peloo not exceeding l2 months from date, m surh manner as to commit the commits sion 10 the approval of larger amount of stock or bonds in order to retire such notes than should legitlmately have been retired. A..
 Such act should also provide for the approvaI by the Interstate commerce com mission of the amount of stock ana Dohos to be issued by any railroad company subject to this act upon any reorganlza- lion. pursuant 10 judicial sale or other layal nroceedings. In order to prevent the Issue of stocks and bonds to an amount in excess of the fair value of the prop erty which is the subject of such reor- ganization
 Would Prevent Evil Practices.
 believe these suggested notifications in and amendments to the interstate commerce act would make it complete and effective measure for securing req sonabieness of rates and fairness of prac- tices in the operation of interstate raii- road lines, without undue preference to any individual or class over any others. and would prevent the recurrence or many of the practices which have given rise in the past to so much puphc in- convenience and loss.
 By my direction the attorney general has drafted bill to carry out these recommendations, which will be fur- nished upon request to the appropriate committee whenever 1t may be desired.
 In addition to the foregoing amend ments of the interstate commerce law, the interstate commerce commission should be given the power, after hear ing. to determine upon the uniform con struetion of these appliances-such as sill steps, ladders, roof hand holds, running boards and hand brakes on freight cars engaged in interstate commerce-used by the trainmen in the operation of trains, the defects and lack of uniformity in which are apt to produce accidents and injuries to railway trainmen. The won derful reforms effected In the number of switchmen and trainmen injured by coup ling accidents, due to the enforced in- troduction of safety couplers, Is demon stration of what can be done if railroads are compelled to adopt proper safety appliances.
 The question has arisen in the opera ton of the interstate commerce employ CTS liability act, as to whether suit car be brought against the employer com pany in any place other than that of its home office. The right to bring the suit under this act should be as easy of en- forcement as the right of private per. son not in the company's employ to sut on an ordinary claim. and process 1T such suit should be sufficiently served Il upon the station agent of the company upon whom service Is authorized Is made to bond the company in ordinary action, arising under state laws. Bills for bott the foregoing purposes have been con sidcred by the house of representatives and have been passed. and are now be fore the interstate commerce committe, of the senate. I earnestly urge that the, be enacted Into law.