Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1910-07-02
NO ARBITRARY
USE Of NEW
POWER
RAILROADS HAVE LITTLE
TO FEAR FROM NEW LAW
Commerce Commission Chair
man Tells Taft That Author
ity to Suspend Rates viii Be
Used With Discretion


[By Morning journal Special Lsasea Wlrel
Beverly, Mass. July l.-President
Taft had a long talk today with Chair
man Knapp of the interstate com
merce commission regarding the adj
ministration of the railroad rate law
At the conclusion of the interview it
was made plain that the added au-
thority given to the commission by
the new statute is not TO he used
arbitrarily for the purpose of hinder
ing the railroads I'm the conduct Of
their legitimate business. The power
to suspend new rates. probably the
most direct weapon placed in the
hands of the commission, is to be used
only in exceptional cases.
Chairman Knapp told tho president
that the commission had already re
fused an application under the new
law for suspension Of increased
rates on horse vehicles and automo-
biles.
He said that there was nothing on
the face of things to show that the
new rates were unjust or unreason-
able.
sion viii not attempt to fix definite
rates for the railroads and the power
of suspension win be applied only to
rates when preliminary hearing
gives indication that they are exces-
sive
From time to time since the new
law went into effect there have been
indications that some of the big rail
roads have been considerably worried
as To the extent and the manner in
which the rate regulating clauses Of
the new law would he employed by
the commission. Stock manipulators
in Wall street, tn Administered tiqn had
been informed. were trying to trade
upon this doubt. Ii can ne authorita-
lively stated that it was never intend
ed that the new law should be a club
or that it should he the means OF
profit taking by bears" The com
mission viii not run amuck" and will
do nothing to jeopardize the interests
of investors.
Mr.. Taft was pleased to find that
the commission already had its plans
well mapped out and that its views OF
Ailt new SlUlutt tOIDtlup truly with
those of the trainers OF the bill.
1t is felt that it would be a great
lmpediment to the railroads to have
every new rate suspended and put
through the eleven months period of
determination as to its rcasonableness
Chairman Knapp discussed this
feature of the law with the president
and cited the refusal Of the commits
sion to suspend the automobile ana
vehicle rates as an indication that the
power Of suspension is not to be used
indiscrlminately
Further information regarding the
interview between President Taft and
Colonel Roosevelt yesterday tended to
confirm the reports of last night that
the visit was almost wholly Of per
sonal and social nature
President Taft today expressed re-
gret to several of his callers over the
defeat in the New York assembly of
the Cobb direct primary bin which
was advocated by Governor Hughes
and publicly endorsed by Colonel
Roosevelt
President Taft's vacation IS not to
begin until after his strenuous doings
on July 4, when he win motor into
Boston and stop at several cities on
the way. When he is through with |
this engagement he is to so into seclu- |
sion for ten days. Mr. Taft will sum-
mon his cabinet officers from time to !
time as he reaches their affairs. The !
navy and the interior departments are |
IN 10 = u,
department matter is that connected |
with the expenditure of the $4,000 e |
DO0 reclamation fund. The president |
With some friends enjoyed sail on /
the Sylph this afternoon.