Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-06-08
RAILROAD BILL TOPIC
Senators Discuss Measure
With the President.
ELKINs VERY HOPEFUL
Believes That An Early Agreement
Will Be Reached.
coNFEREEs MEET TOMORROW
Sixty-Day Feature Likely to Be
Eliminated-Execu Coils
With Walter ]. Travis.

Conferences over the railroad rate bill
in Congress continue at the White House
today, the President showing an intense
desire for the prompt passag e of salts
factory law. The spirit of early considera-
ton by the conferees also animated the
callers, the outcome being a return to the
Capitol with the purpose of getting the
conferees to work without delay.
Senator Elkins, who was with the
President fifteen minutes, said that he
would call a meeting of the conferees
for tomorrow. and had hopes that an
early agreement would be reached.
Senator Aldrich, another one of the
Senate conferees, was also optimistic
AS to an agreement between the two
houses. He has arranged to go on a
salmon fishing trip within a week. and
that is considered q good omen for
early agreement.
Senator IIlkins was today eff the opin-
ion that the conferecs would be able
to arrange the elimination of the sixty
day feature Of the bill in conference
without having to resort to joint
resolution. The going into effect of
the new law upon signature by the
chief executive appears to be generally
satisfactory and assured.
For Control Of capitalization.
There arc two other propositions the
President would like the new law to con-
tain. One Of these is the House provision,
or something similar to it, for control OF
railroad capitalization. The President
feels that supervision of the issue OF rail-
road stocks and bonds was pledge of the
republican party in its last national con-
ventton. and his insistence upon compIi-
ance with these promises has been con-
sistent throughout his administration
There will be a big fight over this. The
democrats of the Senate are unanimously
opposed to it, on the ground of inter
ference with states rights and the pro-
vision, If agreed to in conference must
be wordcd so as to keep off this delicate
ground.
The other matter is the time to be al
lowed the interstate commerce commits
sion for passing upon increase of rates
filed with that body. The House bill en-.
ables the commission to hold up a pro-
posed increase for I'D days. The Senate
bill contains this same provision, but
goes farther and gives the interstate
commerce commission power to hold uI
the rate six months longer, If considered
advisable.
The Presidents experience in courts is
that if this much time is given the com
mission il will be taken advantage of
bringing about a long delay recognized
by the law. The President believes that
ten-mOnths hold-up is too much, and
that IL the time be reduced the commits
sion will pass upon the rates without in
convenience to itself or to the common
carriers.
Coached by Golf Champion.
If the Presidents views on this subject
are met the law will permit a delay of
not more than five or six months instead
of ten, as provided in the Senate bill.
The railroads will find this satisfactory
to them, but it is understood they will
fight hard to prevent the stock and bond
supervision feature. They hope to kill
this in conference and will use their
strongest efforts in that direction.
President Taft felt the let-up in the de-
mands upon his time today for the first
time in a good while, and made engage
ments to go to the golf links this after.
noon for some exercise. He will receive
some coaching from Walter J. Travis, the
golf expert Gen. Edwards and Capt
Butt will play in the game il there is a
foursome.
Until the railroad bill finally passes con-
ference, though. the President will be a
mighty busy man. He will see the COLI
ferees at frequent stages of the game and
will talk with leaders Of House ard SEN
ate on the subject. feeling congressional
opinion as to this or that feature of the
hill