The Paducah evening sun., 1910-08-29

IoeI laSts IN Spetch VI ltH Molhtht
II foreshadowed their recommenda-
tions as | intended to make them TO
congress for the amendment OF the
Interstate commerce act:
First, by the establishment OF
commerce court: second, by empow-
ering the commission TO classify mer-
chaudlse as well az to Ak rates for
classes; third. by giving the right 70
a shipper to designate the route by
which his goods shall be transported
beyond the line OF the initial carrier:
fourth. by empowering the commits
sion to consider the justice or inius
tice OF any rate without the com
lplaint or initiation OF shipper.
hfth. by empowering the commission
TO sussmd proposed Increases Of
rates by carriers until the commits.
sion have a chance 10 pass upon the
reasonableness OF the increase; sixth
by provisions OF the federal regula-
ltion OF the issue OF stocks and bonds
lby Interstate railways; seventh. by
a clause forbldding an interstate
commerce railway company from ac.
} Quiring stock In competing road
eighth. by a ssction permitting the
making OF traffic agreements between
competing railroads limited In point
OF time and subject matter. aud sub
iect 90 the approval OF the Interstate
lcommeTce commission.
These amendments were In accord
ance with the text Of the Republican
platform. Subsequently. bills were
drawn embodying this recommended
legislation. IN which. while the prln.
lclp,e was malntainad. there we're lin.
itations introduced. as justice sug-
gesged. after a conference with ali
the parties Interested. The bin was
submitted 10 the congress and after
a great deal OF discussion both In the
house and the senate. Il was enacted
into law. with many Amendment
which did not materially change The
effect OF the recommendation except
10 strike out certain provisions prom.
Ised In the Republican platform. C
permit iranic Agreements between
railways IN spite OF the antitrust
law. TO forbid one railway company
10 acquire stock IN a competing CON
I pany. aud 20 secure Supervision By
the Interstate commerce commission
OF the issue Of socks and bonds b,
interstate railways
Not Hostile 90 Railroads.
For this last. was substituted 9
provision authorizing the appoint
ment OF a commission 10 consider the
evils arising from the overlssue Of
stocks and bonds. and the method Of
preventing such evils By congres
sional regulation. In addition TO the
purposes already rccitcd accomplish.
ed by the bin. the so-oalled long and
short haul Clause OF the existing law
the one forbiddlng the charging Of
a greater rate for a less distance IN.
lcluded In the greater distance. than
for the greater dlstance--was amend.
ed 10 as 20 vest In the commission
somewhat wider discretion IN enforc-
ing the clause than has been permit.
ted by the supreme court decisions
under existing law. The bin as at
present In force Is an excellent bin
Il IN not enacted In spirit Of hos
tility to railroads. but Il submits
them to a closer and more effective
supervision by the interstate com
merce commission TO avoid injustice
In their management and control
The important part that railways
play as the arterial circuiation In
the business OF the country. the mil
lion and a half OF their employees
and the million OF their stockholders
the importance OF their purchasing
power as affecting the prosperity Of
general business-all require IN the
public interest that no unfair treat
ment should be accorded them. But
am glad to note that the railway
managers have acquiefved in the fair
ness OF the present bill. and propose
Loyalty TO comply with It's useful pro
visions. II was supported by the
whole Republican party In congress.
and that party is entitled to credit
for it, passage. The whole Demo-
cratic strength was exhibited against
Il In both houses II was a perform
ance Of pledge OF the platform. and
only needs time to ylndlcate the wis
dom Of It's enactment
Postal Savings Banks.
The postal savings bank bill has
a similar history. II Is one OF the
great congressional enactments. It
creates an epoch II Institutes a sys-
tenn which will work effectively to
promote thrift among the poor by
providing a depository for their sav-
lngs which they properly may con
slder absolutely safe. and will also
turn into the channels OF trade and
commerce a large volume OF money
which otherwise would be boarded.
BY specific provision II will stimulate
the investment OF savings in govern
ment bonds of small denominations.
for which the bin provides. Like the
tariF bill and the railroad bill. this
was put through each house OF con