The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-05-17
TWO REPORTS ON THE PUBLIC
 UTILITIES BILL
Special from United Press.)


 Hartford, May 1.-The Judiciary next Tuesday, two reports concerning public utilities. The minority report will probably be signed by four mem bers, Messrs. Judson, Tingier, Ethe- ridge and Huntington.
 The majority report will be signed by Messrs. Banks, Hotchkiss, Reyn- olds, Huxford, Isbe1l, Mahan and Stewart.
 r There are grave constitutional ques- tions which are now being carefully weighed by the members of the min- ority and of the majority and it is possible that the bills tentatively evening, will be changed in order not to be in conflict with the constitu- tion.
 J Governor Baldwin has been consult ed by the majority of the committee and has carefully examined the bill which they have under consideration and have voted to report upon pro- are not infringed. Governor Baldwin strongly inclined to the bill present ed the last General Assembly by the special committee appointed to con- slider this matter, known as the Bar mum bill The Governor considers that bill constitutional proposition but apparently he is in some doubt as to the rate making provisions which are included in the majority and minority reports now waiting to be presented.
 The committee is in disagreement as to the desirability of passing a law preventing stock watering but there is a difference of opinion as to whether or not the stock watering prohibition should extend to public service corporations only or include all corporations.
 The majority report that has been tentatively agreed upon will favor provide for increasing the powers and responsibilities of the railroad commission, giving that commission authority on complaint to make rec concentrations as to rates and service, compelling such rates and service as. the commission thinks reasonable. If these recommendations are not com piled with the commission is requir- ed to bring suit in the Superior court of Hartford County through the at- torney general for their enactment. Such suits will have precedence un- der the rule that suits of the State are privileged and it is with respect to the constitutionality of this pro vision particularly that Judge Banks will consult with Daniel Davenport, his partner, who is regarded as one of the best constitutional lawyers in the land.
 The very best experience and abil ity of the State will be consulted in respect to this constitutional ques- tion and it is absolutely certain that no bill will be presented by the ma jority of the committee which has not first received the sanction and approval of the Governor so far as an opinion as to it's constitutionality is concerned. majority of the committee also will report in favor of an additional commission of three to be appointed by the Governor which committee shall serve for terms that do not bring reappointments to- gether to receive annual salaries of S3,000. This commission will have practically the same power as is gfy- en the railroad commission in respect to rates and service and it will have power to deal with all public service corporations and additional powers concernig the supervision of meters, etc.
 It will be required to make annual reports similar to those now requir- ed of the railroad commission.
 The minority committee will favor the so-called businessmens bill abol- ishing the power of the railroad com mission creating a new commission to consist of three members who shall receive $5,000 annually each and have Jurisdiction over all public service corporations.