The Washington times., 1915-01-26
WEST IS EXPECTED
TO FIGHT INCREASE
Interests in Opposition to Re-
lief May Take the Case Into
Court.
Continued from First Page J

Continued from First Pageo
now in operation. But it would also in
Solve a considerable net increase of the
revenues of the roads.
In the Western territory. which in
cludes. roughly. everything west or
the Mississippi many rates are now in
effect which have been fixed by the In
terstate Commission. These cannot be
advanced within a period of two years
n1less specific assent of the commis-
eion is secured. In these cases. there
fore. the roads, instead Of filing new
tariffs. have asked the permission to
do SO. on the ground that the rates
now In force are unsatisfactory. The
commission is asked to reverse its pre-
vious findings on the ground that con-
ditions have greatly changed.
In other cases. involving rates that
have never been fixed by the f,sd
All these were suspended some time
ago bv order of the commission. pend
ing its general inquiry into the situa-
tion: and this inquiry will begin at the
When. few weeks ago. President
Wilson sent to the Senate the nomin-
made itself felt promptly. Mr.. Hall
had served short term and had sup
as had also Commissioner Daniels.
the other new member Of the COM
mission named by President Wilson.
oommission a ion '"s Was f indulged pretty free e
ly by some of the more radical op-
ponents of the Administration.
No Filibuster Expected.
The Hall nomination was made a
peg on which to hang some express
eions. of this antaEonism. A resolu-
ton was introduced and is still pend
ing. declaring in effect that the law
nj nrn hn % hn nf
proof to justify increases of rates and
show their reasonableness: that no
effort was made in the Eastern case
therefore that the commission over
stepped its powers in its decision.
The dissenting opinions 70 Commits
ically took this ground.
Meanwhile the nomination of Mr..
Hall was hung up In the Senate com.
out by majority Protest was made
that no quorum was present. and the
business will have to be repeated with
now expected that no fiibuster will
be made and that action will be taken
undoubtedly confirming the nomina-
9In.;, ti99n; IN I've very Ss short ,. time The com
. members since Mr.. Halls former term
expired.
Embarrassing TO Democrats.
When the Chicago hearings opep ths
opposition to the new rates will bt
headed by representatives Of the rail-
road commissions of Middle Western
States. Six weeks have been set aside
for taking testimony. After that the
record will have to be made up ant
arguments heard before the full com
mission. 1t will be several months be-
fore a decision can be reached.
The politics of the situation Is espe
cially embarrassing to the Democrats
because the responsibility is theirs
The Administration is trying to con
vince business interests that it Is no
hostile to them: and to grant the in
creases would go far to convey thai
impresson-at least in the East. But i
is not so certain that even business in
terests, in general. in the West woulc
take that view TO grant the advances
would be to place a powerful pOlitica
weapon in the hands Of Republican,
and Of all radicals in the Western ter
ritOry