Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1915-12-11
Especial correspondence.l

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Washington. Dec. 11.-While chief
attention has been directed TO that part
OF the message OF President Wilson
which deals with preparedness. there
is much discussion among members Of
senate and house over what the presi-
dent had to say about the railroads.
The president suggests a commission
of inquiry to look into the whole Ques-
ton Of whether existing railroad laws
are as serviceable as might be. He
suggests that there Is fear the rail-
roads as at present equipped and CO.
ordinated will not be able much longer
to cope with the transportation prob
lem and that it would be well to study
the entire field before enacting further
legislation.
Legislation Discouraged.
That the language used by the pres
ident will have a tendency to discour-
age legislation touching the railroads
at this session of congress is apparent.
Not long ago. II developed that the
president would not recommend rail-
way securities legislation at this ses-
sion. This was disappointment to be-
levers in such legislation and 1t is well
known that the efforts win be made
by different members OF congress to
press for such legislation regardless Of
the president.
The exact change in existing railroad
laws which the president has in mind
are not clearly defined. Members OF
congress say they are not enlightened
on the subject. A marked disposition Is
shown among the more radical and
progressive members OF senate and
house to criticise this feature OF the
message and to predict that the adj
ministration will be found In the long
run favoring legislation which will
make government regulation less dras-
tic. Some predictions are heard that
shippers win take alarm from this
phase of the message and will urge con-
gress not to let down In the yigor Of
railroad regulation but on the con-
trary to make II more restrictive.
Controversy Forssssn.
The possibilities Of q first class con-
troversy In congress over railroad legis-
lation growing out OF this proposal OF
the president Is foreseen In many
quarters.
One OF the matters which VIII be
affected by the position taken by the
president IL the proposed enlargement
of the interstate commerce commission.
Already, bill for enlargement OF the
commission has been introduced in the
house. But today. there was consider
able discussion about the corridors and
offices which indicated there would be
trouble in getting such law passed.
for the reason that many members of
congress think the White House is dis
posed to put men friendly to the rail-
reads on the commission.
In fact. there will In all probability
be plenty OF outspoken opposition to
the bill to enlarge the commission when
1t comes up on the floor on the ground
that IL the president Is given authority
to add more members to the interstate
commerce commission he will add men
who will deal leniently with the roads.
No surprise win be caused here II
the railroad question becomes a sub
ject of acute controversy In houes and
senate before the session Is much older,
"a powerful element taking the position
that the administration is dealing too
gently with the great transportation
companies.