The Washington times., 1916-04-08

A good deal of feeling has developed
recently regarding the situation.
Tho shipping interests, headed by the
National Industrial Traffic League in
sist that Mr.. Adamson's attitude Is the
more dirfcult to understand because
even the railroads are not actively OPP
posing the legisla lion. Their attitude Is
described At pessive they are not en-
Enthusiastically in favor of the measures.
but on the other hand are not particu-
larly concerned TO oppose 1t, at least
openly.
The whole situation is the more exas-
perating TO the shipping interests be-
cause the bifl passed the Senate by
unanimous vote.
The appeal is being taken to President
Wilson in the hope that he will recog-
nize the pressing Importance which the
shippers believe attaches to the legisla-
tion.
The effort to secure national legisla-
tion on this Gubject has been in prog
ress a good many years.
At present, for want of Federal legis-
lation to standar6ize the bill of lading,
different States nave laws of their own
or the subject among which there are
many conflicts which become embar-
racslng as soon as Interstate Commerce
is involved.
A long time ago the American Bar As
societion took up the subject, and a
measure was prepared which seemed to
meet all the requirements. Through the
activities of the associations commit
tees, this bill hac pasesd, and is now
law in fifteen States and one Territory.
Couldn't Solve Problem.
But it is pointed out that even II ev-
cry State would pass the same law. the
greatest problem of all. that of inter-
state commerce. would still not be af-
fected unless the railroads would volun-
tarily adopt this uniform State bin for
their interstate business
The Pomerene bill puts the bill OF
lading on the basis of negotiable in
strument, and makes 1t actually neEo-
table.
1t increases somewhat the liability Of
the railroads, but. on the other hand
II is claimed that MANY. even of the
railroad men, consider that the advant-
nEes Of uniformity would fully cOmpen-
satc for this
Another reason for wanting the Fed
eral law Is that II the standard bill
were imposed on interstate commerce.
there would be practically no difficulty
in. getting all the State legislatures to
adopt 1t within n year o. two in appli-
cation to Intrastate business.
Bankers Favor Bill.
The Importance OF the measure to the
commercial world is suggested ny the
fact that the American Bankers Asso-
citation has long been in favor of such
legislation and has specifically indorsed
the Pomerene bill.
The National Industrial Traffic League
represents 20O.OO0 to 9OO. 600 shippers scat
tered all over the country. and is lead
ing the EFFORT to get the legislation
passed at this session. Amonp the
more important organizations affiliated
with this effort are:
The National Council Of Grain Ex-
changes,
The National Grain Dealers Associa-
tion.
The Millers' National Federation.
The New York Cotton Exchange.
The New York Produce Exchange.
1t is declared by the advocates OF the
measure that there Is substantial una
nimty of opinion among shippers IN
favor of the measure, and pract cRlly
no active opposition by the railroads.
Nevertheless. Chairman Adamson has
been unwilling to report the measure
and the shippers understand he wants
shall have been considered by a Con-
gressional commission of inquiry.
Commission Urged.
1t will be recalled that President Will
son. In his address at the opening oi
Congress, recommended the creation oi
a commission to make a general survey
of the whole transportation problem
and report on the accomplishments OF
regulation to date and the need of leg
kslation for the future. In accordance
with this proposal Senator Newland
introduced Joint resolution. which
enumerates various subjects to he in
Vestigated. and $ expected To b.
adopted during the present session.
The shippers say Chairman AdAmsol
wants to include the question Of a uni