New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-01-05
Adverse Vote Given Joint
Commission Studying
u. S. Ownership
LAME DUCK" MOVE
OPPOSED BY MANN
Wilson's Strike Prevention
Legislation Is Also
Stalled

Warrington, Jan. g. ne pOsslDlilLy
that the joint Congressional Railroad
Commission, which has begun a study
into the advantages Of Federal incorpo-
ration, government ownership and the
whole question of railroad regulation,
may be choked or before accomplish
ing anything worth while looms up as
a result of vote in the House Of Rep
resentatives to-day.
Under the original wording OF the
resolution authorizing the commission
il was to make its final report to Con-
gress on January 8-neXt Monday. Be
cause Of the Adamson legislation last
summer, followed at once By the Presi-
Dental campaign, the commission has
had very little time. SO far the argu-
ments it has heard have been practi-
cally onesided.
To-day the House killed a special
rule which would have given immediate
consideration TO resolution extend
ing until the next session of Congress
the life OF this commission. Tho vote
in the House was l67 for the rule and
145 against IL.
There were two pronounced sources
OF opposition TO any continuation OF the
life of the present commission. One Of
these was the Republican disinclina-
tion 10 provide a good place for a Dem
ocratic "lame duck" Representative
William A. Cullop, of Indiana.
Good Berth for Cullop
Mr.. Cullop, it so happens, is the only
member of the commission who was
defeated for reelection in November.
As il now stands. the resolution contln-
uing the commission provides Tor hls
retention, at a stipend, while on duty
equal TO his Congressional salary, or
about $3.50 a week.
In attacking this on the floor kepuD-
lican leader Mann declared that the
principal purpose OF the resolution was
10 provide a place for Democratic
Lame duck" and this view actuated
MANY Of the Republican members who
followed their leader in rolling up
big vote against the rule.
Privately Administration leaders were
little dubious tonight, owing TO the
brief time remaining, OF getting the
extension resolution through, but there
is small doubt. should the present com
mission expire by limitation next Mon
dav. that some other means VIII be
found for continuing the investigation.
There was little fear tonight, how
ever. that Judge Cullop would be sacri-
feed to Tighten ship"
Presidents Programme Blocked
Meanwhile the more immediate rail-
road legislation that Of completing
tho marianne Of strike prevention
outIined bv President Wilson'S not
making much better progress. There
was a long hearing to-day, IN when
Ralph NJ. Easley. chairman OF the exec
utive council Of the National Civic FED
Grafton. attacked the Canadian compul-
sorry investigation act. James A. EN-
orv president Of the National Associa-
ton of Manufacturers, told the com
mittee that Congress has power TO re-
move any obstacle 10 interstate com
merce. whether il be a mob, monopoly
ar sa1dtank" He declared II would
even be possible to make II a crime TOT
anv railroad employe or manager 10
stop work. If such stoppage should en-
danger lives and property.
On Saturday it is expected that 'nv
representatives OF the brotherhood VIII
voice their opposition 10 the compui-
sorry investigation bill, and particularly
10 any provision which would attach
the same penalty TO an act delaying OF
holding up interstate commerce az
would attach TO delaying or holding up
mail. IL
Chairman Newlands was unable 10
state tonight when his committee
would report the bill completing the
"strike programme" legislation.
81 could not even forecast what the
nature of the committees report VIII
be-" he said when questioned.
Money Bills in Way
But the time in which TO get the leg
islation through, considering the SER
BUSINESS of the opposition, especiali!
from labor quarters, is very snort
Following the hearing on Saturday
there will remain but eight weeks OF
the present session. So far the Senate
has not passed a single one OF the
fourteen big supply or appropriation
bills, including the army and navy
measures. which always arouse consld-
cradle debate. or the Indian and POST
Office appropriation measures, on BEN
Of which there are bitter fights.
Closely allied with the fight against
railroad legislation 10 the hght againS'
the confirmation of Interstate COm
merce Commissioner Daniels. ms
fght has already consumed half
dozen working days of the Senate. ara
threatens 10 consume many more pc
tore ne is finally confirmed. The op-
position 10 NJ. Daniels, led by the pro
grcssive Republican element when
fought his original confirmation nearly
three wears ago. is based on their be
lief that ne is too friendly TO the rai!-
roads in the matter Of freight rates.