Elko independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1915-current, 1918-03-07
LAUDS
SENATOR HENDERSON
Continued from Page Two)

again. The Nevada senator, however,
fears that the effect OF the provision
might be TO drive the water carriers
permanently out OF business, which he
feels would be highly injurious to the
interests of the country. The Hender-
son bill omits this provision.
The Poindexter bill provides no
penalty for violation OF its provisions
white 'le penalty named in the Shat.
roIh Iii is lighter than the general
penaity prescribed by section ten of
the act to regulate commerce. The
Henderson bill is clear and specific
upon this point, making the violation
of the law subject to the severest
penalty named in section ten, which
in the case of natural persons may
include imprisonment.
Senators Henderson, Shafroth and
Poindexter are working in close ac-
cord in this matter, and the indica-
tons are that it will be mutually
agreed TO make the Henderson bill
the basis of formal action when the
matter is taken up for consideration
in committee.
Speaking of his bill. Senator Hen
derson referred to the fact that the
Interstate Commerce Commission has
recently handed down a decision
which makes the long and short haul
clause generally iron-clad throughout
the intermountain region. This order
however, is subject to revision and
change at any time and ii has been
suggested by the Interstate Commerce
Commission that it may be changed
with the resumption OF water com.
petition through the Panama Canal.
The Nevada senator believes this to
be bad national policy because its
necessary effect is 10 reduce the value
OF the Panama Canal for commercial
purposes, the very purpose for which
1t was constructed with tie peoples
money. Almost every congress makes
large appropriations for the improve
ment OF rivers and harbOrs. II, by the
order OF the commission, the railroads
are allowed to lower their rates at
competitive points on such rivers and
harbors, without lowering them else
where along the line. these improve
mcnts become comparatively worth
less except possibly, in some instances
for the purpose OF foreign trade. Not
only does the rule in vogue very great.
~ diminish the value OF the COuntry's
inland and coast navigation facilities
as well as of the Panama Canal. but
it always results in an undue disCrim-
ination against interior points with
their shorter haul, the effect of which
is to rctard their development with a
corresponding advantage given TO the
competitive points.
The Nevada senator feels that
when the opportunity is presented.
which he hopes will be before long,
he will be able to make a very strong
showing in support of his bill. The
railroad commission of Nevada, the
senator's own state, has made a spec
ialty OF the question involved, having
| pressed it vigorously for about dc.
cadc before the Interstate Commerce
| Commission. and thoroughly under.
stands the whole subject matter. The
same may be said OF the representa-.
lives OF the other inteTmOuntain
states. The matter has been one OF
especial importance to what is known
as the intcrmOuntain region, but II l.
also of great moment to the country
as a whole, notably the southwest
where the same rule OF allowing low
Cr charges at points of competition
than those applied at nOn-cOmpetitivt
points with shorter hauls has been
extensively in vogue. Senator Hen
dcrson is of the opinion that the fact
OF the government having assumed
control OF the railroads for war pur
poses should make no difference will
regard to the enactment of his bill
into law. II it is wrong tC charg,
more Tor the shorter haul than for tn,
longer, it can make no possible differ
cnco where the control of the road
may lie. II would be just as wrOn
for the government to pursue
| course as for private Corporatio
to do it.. There is no conflict betwce
this bill and anything which the GOV
eminent may have in view in hand
ing the roads"
,