Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1919-12-21
PASSES
RAIL ROAD BILL
BY SIXTEEN VOTES
ipy MORNING IouaNAL SPECIAL LsAsto wrsrI

10y MORNING IeusNAL SPECIAL LEASED wIsEl
Washington, Dec. 20,--The Cum
Minis bill paving the way for the re-
turn of the railroads to private opera
ton, passed the senate late today by
vote of 46 to 80, ending a prolonged
discussion of the measure and making
the holiday recess of congress possible.
1t went through without change in the
ani-Strike and other important pro-
visions around which the senate meas
ure was drawn, and was sent to con-
ference for adjustment during. the re-
cess with the Esch bill passed by the
house November 4. Final enactment
of the permanent railroad reorganlza-
tion legislation is hoped for by leaders
early next month
The ultimate disposition of the rail-
road problem, however, still Is IN
doubt, as the senate and house bills
will be in conference and congress in
recess on January /. the date preVl-
ously set by President Wilson for re-
turn of the lines to their owners. No
further word regarding his present in
tention reached congress before ad-
journment over the holidays.
Unless vetoed by the president, the
pending legislation, according to plans
of congressional leaders, would re-
duire return of the roads by January
81. The railroad administration how
ever, has plans ready for their return
January ! under a presidential proc
lamation should Mr.. Wilson adhere to
his announced program.
La Toilette Plan ReieCred.
Preceding the final vote. the senate
rejected SIS TO II, a substitute bill of
fered by Senator la Toilette, republic
can of Wisconsin, proposing retention
of the roads another two years
Three republicans. Gronna, of North
MI 4 Tt.tes nf
Nebraska. and eight democrats. AS
hurst, of Arizona, Chamberlain, of
Oregon; Henderson, of Nevada: john
son. of South Dakota: kendrick, OF
Wyoming. Nugent, of Idaho; Shep-
pard, of Texas. and Walsh, of Mon
tana, voted for the plan.
The Cummins bill was supported by
thirty-three republicans and thirteen
democrats. and opposed by eight re-
publicans and twenty-five democrats.
When the house was informed that
the senate had passed the Cummins-
bill, Representative Esch, chairman of
the interstate commerce committee,
who will head the house conferees,
said that the labor sections of the two
bills were so radically different that
it seemed absolutely certain that the
conferees would have to later ask the
house for instructions" This made un-
necessary vote Of the house to bind
its conferees to the plan of voluntary
mediation of labor disputes proposed
by the house bill.'
Representative Garner, OF Texas,
democratic whip, said he favored a
test in the house on the senate labor
section, which included the anti-strike
provision.
Differ on Tabor Provisions.
Both senate and house bills propose
private ownership and operation of
the railroads under strict government
supervision. but differ radically In
other respects than their labor pro-
visions.
The senate bill would transfer the
roads at midnight of the last day of
the month in which the legislation is
enacted the house bill returns them
immediately If enactment should come
before the fifteenth of the month,
otherwise at the end of thirty days.
Conferences TO harmonize the two
bills will begin next Monday, but while
long struggle is expected during the
recess period. an agreement soon af-
ter congress reconvenes January Isl
tho conferees' aim.
The senate vote today was the cul-
mination of the debate begun Decem-
her 2 and which has held the senate
in session nightly for the last week
Senator La Toilette wound up the de-
bate in q four-hour address in behalf
of his substitute.
Attack on the Cummins bill in thel
senate centered largely on the anti
strike clause, penalizing lockouts orl
strikes of emnloyes, all efforts 10 elm
mate or modify II being defeated. I'll
now must run the parntlet of confer
ence with prediction of general COM
uromise with the honse plan of voIun-
tarv mediation without prohibiting
strikes. Also to be harmonized arel
the senate and house plans for labor
bodies to deal with disDutes overl
wages and working conditions,