Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1919-01-10
MR.. CLARK DENIES
lie. c. CASE DELAYS
Commissioner Before Senate
Committee Says Work Is
Done ExpeditiousIy.

In resuming its hearings on the ran
road problem today, the Senate inter-
state commerce committee recalled
Interstate Commerce Commissioner
Clark. He was questioned relative to
delays in the consideration of cases
before that body. With the exception
of the so-called S per cent case, he
said. he did not think there was any
room for complaint, but that the COM
mission handles cases as expeditiously
as is possible under the circumstances.
While he would not say there had
been unnecessary delay in that par
ticular case, Commissioner Clark said
the commission did propably spend
more time in conducting its investiga-
ton than was really necessary.
Abnormal Conditions Developed.
Because of Increased work. he said.
the commission asked to have the
personnel of that body increased and
authority given to create subdivisions
in order to dispose of various mat
ters- How this is going to result,
he said. cannot be we'll determined at
this time. for shortly after the ehage
was authorized abnormal conditions
developed, due to the war.
DO you believe the creation of re-
gional commissions would be help
ful?" asked Chairman Smith.
Il never thought So" replied Mr..
Clark.
What do you think of a plan of the
commission having certain subsidiary
officers in different parts of the coun-
try to whom the people could appeal
for relief?" asked Senator Kellogg of
Minnesota.
Plan Might Be Helpful.
IT have thought of that" answered
Mr.. Clark, land we are thinking of it
now. 1 think the plan contains posi-
bilities of great helpfulness and good
If it can be worked out"
Commissioner Clark said he thought
the general tendency is for the COM
mission and the public to come into
closer relations, and he told of means
worked out by the commission by
which small cases are disposed of
without formal proceedings being in
Stituted.
Opposes Exclusive Jurisdiction.
do you recommend that the Inter
state Commerce Commission should
have exclusive jurisdiction in fixing
the rates for all railroads engaged in
interstate commerce."
No" replied Mr.. Clark, who said
| the rights of state commissions to
| fix intrastate rates have been clearly
| upheld by the courts. and he said
| there was no intention TO suggest
anything to the contrary. 1t has
been suggested, though, that state
| commissions could be of great assist
anee to the federal commission.
Responding to a question asked by
Senator Townsend of Michigan. Mr..
Clark denied there is much conflict
between the Interstate Commerce
Commission and state commissions
declaring there is a substantial ten
dency on the part of the latter to
follow the decisions of the federal
body.
Regarding Director General Nc
Adoo's recommendation that the rail-
roads should not be returned to
private ownership until the commits
sion has completed survey of their
physical valuation, Mr.. Clark said he
was not very sanguine regarding
when that is to be completed"
When is 1t to be completed?" ask
ed Senator Pomerene of Ohio
ct wouldn't express any opinion
as to when it will be completed re-
piled Mr.. Clark