The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1920-11-07

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Cummins- Esch railroad Law will be
proposed ct the coming session OF
ExTaA SESSION cEarAIN.
While Il 10 Improbable that these
can be put through 90 the short ses-
sion. they will serve to pave tie way
for action when the new congress
meets In extra session after March T.
II 10 everywherc taken for granted
there will be an extrs session.
Railroad executives ere now giving
attention to the workings Of the new
mining In what respects Il should be
amended. Al the same time. repre-
sentatives Of, shippers organizations
are giving attenttsp to 10 with Ike
purpose In mind tSaW
One of the changes proposed In the
law relates to consolidstions. The
present law allows voluntary CONSOLE
dations. Senator cummins In his
original plan proposed that CONSOLE
dati0ns of the roads into q small
number OF systems should be made
compulsory. II 10 expected the
compulsory plan will be proposed
again.
CHANGES DISCUSSED.
Some changes In the law relating
to the adjustment OF labor disputes
are also being discussed In railroad
circles. One proposal Ia to have
regional labor boards to adjust dis
putes.
Undoubtedly there will be a sharp
protest from many.of the agricultural
States over the fact there has been
a grave shortage OF cars and the fur
81. AA
Handicapped in moving their products
planned Of IL the long delay In un-
loading cars at Eastern terminal
points. The present system Of de-
murrage is-objected to rs ineffective.
This question will be considered In
connection with proposed modinca-
lions of the new law.
WILL GIVE 1T TRIAL.
The outcome Of the election is gem
orally interpreted ss meaning the
Americap-people are willing to give
the new law a trial. The efforts of
The opponents Of the new law to de-
feat Senators Cummins. Lenroot and
Watson, who had great deal to do
with formulating 1t. failed. Senator
Underwood had prominent part In
writing the new law and q fight was
made on him for denomination.
This fight. too. was failure. Con-
gresham Esch, chairman of the
House Interstate Commerce Commit
tee. was beaten for denomination In
WISCONSIN. He was the only promi-
nent member who went down, to de-
feat because of the new measure. And
n his case, defeat was largely due
to the fact he did not get and make
fight for denomination. On the other
hand. Congressman Sims OF Tennes-
see, who fought the new law. was
defeated for denomination. Senator
La Toilette, of Wisconsin, who fought
the new law, was not up for re-elec.
tion this year. but he made losing
fight against Senator Lenroot, which
has been q hard blow at the La Fol.
lette machine in the Badger state
NO CHANCE OF REPEAL.
Under the circumstances. there Is
no prospect Of repeal Of the new Law
as demanded by some of its opponents.
It will be improved and strengthened.
Meahtime. the advocates Of the
Plumb plan for Government owner
ship are not idle. They have failed
to win out in this election but they
have a powerful organization and are
keeping up a great system Of propa-
ganda. They profess to believe the
railroads will not give the public the
service 1t demands under the new law
and that within two years there will
be big swing Of the pendulum back
in the direction of Government own
ership.
In connection with the discussion
of the new railroad law, there Is much
gossip as to who will be the new
chairman OF the House Interstate
Commerce Committee after March 4,
to succeed Mr.. Esch. defeated. The
ranking member is Congressman
Hamilton of Michigan. but ne retires
voluntarily from Congress March 1,
Congressman Winslow of Massachu-
sets Is next in order. Western MEM
bers are likely to object to him for
the Craftsmanship and there may be
some important changes in fthe per-
sonnet OF the committee.