Clearwater Republican. [volume] (Orofino, Idaho) 1912-1922, 1920-02-27
OUR CONGRESS HAS
PASSED R. R. BILL
DEBATE ON QUESTION BROUGHT
FORTH HEATED ARGUMENT
FOR AND AGAINST.
ADOPT CONFERENCE REPORT
Barley Takes Shot at Wall Street
- Says Measure Carries mini.
mum Wage" for capatilists-
204 Support Bill.

mum wage Tor CdPatiitSts-
2o4 Support Bill.
WASHINGTON compromise
Esch- Cummins railroad bill was ap-
proved Saturday by the house, which
adopted the conference report after
four hours of debate.
The house adopted the conference
report by a vote of 249 to 15O--a clean
margin of so votes.
Representative Johnson, republican,
South Dakota, said "a vote against
the bill is a vote for the Plumb plan,"
and added that the railroad lobby
is no worse than that Of the Ameri-
can Federation Of Labor" in fighting
for or against the bill. However he
voted, johnson said, a member was
sure of the political opposition of
either the rail corporations or of or
ganized labor.
No Doubt As to Outcome.
Adoption of the conference report
came after the house had defeated,
228 to III, motion to recommit.
Chairman Esch of the interstate COM
MERGE committee then called for the
previous question and there was a
buzz in the chamber as the voting
began.
There never was any doubt as to
the outcome, leaders said. although
the effect of pressure from labor
leaders against adoption of the bill
was variously interpreted. Repre-
sentative Kitchin. democrat, North
Carolina, in the closing argument
against the bill declared that labor
leaders had caused at least dozen
members who were opposed to 1t to
rally to it's support.
During the debate, in which more
than score of representatives took
part, Chairman Esch declared that the
roads would be handed back to their
owners on March / regardless of
whether congress enacted legislation
meanwhile, but he warned the house
that defeat of the bill at this stage
would put half the roads of the coun-
try In the hands of receivers in three
months.
Says Evil outweighs Good.
Representative Barley, democrat,
Kentucky, a member of the inter
state commerce committee, opposing
the bill. declared that while it con-
tanned many good provisions. they
were entirely overbalanced by the
most vicious and insidious departure
from established principles"
Attacking the ratemaking section,
he charged that the Railway Security
Holders association maintained at
Washington a committee which ac-
complished for them what congress
never had done for any other bust
ness, ''the fixing Of rates which would
guarantee them against the hazards
Of business
'The result Of this legislation" he
said, means that the American 'peo-
pie must pay two and half billion
dollars to the railroads in order that
roads, manipulated by special inter.
ests. may pay dividends"
Mr.. Harkley argued that the bill
was unconstitutional because of the
provision taking half of the excess
earnings over per cent return.
He concluded by protesting against
compelling 1O0,0OO,O00 people to pay
tribute to specially favored inter.
ests."
The vote for the adoption of the
conference report showed 204 repub-
licans and As democrats supporting 1t.
The opposing vote included 1875 demo.
Gratis. % republicans. one indepen,
dent and one prohibitionist
Wilson Gets Railroad Bill.
WASHINGTON.-B a vote OF near
ly three to one--47 to 1.-THE senate
Monday passed and sent to the presi
dent the railroad bill under which the
carriers will attempt to adjust them
selves to the new condition arising
with the end OF federal control.
Thirty.two republicans joined will
Is democrats In voting for the bill
while three republicans and IA demo
Gratis were the II opposed.
The bill now goes to President VIII
son. The general opinion is that h
will sign It, although the unions urg
veto.
Those voting against the bill
Republicans-Borah, France an
Gronna. Total republicans against,
Observation-Disclosures, Dial, Cor,
Harris, Harrison, johnson (South DE-
kota), Jones New Mexico), King, Nj
heiiar, Nugent, Overman, Pittmal
sheppard, Trammell, Total democrat
against, IA.
Total against adoption, II.
Rail Men Talking Strike.
Naiiroad workers are talking strik,