The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23
RA|LROADS' POWER. SHOWN IN T|E-UP
They Have Their Hearts Set On Cummins, But Would
 Accept Smith
WASHINGTON BUREAU ]
 THE AGE-HFRALD }

NaSmnEton, ID. t.. Dec. ZE
 The tie-up in the Senate over the election of a chairman of the inter- state commerce committee indicates the power of the railroads in mat ters of legislation.
 When Senator Bruce of Maryland, democrat deserted the democratic column and voted for Senator Cum mins the candidate of the reactionary republican group, it was demon- strated that the railroads desired | Cummins, would accept Senator Smith of South Carolina, democrat, only as a second choice. and would not have | Senator Couzens, candidate of the radical group, under any cireum- 1 The indications are, because of the foregoing, that when the issue Is again joined after the holidays, Sem ator Smith will be elected
 | In addition to the influence of the railroads, another consideration en- tered into the epochal and unpreced- ented struggle It was known that the reactionaries in Legislation would do nothing to injure the railroads, and to that extent would protect the rail roads.
 It was known that the radicals If they had their way would proceed ruthlessly against the railroads in rate reductions and to that extent would injure the railroads.
 It was known that if Senator Smith was elected, he would prepare a bill in accordance with democratic ideas, one so obviously fair to the railroads and the people that the country at first glance would be favorably inn pressed. Such a bill when prepared will be brought to the floor by Sen ator Smith if he is elected chairman, and it Is entirely probable would be enacted as a compromise.
 The reactionaries do not want such measure; neither do the radicals. But rather than the radical program, the reactionaries would prefer the democratic, and likewise the radicals would prefer the democratic to the reactionary.
 For these reasons, it is highly probable, in the opinion of members of Congress that in forthcoming leg islation, respecting railroads, demo- cratic ideas will prevail, and will be reflected in the presidential campaign of 1924.
 It is learned positively that if Sen ator Smith is elected he will call to his assistance railroad experts of the government in whom he has con- fidence, and other democratic Sen ators, for the purpose of preparing substitute for the Esch- -Cummins act The bill he would present. to the committee. He does not anticipate that he would be able to receive a favorable report for his measure, but as chairman of the committee, he would have the right to report it to the floor in a minority report.
 The situation would be unique in that because of the circumstances, the people would have opportunity to ob- tain first hand and official informa- tion as to the difference in the rail- road views of reactionaries. demo- crats and radicals, for the latter group would present their views in the form of proposed amendments.
 There would always be the danger that in the general mix" no legis- lation would emerge. It would be en- tirely satisfactory to the reactionary group were the mountain to groan | and give up not even a mouse. At the same time, pressure from the country it is believed. would become so in- 1 tolerable that progressiVes rather than nothing would be content with what they might regard as only par tial relief from the country's woes. If Smith Is elected, it will be the result of radical support. If the Smith bill is enacted, 1t will be the result of radical support.