Items of Interest January 21, 1905 Issue

Items of Interest

The inquiry conducted by the Bureau of Corporations under authority of a resolution of Congress, into the operations of the socalled Beef Trust, has been completed, and the report of Commissioner Garfield will soon be filed with President Roosevelt for transmission to Congress. The resolution directing this inquiry stated that since July, 1903. there has been a wide margin between the prices of live cattle and the price of dressed beef, the former declining to such a figure that many cattlemen had been driven into bankruptey, and it asked whether this disparity was caused in whole or in part by a combination in restraint of trade; whether the margin could be accounted for by natural causes, or whether it resulted from artificial influences controlled by a combination in restraint of trade.

Secretary of War Taft will visit the Philippines in July to make an inspection of the islands and consult with the heads of the insular government about various matters which will then be pending. One of the questions will be whether the conditions on the islands warrant the convening of a Philippine Assembly. This has been asked for in communications from there. The law says that an Assembly cannot be organized until two years after the census of the island has been taken. The census report is expected to be issued about February 1. If Secretary Taft is satisfied that the Filipino is ready to have an Assembly of his own the existing law can be changed. Another question to be considered is that relating to railroad matters.

A bill that shall satisfactorily regulate railroad rates, prevent diseriminations and rebates, and not run counter to constitutional provisions or Supreme Court deelsions. is taxing the ingenuity at present of some members of Congress. The Cooper-Quarles bill already reported is not considered satisfactory. Much opposition, direct or indirect, has already appeared to this proposed control by the Government through the Interstate Commerce Committee. There is also a difference of opinion as to the advisability of immediate action on the President's recommendation for such rate regulation.

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