Railroad Gazette/Volume 38/Number 5/Contributions
CONTRIBUTIONS
A Senate Committee of Investigation.
Jan. 31, 1905.
To the Editor of the Railroad Gazette:
Instead of rushing blindfold into railroad legislation, thus, perhaps, adding to the blunders of existing legislation, might it not be well for the Senate to appoint a committee of investigation for the purpose of determining what are the existing evils, and their causes, what remedies the existing laws afford, and what additional legislation is needful and practicable? I have in mind the very able report of the Senate Select Committee, that preceded the passage of the Act to Regulate Commerce, of 1887. This is one of the ablest reports on the railroad problem that I have ever seen. It may be said that the question of additional legislation is already before the House and Senate Committees on interstate commerce, and that the appointment of a special committee would seem unnecessary. But it seems to me that investigation by a special committee would be more thorough and comprehensive, and that the railroad side of the case I could be better presented. It would also give more time for the excitement, largely created by the Interstate Commerce Commission and some of the western commercial associations, to subside.
Henry Fink,
Chairman of the Board, Norfolk & Western.