Which President Passed the Elkins Act?

President Theodore Roosevelt signed the Elkins Act into law.

Theodore Roosevelt and the Elkins Act

The Elkins Act, a significant piece of legislation aimed at regulating the railroad industry, was signed into law by President Theodore Roosevelt on February 19, 1903. This act was a crucial step in the broader progressive movement to curb corporate abuses and ensure fairer business practices during the early 20th century.

Background and Purpose of the Elkins Act

The Elkins Act was primarily designed to address the issue of railroad rebates, a common practice at the time where railroads would offer preferential shipping rates to favored large shippers, giving them an unfair advantage over smaller competitors. This practice led to monopolies and stifled competition.

The bill was introduced in 1902 by Senator Stephen B. Elkins of West Virginia, for whom the act is named. Interestingly, Senator Elkins introduced the bill at the behest of the Pennsylvania Railroad, one of the very entities the legislation would eventually regulate. The law was ultimately passed by the 57th Congress.

Key Provisions and Impact

The Elkins Act empowered the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) with greater authority to enforce regulations. Its main provisions included:

• Prohibition of Rebates: The act explicitly outlawed the practice of railroad rebates, making it illegal for railroads to give, or for shippers to receive, preferential rates that differed from the published tariffs.
• Uniform Rates: It required railroads to adhere strictly to their published rates, ensuring that all shippers were charged the same price for the same service.
• Fines for Violations: Both railroads and their corporate officers were made liable for violations, facing substantial fines for non-compliance. While the act initially did not include imprisonment as a penalty, it was a significant step towards greater accountability.

The Elkins Act marked an important moment in the federal government's efforts to regulate big business, particularly the powerful railroad trusts. Although it had some limitations and was later strengthened by the Hepburn Act of 1906, it laid essential groundwork for controlling monopolistic practices and promoting economic fairness.

The Role of President Roosevelt

President Theodore Roosevelt, known for his trust-busting policies and commitment to reform, actively supported the Elkins Act. His administration's backing was instrumental in getting the legislation through Congress. Roosevelt's focus on "Square Deal" policies aimed to create a level playing field for businesses and protect the public interest, making the Elkins Act a natural fit within his progressive agenda.

Here's a quick overview of the Elkins Act:

For more detailed information, you can explore the history of the Elkins Act.