Rail Regulations Caused Friction in Senate 1906

Abstract

In 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt continued to spar with the powerful "Senate Four" over his legislation increasing regulation of business.

Roosevelt had some initial success, convincing Congress to pass both the Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act.

Sen. Nelson Aldrich (R-R.I.), the leader of the Four, resisted any sort of government regulation of railroads. A careful tactician, Aldrich worked to have Roosevelt's sworn enemy - Sen. Benjamin "Pitchfork" Tillman (D-S.C.) - sponsor the bill.