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Teddy Roosevelt was extremely active when it came to railroading in the United States and had much influence over Congress on the decisions involved with the railroads.
In 1886 Congress created the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) to regulate interstate commerce, but had not granted the ICC much power to enforce the statutes and punish violators. In 1903, the Elkins Anti-Rebate Act forbade the railroad carriers from giving large and powerful clients rebates on their shipments; rebates which differed from the published freight tariffs.The Elkins Act had a double effect: it allowed the railroads to set their rates according to market conditions, and it enlarged the regulatory powers of the ICC. In 1902, Attorney General Philander Knox also sued the Northern Securities Co, an amalgamation of several railroads, which was subsequently found to be in
breach of U.S. Antitrust Statutes.
This political cartoon shows the "wrestle" or struggle between Roosevelt and the railroads. Uncle Sam is on the President's side seeing that Teddy Roosevelt is wearing a uniform with the stars and stripes. Since Uncle Sam represents America, America is okay with this clash between Roosevelt and the railroads.