Pioche daily record. [volume] (Pioche, Nev.) 1872-1876, 1872-11-08
RAILROADS AND TELEGRAPH.

The question Of the Government rs.
Stunning the proprietorship Of railroads
and telegraphs has of late been frequent
ly noticed. The evil that is complained
of in the present system is the practical
monopoly which is emf Dyed by the great
lines of both railroad and telegraph,
which enables these companies to prac-
tise great extortion. followed by other |
evils. In England this step has already
been taken with the telegraph lines, and
is said to work we'll. In Continental
Europe the telegraph and railroads are
virtually controlled by the respective
governments by the terms of the con-
cess:ons under which they were built,
and after certain period has elapsed
the lines will revert to and become the
absolute property Of the Government.
Both propositions have been discussed
in the United States. Attempts have
already been ma lie for the government
to acquire the ownership of the tele-
graph lines within its limits, and the
success of the measure in 'nSland has
been used as an argument in behalf of
such a change. But, however, we'll it
my have answered there, it does not
follow that an equally fortunate result
would obtain in the nited States. The
Government is already from its immense
army of Office holders able to exercise
potent force that can scarcely be held
consistent with republican institutions.
To what colossal proportions would it
rise if vast army of telegraph opera
tors and railway employers were added
to its present enormous power. Again,
complaints have lately been made, that
the inviolability of the mails have been
tempered with. Ifthese be we'll found
ed, what chance would dispatches have
that were inimical to the interest Of the
administration? What temptation
there would be for misconduct in the
knowledge OF the contents of dispatches
that We're sent in the interest of those
that might be opposing the party then in
Office 1t may be further remarked that
the political status OF the United States
and England are not sufficiently analo-
gous to permit just comparison in the
proposed change. In Great Britain there
is responsible ministry whose existence
depends upon commanding working
majority in the popular branch of the
legislature, and has no fixed term of
offic-. Besides that, as a rule most
classes of Government employees are not
allowed to vote; for instance. those in
the Internal Revenue and Customs de-
pertinent, nor yet soldiers or sailors.
These classes are not only forbidden to
vote, but also are interdcted from advo-
eating the cause of any candidate with
other voters. There, also Government
influence is closely watched with keen
and jealous eyes, which prevents the
exercise of undue influence to q great
extent. In the United States the case il
now quite different, every ofhce-holdel
rum Vic CCCIctdiy VI SAo ososo w
doorkeepsr holds his Office on the single
condition Of an unqucstioning supper
of the power that give him his oficia
life. Whether right or wrong there il
no doubt of the fact, and that renders
the example of England inapplicable
These remarks are prompted by thu
expressions let fall by Mr.. Jones, tn,
Republican candidate for the U. s. Sen
ate. He proposed as remedy for thu
evils of railroad monopoly, the absorb
ton OF the several lines by the Govern
ment. We think the remedy worse thar
the disease. The railroad company ma,
chastise US with whips, but If the Gov
eminent owned the lines it woult
scourge us with scorpions. If the trans
portation of goods and passengers ant
the transmission of kilograms were
added to the present power welded BY
the Government, an administration once
sealed in office would almost be impossi
BILE to Ell by peaceful an lawful means
The proper solution of the problem i.
causing legislation to be had, hit while
it duly respects the rights of the compa
MES protect the interests of the public.