The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1873-05-02
rLATFoaM ovrmE n.LIxois tAnmErs

adopted by the sIllinois Farmers
State Convention on the 9th OF
March. They have the ring Of the
genuine metal:
Resolced by the farmers of Illinois
in mass meeting assembled:
l. That all chartered monopolies
not regulated and controlled by law
have proved In that respect detri-
mental to the public prosperity, cor
rupting i'll their management aud
dangerous to republican institutions.
2. The railway Of the world, ex-
cept in those countries where they
have been held under the strict regu-
lations and supervision Of the gov
erDment, have proved themselves
arbitrary, extortionate and as much
opposed to free institutions and free
commerce between states as the
feuaal barons Of the middle ages.
3. That we hold, declare and re-
solve that this despotism which
defes our laws, plumbers our ship
pers, iInpoverishes our people and
corupts our government shall be sub
dued and made to subserve the pub
lie interest at whatever cost.
Resoiced that we believe the state
did not and could not confer any of
its sovereign power upon any cor
poration, and that now is the most
favorable time TO settle the question
80 that it may never be hereafter
misunderstood; that state cannot
create a corporation it cannot there
after control.
KesoLped that in view OF the present
extortions we look with alarm upon
the future OF an interest which can
combine in the hands Of few men a
capital OF nearly $3.50 900. 600 in our
state and 81 ,0g0, 0,UC0, 600 Iii the Unit
ed States, and VIC believe it essential TO
the population OF all classes that this
contest continue until those corpo-
rations acknowledge the supremacy
Of tue law.
Kesoiued that We regard it as the
undoubted power and the imperative
duty of the legislature TO pass laws
and statutes fixing reasonable rates
for freights aud passengers without
classification OF roads, and that we
urge upon our genenal assembly
the passages of such laws.
Resolved that the existing statutes
providing for the acclamation of rail-
roads, with view to adjusting a
tariff of charges according to the
gross amount of earning, is a delu-
sion and snare, aud Is so framed
that the railroads are able TO classify
themselves, and that it ought to be
carefully modified or repealed.
/ Resolred that inasmuch as the su-
preme court has clearly pointed out
the way to reach the unjust discrim-
nations made by the railroads of this
state We can see no reason of delay
on the prat of the legislature in en-
acting necessary laws on the subject,
and We urge immediate action there
| on.
Resoired that we urge the passage
of bill enforcing the principle that
railroads are public highways and re-
quiring railroads to make actual con-
nections with oil roads whose tracks
reach and cross their own, and to re-
ceive and transmit all cars and trains
offered over their roads at reasonable
maximum rates, whether offered a,
| such crossings or at stations along
their roads, and empowering the max
ing of connections by municipal
corporations for that purpose and fol
the public use.
Resolred that we heartily indorse the
action of the general assembly in
looking to the endorsements of the
| performance of their duties by
monopolies as common carriers, and
that in addition thereto we believe
that railroads should be required te
carry all the freight and passengers
offered from the country through
which they pass, and not permitted
to limit the amount of their bust
ness and destroy its natural increase.
Resolved that the constitution anc
laws of Illinois are as binding upor
railroad corporations as upon the
citizens, and that the state must re.
quire obdierce to the law alike from
all, whether the same be deemed
constitutional or not be parties affect
ed, until repealed or declared uncon'
stitutional.
RESOLVED that we indorse most full
ly the action of those who tender
legal rates of fare upon the railroads
and refuse to pay more, and that il
is the duty of the legislature to pro
vide by law for the defence by the
state of Illinois suits commenced, OF
that hereafter may be commenced
by railroad companies against indi
viduals who, in good faith, have in
sisted or hereafter may insist on the
right to ride on railroads at lega1
rates.
Resolued that the presentation o.
railroads passes. to. our Legislators
whatever may be the spirit and in,
tent with which they are accepted
are demoralizing in their influence
and we look to our legislature now in
session to rise above all personal con
siderations of pecuniary interest OF
convenience, and to pass law max
ing it misdemeanor for any senator
or representative, or other state OF
county officer, to accept any railroad
pass, knowing as we do that the peo
pie look upon the acceptance of these
passes with decided and almost uni
versal disapprobation.
WHEREAS, the constitution of 1S4S
article ten, prohibits the Legislature
from granting special railroad char
ters in the following words: "Cor
porations not possessing banking
powers or privileges may be formed