The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1873-04-05
THE FARMERS IN COUNCIL AT SPRING
FIELD


on credentials reported % counties represent
ed by regularly appointed delegates, and 290
delegates in attendance.
The convention was permanently organized
by the appointment of D. W Dame as presi-
dent; one vice president from each congress
ional district; and four secretaries
The principal speakers were Gov Bever-
idge, Ex-Governor Palmer, Z. VI. liaines and
the president of the convention. ~ j. @roVer,
of this county was chairman Of the commit
tee on resolutions
4 vigorous effort was made by the radical
politicians and the tariff monopolists to get
control Of the convention, and failing in their
maneuyres, they tried to break up the conVen-
ton in row, but in both attempts they sig
nally failed. The first resolution adopted
was one vigorously denouncing the salary
steal of the late congress, "and that we further
condemn the President of the United States
for signing the bill"
The following is the full text of the resolu-
tons as reported by the committee and adopt
ed by the convention:
Resolred, BY the farmers of Illinois, in mass
meeting assembled,
Ftrst-That the chartered monopOlies
not regulated and controlled by law have
proved in that respect detrimental to the pub
lie property, corrupting in their management,
and dangerous to Republican institutions,
Second-The railroads of the world, except
in those countries where they have been held
under the strict regulation and supervision OF
the government, have proved themselves OF rs
Il inst
tutions and free commerce between the states
as the feudal Barons in the middle ages
Thtm-That we hold, declare, and resolve,
that this despotism which dcties our laws
plumbers our shippers, impoverishes our peo-
pie and corrupts our Government, snail be
subdued and made to subserve the public in
terest at whatever cost
Resolged, That we believe the state did not,
and could not, confer any OF its sovereign
power upon any corporation, and that now -
the most favorable time to settle the question:
so that it may never be hereafter misunder-
stood, that q state cannot create a corporation
it cannot thereafter control.
Resolced, That in view OF the present extor-
tions, We look with alarm upon the future OF
one interest, which can combine III the hands
of few men capital of nearly two hundred
and fittv millions of dollars III our own state,
and four thousand millions of dollars in our
Union, and we believe it essential to the in
terests to the prosperity of all classes that this
contest continue until those corporations &C
knowledge the supremacy OF the law.
ResoIced That we regard it as the undouht-
ed power and imperative duty Of the Legis-
lature to pass laws fixing reasonable rates for
freight and passengers, without classification
of roads and that we urge upon our General
Assembly the passage OF such laws.
Roso,cfd That the existing statute proyld-
ing for classification OF railroads, with
view of adjusting a tariff OF charges accord
ing to gross amount of earnings, IS de!uslon
and snare, and is so framed that the rail
roads are able to classify themselves, and that
it ought to be carefully modified or repealed.
Res0lccd That inasmuch as the supreme
Court has clearly pointed out the way to reach
the unjust determinations made by railroads
of this state, we can see no reason for delay
on the part of the Legislature in enacting the
necessary laws on the subject; and We urge
immediate action thereon.
Res0lred, That we urge the passage OF Dill
enforcing the principle, that railroads are
public highways; and requiring railroads 10
make actual connections with all 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 at such crossing or at stations
ing of connections by municipal corporations
for that purpose and for the public use.
Re,olred. That we heartily endorse the ac-
ton of the General Assembly, looking to the
enforcement of the performance OF their GU
ties by the monopolists as common carriers,
and that in addition thereto, we believe that
the railroads should be required to carry al
the freights and passengers offered from the
country through which they pass, ana not
permitted to limit the amount OF their ousi-
ness and destroy its natural increase
Resolyed, That the Constitution and laws OF
Illinois are as binding upon railroad corpor-
ations as upon the citizens, and that the state
must REQUIRE obedience to the law from al
alike. whether the same be deemed Constitu-
tional or not by the parties affected, until re
peaed or declared unconstitutional.
Resolred That we indorse most fully the
action of those who tender legal rates OF fare
unon the railroads, and refuse 20 pay more,
and that it is the duty OF the Legislature 70
provide by law for the defense OF the S'ate,
of all suits commenced, or that thereafter may
he be commenced, by the railroad companies
AGAINST individuals, who, in good faith have
insisted, or may hereafter insist, upon the
right to ride on railroads at legal rates.
Resolced That the presentation and accept
alton of railroad passes 10 our Legislators,
whatever may be the spirit and intent with
which they are accepted, are demorolizing IN
their influence, and we look to our Legisla-
ture, now in session, to rise above all person
al considerations of pecuniary interest or con
yenience. and to pass law making it ms
demeanor for any Senator or representative OF
other State or county officers, to accept any
railroads pass knowing as we ao o 1t!a these e
masses with decided and almost universal
disapprobaton: of 1912 .r.i
Gle 10, prohibits the Legislature. e, rom gram,
ing special railroad charters, in the following haOg
mowers or privileges may be formed under
the generallaw, but shall not ne created e BY
special acts, except for municlPal purposes,
and in cases where IN ob ,e Of tbe corner OF
atoms cannot he attained under general law