Weekly Trinity journal., 1873-08-09

llOns. W nat VIII seem just 10 OHe SLUG
may not seem just to the other, and it is
only by careful inquiry into the amount
Of capital invested, the business transact
ed, and the current expense of running a
line of railway, that legislator can de-
eide intelligently what will be a just
standard to both parties. 1t may suit
the views Of small beer politicians to
urge the election of their pet candidates
on the ground that they are opposed to
monopolies." That has proved hereto
fore very enticing batte-cry and has
resulted in the election Of men to positions
where they arc az badly out of place as n
bull in a china shop. All men not de-
cidedly interested in the success of the
monopolies are opposed to them, of what
ever nature, and Trinity county has, in
past years, suffered to that extent at the
hands of monopolists that they are ready
to listen to anything which promises re-
lief. But with monopolies as with all
subject matter of law making, intelligent
legislation is needed. If fare and freight
is put down at lower standard than a
paying one, we cannot expect the "mo-
nopoly" will run its cars at dead loss.
We have the power TO compel it. as a
common carrier, to charge no more than
a certain amount, and if that amount is a
just one to all the parties concerned, COM
munication will not be interrupted; but if
an unjust one. the public will suffer great
inconvenience. We have only TO make
one statement to intelligent men in proof
Of this assertion Before The ccmpletior
of the railroad to Redding, freights were
frequently delayed for months during the
season OF low water. This year steamers
find it difficult to ascend as far as Sacra-
mento already, and from now on until
the winter rains have raised the streams,
it will be matter almost of impossibiIity
for steamers 10 navigate the upper Saera-
mento, and under the old freighting IA
cilities light freights alone could be dcliv-
cred.
And while entitled to legislative protec-
tion, railways should have their full share
Of the burthen of sustaining the State
and County governments. Itis too much
the custom in this country for the large
property holders to escape with far
smaller proportion Of taxation, than the
men whose resources and means arc i'm
tied. Capital, in all its forms is selfish
and seeks to evade its legal responsibilities.
Whether in the form Of railroads, or any
other association it should be made to
meet the requirements Of the constitution
which declares that taxation shall be
uniform and equal" a continuous line
Of railway which traverses several coun-
ties must have certain valuation as a
whole, and measures should be taken to
compel statementof what that valuation
is. They should be held to q strict ac.
countability under the laws, and if pres
ent laws are insufficient to meet the exi-
gencies of the situation, the Legislature
has the power and the right to enact new
laws that will.
We have spoken at some length upon
the railway question, for it is one of the
most important which will come up for
legislative action. 1t is question which
will have to be met and dealt with in
spirit Of enlightened craftsmanship, and
as such will require deep research. Hon
est men who approach the subject with
ont prejudice, actuated only by desire
TO do justice to all concerned, can meet
and combat the issue eiicctually, and no
others can. We believe that on the main
lines Of traffic the present charges Of
transportation and passage should submit
to some reduction, but to what extent
only full and fair investigation can de
tcrminc.