New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1874-02-26
covMERoE AxoNa THE STATES.

CONMERCE AMONG THE STATES.
The immense interests created within
the interior States, and the large deduc-
ton from the market price of their pro-
ducts, as well as the great additions to
the cost of commodities which they con-
sumo, has commanded attention at the
hands Of Congress and enlisted large
influence in the consideration of these
questions.
/ In nothing is this influence more evi-
dent than in the control assumed over
the transportation between the West and
outports. The sanctity of corporate pow
! eYs was first assailed in the States. Men OF
no particular learning in the law, who had
gained command Of railroads, were as.
founded to hear that they had not thereby
acquired the right to prescribe what part
Of farmers crop should be left him after
deducting freight Lobbyists. who had
been in the habit of buying legislative
votes by the dozen, deemed it black in
gratitude to go back on them with laws
! restricting the rates of freight or the gift
Of free tickets. The preponderant power
of common interest united the producer
| and traveller, and this compelled the State
legislators, through fear of their political
lives. TO pass the restrictive legislation re-
ferred 10. The railroad is now common
highway and its owners are common car
riers. The Legislatures have committed
the regulation of these great interests to
the courts. The courts being subject to
popular influence, have fastened, as courts
usually do, to conform their decisions to
tho theory maintained by the appointing
or electing power.
But this great influence has not been
content with the local reform Of the rail-
roads. 1t has made itself felt further.
Finding that while some States may be
controlled, others interested in taxing
transit commerce still continue their ex-
actions. These great interests. which we
may as we'll call 'the Oranges, at once
appealed to Congress for such exercise Of
power as may be necessary to protect COM
merce passing from production to con-
sumption. They have even gone so far as to
investigate the power of Congress to con-
struct common highways and become COM
mon carriers for the better protection the
people. This appeal to Congress has had
an effect analogous to that addressed to
the State Legislatures, for congressman
are but legislators "of larger growth.
They have entertained these inquiries with
sincere desire to give their constituents
the benefit of any doubts which may have
arisen as to the exercise of the powers
necessary and proper to give effect to the
wishes Of the people.
The question is now under earnest con-
sideration by Congress. Senator Morton
has introduced resolution inquiring
into the constitutional power Of Congress
to regulate commerce among the States
by such legislation as will promote the
transportation at reasonable rates of
freights and passengers, provide for their
safety and comfort by inspection Of the
ways and vehicles, and prevent eXtortion
or unjust discrimination Of charges. His !
argument is addressed to the proposition
that Congress has the right to control all |
highways crossing any Interstate lines,
whether this highway be Of rail Or
of water. The authorities cited i'll
support of this view are Of great
weight, and arc likely to convince
Congress that all the Changers ask may
be lawfully granted. at least SO far as
the right to regulate railroad transporta.
ton, the right to construct national high
ways, resting upon different grounds. but |
capable of being maintained upon reasons
equally sound or specious. and upon the
of actual exercise. at least in
the case Of the National Cumberland turn. |
pike.
We notice this demonstration OF .opu-
lar power and purpose to remind our fel-
low citizens that the tendency of develop
ment is not in our direction. but looks
rather toward a direct communication !
with the Eastern Atlantic seaports. We
can only trust that the interests Of the in
terror may soon perceive that it is through
the Mississippi alone that a great regu-
lator of freights can be constituted, and !
that they will order such improvements !
and appropriations as tne complete de-
yelopment of commerce among the
States and with foreign nations" may de.