The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1874-10-29

nesday, brings foreibly to view several APP
parent defects in the bill now pending be-
fore the legislature The questions of the
proper commission to be appointed, the
tendency to special legislation and its pub
lie policy arise and will undoubtedly lead
to discussion at Montpelier as well as in
the press There is no doubt of the evils
existing and the certain and perhaps deter
mined oppression of various industrial IN
terests, by certain railroads, but whether
the proposed bill reaches the evil is one
worthy of inquiry. Its friends have full
faith and confidence that it will prove a
real and sufficient remedy for the burdens
which Cypress them. If the bill prove de-
fectivc, 1t does not appear to us amend
ment can remedy the defects, unless it be
made applicable to all railroads. Then it
would undoubtedly be acceptable, and the
only question left for discussion is that of
public policy.
1t is apparent to us that the constitution
of board of railroad commissions with
powers to act upon, determine and enforce
their regulations upon all matters of differ
ence, from whatever source they may arise,
or upon whatever lines, would reach the
case and prove effectual. 1t is worthy the
while of those who are advocating the
proposed law and more especially of the
legislating power, to discuss this matter.
A commission as suggested by the GLOBE
some days ago. composed of three persons,
lawyer, railroad man, and
business man, neither of whom should be
in anywise connected with the management
of any railroad or in its interest, would
prove practicable and effective to remedy
all the abuses complained of, and prove
satisfactory to both railroads and people.
Then all parties can be heard and justice
and equity secured.
Senator Clarke of Franklin, has intro
duced bill amending the general statues
in relation to railroad commissioners, with
view of creating board, which in our
view is seriously Objectionable in several
respects, yet has many features worth pre-
serving, but needs much amendment be-
fore it ought to become law.
The provision for board who shall in
no way be connected with railroads is cor
rect. But the provisions as to the subjects
of examination partake too much of a
system of espionage into the affairs of
corporation in matters which are eXclu-
sively their own, as much as are the private
business of an individual, and which are
undoubtedly protected by their charters.
AS example of the Objectionable features
of the bill let us quote one or two of the
inquiries to be made.
The names and residences and tor
what general or special purpose employed
of all attorneys, in the service of railroads
an any time during the period named.
The names, residences, occupations, and
for what reason thus favored, of all per-
sons within this state who may at any time
within said period have been passed free
over said roads.
The names, residences and business of
all persons who have enjoyed special freight
contracts over said roads within the period
named, together with the terms, nature and
extent of all contracts between said roads.
These are questions which are matters of
personal concern to the railroad company,
and their rights should be as sacred in
these matters as are those of the individual
citizen. A person has right to employ
an attorney with whom to counsel on his
business affairs, and pay him as he pleases,
all know that occasions arise and often
times there is a necessity for special con-
tracts, which neither individuals or
corporations can avoid consistent with
their business interests. The provision re-
ferred to are, in our judgment, objection
able, and should not be incorporated
among the list of inquiries. If any abuses
exist they would be legitimate subjects of
complaint, and then inquiry would be
proper on the part of the commission, but to
make them subject of report to legis-
lative body is questionable, as to the right
or propriety. The payment of the salary
of the commissioners by the state is right,
and it should have always been paid by the
state rather than the railroads. The state
should be divorced from all obligation to
railroads unless they come under its direct
control. We hope Senator Clarke's bill
may be so amended as to rid it of its OBJ
jectionable features, and made practicable
and become a law.
Our sympathics are entirely with the
slate and marble producers of Rutland
county, whom we believe to be unjustly
charged for freight, and that these discrim-
nations are working injury to our best bust
ness interests, and ought to have relief. We
trust they may procure it in some form
either by the proposed bill, general law
or railway commission. 1t is our duty,
as public journalists, 10 frankly discuss tht
| question in all its relations and effects
either upon railroads or business interests
and point out its Objectionable features
This we have endeavored to do, in connec
ton with the pending bill for railroad com
missioners, and here our duty ends.
The Second District.
The result of next TUESDAYS contest il