Weekly Trinity journal., 1875-06-19
THE RAILROAD RESOLUTION,

Inc resolutions In the Republican Plat
form referring to railroads was the only
part opposed in the convention. We are
confident that this opposition was mainly
from the fact that it was believed that
resolutions would be offered pontedIy
hostile TO the Central Pacific and Leland
Stanford, and differing greatly from those
actually introduced. 1t was very evident
that the opposition was prepared TO de-
noance -omething that did not cGme be-
fore the convention. But because there
was opposition, and for the further reason
that it was charged that the resolutions
were hostile to the railroads and compel
! them to take an active part in politics,
we propose TO advert to them now, per-
haps once for all. A careful reading OF
the platform on this subject WILL satisfy
the most prejudiced that it consists of,
first, diSpassionstc and clear statement
of the relations existing between the rail
road corporations organized under tn G
laws of this State and the public, as rep
resented by the National and State Gov
I'm Mt second, it is rec mmended
that the Legislature pass such laws as
will, while protecting the vested rights of
corporations, at the same time prevent
them from trespassing beyond their char
tered privileges, upon the vested lights
Of individuals.
The legal propositions laid down we
think will not be controverted and it fol
lows as logical consequence that it i:
the right ms well ms the duty Of the Leg
islature to enforce a fair and reasonable
exercise of their corporate privileges. -
The principle involved is the same n is
now embodied in the Civil Code Of this
State concerning toll road corporations. -
IF the Legislature should regulate The
charges over toll roads, it has the same
right to regulate the charges of railroads
operating in this State, ard ought to ex-
ercise that right as much in one case a:
in the other. This being true, what he.
comes of the charge that there is any
thing in the Republican platform hostile
to Railroad Corporations, or tending in
the slightest degree to force them into
politics. We do not suppose for mo-
/ ment that it will he contcnded that these
corporations will be wronged by such
/ legislation any more than toll roads have
been, and we are as confident that it will
not be claimed on the part of the Rail
Roads that they have a vested right to
exact exorbitant rates Of fare and freight
over their roads, or make unjust or un-
fair determinations against, or in favor
Of individuals or towns.
1t is an undeniable legal proposition
that the railroads are public servants to
this extent Mt least, that in the matter OF
freights and fares they are bound to deal
with all persons alike. To bring about n
proper and equitable settlement of this
matter hostile or nnfriendy Legislation is
not necessary and is the worst possible
course to he pursued The Freeman Bill
was not Intended to procure any such re-
suits. 1t was in no respect in the inter
est Of the people, but was conceived sole
~ in hostility to the Central Pacific,
aimed to injure the corporation and, Mt
the same time, provide political capital
for the elevation Of set of political
tIick-t tiers to power. 1t failed in its OBJ
jet, ms such pernicious schemes ought to
fail. So far it has not been established
lK,1 :. 4, -, 4
grounds of complaint exist against Rail
Road corporations in this State. We
neither charge nor intimate that any cx-
ist. But in the very nature of things
they are liable to occur and it is an unde
niable fact that many persons entertain
the beliet-whether well founded or not
that there is good cause for complaint
against Rail Road corporations in tho
State, and it is also an urmstakenble fnct
that this feeling, coupled with nm i'm
preston that the Republican party was
controlled by and in the interest of the
corporations, have alenated many of its
most conscientious members from its sup
port, thel cby disrupting the party.
The Rail Road system of this State
owes its existence to the RnpuLlcan par
ty-lent with no unsparing hand, and
through its kindly and indispensable as
slstance has grown to giant Dimensions.
Recognizing all these facts. is it not right
that the Republican party of the State
should at this time deal with the railroad
question rs with all other matters or
State and National impo lance, and now,
ms always before, declare its rightful po-
silion ms the champion Of popular rights {;
the guardian of vested rights totally in.
dependent of corporate control or any
other power except an intelligent consci-
entious pubic opinion?
ss-@~