The Grange advance. [volume] (Red Wing, Minn.) 1873-1877, 1875-03-09
The new railroad Inv.

The new railroad Law.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State Of
Minnesota:
Section l. There shall be elected at
the general election in November, 1875,
and every two years thereafter, a State
railroad Commissioner, who shall hold
his office for two years and until his sue
cessor is elected and qualified. Such COM
missioner shall take the oath of Office
prescribed by law, and shall give bond,
with sureties, to be approved by the Gov
ernor, in the sum of ten thousand dollars,
conditioned Tor the faithful performance
OF his duties as such commissioner. And
whenever from any cause vacancy &C.
ours in the office of railroad commissioner
the Governor shall appoint some suitable
person to fill such vacancy, who, upon
taking the oath of office and giving the
bond required by law, shall hold his Office
until his successor is elected and quail.
fed. Provided, that until the office is
filled by election, the Governor shall ap-
point suitable person to fill the vacancy
in such Office.
Sec. 2. The said commissioner shall
hold his office in the capitol in St. Paul
he shall receive a salary Of three thou
sand dollars per annum, to be paid as the
salaries of other State officers are paid,
and shall be provided at the expense of
the State with necessary office, furniture
and stationery; and he shall have au.
thority to appoint secretary, who shall
receive salary of twelve hundred dol
lars per annum.
Sec. 3. The railroad commissioner shall
enquire into any neglect or violation of
the laws Of this State by any railroad
corporation doing business therein, or by
the officers, agents or employees of any
such company, and shall also from time
to time carefully examine and inspect the
condition of each railroad in this State,
and of its equipment and the manner of
its conduct and management, with rela-
ton to the public safety and convenience.
lie shall also examine into and ascertain
the pecuniary condition and the manner
OF financial management Of each and every
railroad company doing business in this
State.
Sec. 4. The said railroad commissioner
shall on or before the first of December
IN each year make report to the Gov
ernor of his doings for the preceding
year, containing such facts, statements,
and explanation as will disclose the work.
ing of the system of railroad transports.
ton in this State, and its relations to the
general business and prosperity of the
citizens Of the State and such suggestions
and recommendations in respect thereto,
as may to him seem appropriate.
Said report shall also contain as to
every railroad corporation doing business
in this State:
First. The amount of it's capital stock.
Second. The amount OF it's preferred
stock, if any, and the conditions Of its
preferment.
Third. The amount of it's funded debt,
and the rate of interest thereof.
Fourth. The amount Of its floating
debt.
Fifth. The cost ofits road and equipment,
including permanent way, building and
rolling stock, all real estate used exclu-
sively IN operating the road, and all fix.
lures and conveniences for the transac-
ton of it's business.
property owned by such corporation,
with q schedule of the same, not includ.
ing lands granted in aid of its construc-
ton.
Seventh. The number Of acres origi.
na!'y granted in aid Of construction of its
road by the United States or by this
State.
Eighth. Number of acres of such land
remaining unsold.
Ninth. A list of its officers and direc-
tors, with their respective places of resi-
dence.
: Tenth. Such statistics of the road and
of its transportation business for the
year as may, in the judgment of the com.
missioner, be necessary and proper for the
information of the Legislature, or as may
be required by the Governor; such re.
port shall exhibit and refer to the cendi-
ton of such corporation on the first day
of July Of each year, and the details of
it's transportation business transacted
during the year ending June Goth Of that
year.