The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1876-01-13
RAILROAD LEGISLAIION.

Alas and ali.ck.
The grangers wanted the railroad
companies controlled by law: they
wanted cheap rates on the transportation
of their productions; party called the
Anti Monopoly party was organized to
secure these rights for them: but the
oi!y-tongued otfice-holders told them that
no new party was necessary that the
Republican party was the real Anti
Monopoly party, and that governor
Davis was the Moses t. lead them into
the promised land.
Well governor Davis has come and
gone AID what have we? A law on the
statue book which simply amounts to as
much, in the way of protecting the pro-
ducers, as wou d 4 last years birds
And now co mes governor Pillsbury and
irrevently says OF this crystalizalion of
Modern Feudalism
The office of the Railroad Commissioner, as
| at present constituted, is not Of sufficient benc-
tit or importance to justify its cost. Under the
amended law of the last session, it contemplates
little more than the collection of railroad Sta
tistics, to which end the expense is dispropor
tionatelv large.
Ifcortined to this, tie duty might as advan-
OF Statistics, whose overs could be enlarged for
the purpose with a considerable annual saving
to the treasury.
And of this '.impotent and lame con
clusion" Gov Davis, says:
The agitation and discussion Of the relative
obligations OF the railroad companies and the
rights OF the people have resulted in q better
| understanding, and in sentiments OF conces-
ston and Cancellation in both parties to the
| controversy. These sentiments found express
sion in the act approved Mach sth, 1878.
teel authorized to state, from the entire absence
OF compliant. that the act has giren sattsfac
ton; and that no further legislation will b
necessary so long rs the present situation re-
n-~-- unchanged.
While governor Pillsburv. in addition
to repeating even the shadow of a
| Made left to him by governor Davis
wa1zca to 90 further and DO something
not to re-assure the people, but to 're-as
sure the railroad companies" Gov
Davis has. by the browning achieve
ment OF his administration. given sat
istaction' to the people: and now Cover
dor Pillsbury proposes to do as much b,
the corporations. He says
The actual identity of interests, apparentl
II l. telrNtti tttll pe nowhere NOR
susceptible OF practical exemplihcation than il
the reciprocal advantages oi a wise adjustment
OF the claims and obi Sations Of producers an,
carriers. Motives Of simple policy not les
than those Inspired by lore Ct fair dealing r.
qulre such just Treatment railroad inter IT, a
will re-dss.re the alarmed cepital embarked i
them. and induce it, re-eiitrance into our stat
tor thu completion and extension OF the com
pre- henslye railroad system essential to ii
welfare
Now all this may truly represent pub
lie opinion. Ii may be the people de
sire no legislation IN respect TO railroad
except tina: which is necessary to ere
assure the companies. It would appea
so. if enc may Judge by the maIorit
given two months ago to the Republican
ticket.
All well as the farmer said to tn
maggots wrggling in the piece of cheese
as he put it in his mouth. If you cal
stand it kin"