The New York herald., 1879-08-24
COMMERCE" RETURNS TO THE ATTACK.

To THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD:
In your paper of the 4th inst. under the heading
of "Railroad Freight Determinations" corre-
spondent. the signature of Truth" while ut
the outset affecting impartial criticism of the
communications that recently appeared in your
journal signed respectively Legislator and "Com-
merce." soon proves to be a defender OF the
railroad corporations, particularly OF the Erie.
adopting "Legisiators' tactics of introducing ex-
traneous matter evidently for the purpose OF con-
fusing the mind of the hasty or uninformed reader
as to real purpose of the railroad investigation
To that end he has assailed the integrity of the
chairman of the committee. and more than hinted
at the unltncss of the committee generally, besides
wanting to know how far the Chamber of
Commerce is being used to build up Phil
adelphia and baltimore. with various other
queries that have not the slightest bearing upon the
grave questions that involved in the arragn ment
OF the railway corporations by tho commercial and
industrial organizations of the State therefore
shall conine my reply to only such portions of
Truths" communication NJ have direct bearing
upon the question at issue between the people and
the railways
Truth" quoting from my former reply to "Legis-
lator." ays:-"It will be seen by the resolution that
1t is made the duty of the committee to inquire into
all matters connected with railroads." and then
says:-"wcl, would like TO inquire OF Commerce
what the matters connected with the railroads
that proper tor the consideration OF the commit
teeY will answer that as the people OF the State
giving to the railways their valuable franchise
have reserved to themselves the right participate
in the benefits derived IRON the OF the roads
after the profits exceed ten per cent the capital
actually expended in the form OF reduced charges tor
freights and passages, it is tho duty OF the COM
mttee TO inquire into and ascertain what amount of
capital has been actually expended for the construc-
tion and equipment OF the roads also as to the cost
OF maintaining aud running the roads, which, Of
course, would include saares legal fees and other
necessary expenses as well az the amounts paid
lobbying, election purposes. &c. with the view of
controlling the Legislature; also as to discrmna-
ton in rates. both regards ind viduals and locali
ties within our State, well determinations
made in favor of merchants aud others not residing
within State. to the injury of the citizens of
New York; also why Philadelphia and Baltimore are
allowed lower rates from competitive points tho
on the plea distance s shorter, while Bos-
ton 100 miles further off than New York. is charged
than our citizens are compelled to pay.
These quesUons II fairy investigated and the truth
elected would reveal u mass OF corruption well
injury inflicted upon the material interests of
States beside which the stcalings of Tweed and his
gang, although many millions OF dollars. would be
comparatively insignificant.
Truth says, al would. in reply to Commerce.
ask what is the use of nquring into things known
to everybody The past history of the Erie Rail-
merce, is we'll known. Ii is but part and parcel of
that stupendous scheme of public plumber, of cor
ruption ia legislation, Of repeating at elections. Of
ballot box stuiing, OF that barter aud sale Of men,
OF that Wholesale swindling which the public had
scarcely the courage or virtue to condemn, by men
who had not the decency to hide the methods
OF their infamy, which was concentrated in aud
around what was known the Tweed Ring"
In reply ~ "Iruth" have ~ say that the over