Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1879-02-22

The Remarks of Senator Page Asking fol
Committee of InnuirY

The Remarks of Senator Page Asking for a
Committee of Inquiry.
The following is portion of the speech de-
livered by Senator Page on Tuesday in support
of his resolution calling for special commit
tee to inquire into the matter of railroad dis
lmination, the publication of which was de-
ferred in consequence of lack of space:
offer this resolution in good faith, not only
in the interest of the people who seem to de-
mand relief for an alleged unjust secret dis
elimination in the matter of freights, but in
the interest of railroads as well; they have a
mutual interest with the people, and all should
1t is dangerous to triffe with public opinion IN
this matter. few years ago the opinion was
largely aroused against railroads giving birth to
what is commonly known as che granger legis-
lation, which is said to have given death blow
to further railroad enterprises. When the issue
was joined and settled not only in the passage
of certain laws and the appointment of rail-
road commissioner, but a supreme court deci-
sion was had in favor of the principle that the
State could by law regulate common carriers,
and when the people were assured of this, as
they were, by Governors message,
then they were content. and since then many of
the laws that were enacted are now wiped from
our statutes. But now again many are COM
planning and have sought hearing at our
hands. And when in the other branch Of the
legislature resolution was adopted and
sent here for concurrent action, it seems to
have been delayed in the hands Of our railroad
committee until by avowed and delibe-
rate insult we were called upon to
act Again the Senator from Car
yer offered resolution tending to our
consideration of the propriety of the passage of
the Regar bill in Congress, which proposes to
give relief in the commerce between States and
abroad At this time have nothing to say as
to the merits of this proposition, but do pro-
test against the advice that was given bv GER
tain representative of railroad interests, that
the resolution should not arise to the dignity of
discussion, which might be of vast effect on
Congress.
ask, Mr.. President, is it wise to suppress the
consideration of questions of such vast public
Interest? Is there danger in consideration and
dlscussion? Let us adopt this resolution an
point the committee, and let them examine the
laws now in force, and see if they are sufficient
against unjust discrimination between business
men at any given point, and that monopolies
can not be secured by driving men out of
the wheat market and other business
Is not competition wrong as we'll as combina-
ton? Is the country benefited by COMPETE
ton and discrimination at certain points?
Will not all railroads SO manage as to secure
an income adequate to Investments.
George Stevenson, the father of the railway
system of Great Britain, said where combine
tion was possible competition was impossible
for any considerable length of time
Shall be called upon to defend
ourselves against combination and
ring power which seems to threaten
defiance to law and the law making
power. Are we not, in these modern days, in
the midst of, and do we not find rings on ev-
cry side of us and nearly in every branch of
business? We have been exercising our
equanlmity in self Defense as for instance the
text book law, brass kettle, etc. There is but
10 ono in ho or -
the law, the other in counter rings or combina-
tons. I would not by word or vote attack
any legitimate interests, but demand Justice
for all citizens of our common country.