Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1880-12-04
OF legal principles as can be conceived.
II the railways belong to the public,
then the

II the railways belong to the public,
then the
Bights Of All CitiS5ns
are precisely equal, and all discrimina-
tions are unlawful. Without reference
to the public right of properly, they are
90 shamefully y'inperious in their gener.
al effect, and in their particular conse.
quences, that no well governed State
will endure them.
These railroads and transportation
companies connect themselves with
everything. The promotion OF COM
mercp, Internal and foreign, the interest
OF buyer and seller, the rights Of produ-
Ger and consumer. the needs OF the
poor, and the prosperity of the rich, al
CRY aloud for some system OF manage
ment which will compel them to do the
duties they owe to the public faithfully,
at rates reasonably fixed, uniform ard
equal, without extortion, without wan
ton changes, without discrimination.
The laws necessary for this purpose
are not difficult to frame. II you will
look at the Constitution OF Pennsylva-
mia as amended in 1873, you will find In
the seventeenth section series OF pro.
visions which, ii carried out and enforc.
ed. would be amply sufficient. But the
railroad men and their advocates have
managed to impress the Legislature with
the idea that they are above the Consti.
tuition. They assert that every restric-
ton imposed upon them in the inter
ests of justice, equality, and fair deal
ing is violation OF the contract EN-
bodied in their charters. All this is no
doubt very false doctrine. but they con-
trive in some way I really do not know
howl to make the State authorities ac-
cept il as true.
| maintain that all the States have
clear and indefeasible right to protect
their people against such wrongs, and
TO exercise the power as sacred duty.
When that duty is properly performed
the internal trade OF each State will
cease to be enslaved and crippled as it
is now. But the commerce between the
States will still be open to inequalities
and liable to oppression and plunder by
transportion companies unless the Ma
tional Legislature does something TO
save it. Congress has power ITO rtgu'
late commerce between the States.
Is it not strictly within the scope Of
that authority when it makes law for.
bidding carriers through the State to in.
lure, impede, or destroy the general
trade of the country by extravagant and
discriminating charges? Ii that be not
q regulation OF
Interstate Commerce
what would be? The power being con-
ceded, an etfectual mode OF rightirg the
wrongs now complained OF can easily be
devised.
Doubtless you are right in the belief
that public opinion will be in favor Of
your movement. Rejecting men can
not deny it's justice. But the influence
OF these great corporations can hardly
be calculated. They have methods OF
defence and offence which make them
almost inyinci5ls. You have referred
to portions OF their history which proved
this. Some of the State governments
are literally subjugated by them now. II
will require a strong organization ana
much labor to reduce them. Undis.
cipllned militia in the open field make
a poor fight against regulars intrenched.
What are cornsta'ks against cannon?
Such is truth against money. You ask
what think of regulating these affairs
BY the agency Of commissioners. In
England believe that plan has been u
complete success; in California / under
stand it is a dead failure.
This paper is much longer than / in
tended TO make it, and, as an answer to
your questions, it is less categorical
than it ought to be. But YOU must take
it as it is, and believe me your obedient
servant.
TSiVnedl J. S. BLACK.