Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1881-01-29
APPOINTMENT OF RAILROAD COMMISSION.

terson, and referred to the COMMITTEE
on Railroads:
Sec. l. Provides for three commits
sioners TO be appointed by the Governor
by and with the advice of Senate. One
is to be experienced in railroad affairs
and one a lawyer, but none to be officer,
agent or employee of any railroad. First
Commissioners TO serve two, four and
six wears, and an appointment to be
made every two years.
2. Provides for Secretary and fixes
his compensation; also provides for an
office for Commissioners; appropriates
money for expenses.
3. Commissioners 10 ride free on Off
cial business.
4. Commissioners "shall have general
supervision over all the railroads of
West Virginia" and shall examine the
same from time to time and keep them
selves informed as to their condition,
manner of operation, security, and as to
how they comply with their charter.
5. Managers operating railroads OF
this State to furnish Commissioners all
information required, including copies
of all leases, contracts and agreements;
also all rates on their OWE and connect
ing lines, whether local or through, and
in this or other States.
6. Commissioners to examine tariffs
and if found in excess of ga just and
reasonable rate" they shall change the
same and report them to the Railroad
Companies. If Railroad Companies are
satisfied day shall be appointed when
they will be heard by the Commission
ers and the decision Of the Commission
ers on such hearing, Provides for print
ing rates and posting them, and such
rates shall be the lawful rates until sus-
pended by other tariffs, revised and at
tested in like manner; Provides for
changes in tariffs by Commissioners
from time to time.
Z. Provides that the Commissioners
shall make such just and reasonable
rules and regulations as may be neccs'
sary for preventing any unjust disclimi-
nation in transportation, ard shall make
rules to prevent the giving or paying OF
rebates, bonus, etc, and from mislead-
ing and deceiving the public as to the
real rates charged and confers power on
the Commissioners by rules, ect., TO ad-
Just tie difference in rates to be allowed
Tor longer and shorter distances on The
same or different railroads, and define
what shall be the limits of longer and
shorter distances.
s. Provides power on Commissioners
to require fencing, and in cases OF fail,
ure by Companies to fence as required,
Commissions subject Companies TO
double liability for stock killed. Exon
crates Companies from liability for stock
killed on portions of road properly fenc-
ed.
9. Requires companies to make annu
al reports to commissioners on or be,
fore September lst of business done up
to June so; Reports to be made in du-
plicate or blanks furnished by commits
stones. Imposes penalty of $50 pei
day for failure to make and return re
ports.
10. Requires commissioners twice a
year to examine railroads in the State,
and shall recommend in wiring to rail
road companies the adoption of such
measures and regulations as commission:
ers deem conducive to public safety and
interest, and the failure TO comply with
such recommendations shall make such
company liable for any damages incur.
red in consequence of such failure.
IL. Requires reports to be made by
companies to commissioners within
"a hours thereafter, of accidents to
trains attended with serious personal in,
Jury and on such notice or public rulnoI
all or more of the commissioners may
90 to the scene of accident and ascertain
facts &c, connected Herewith, OF which
record is to be made.
II. Commissioners may summons and
examine witnesses i'll relation TO affairs
cf any railroad company and whoever
shall refuse without justifiable cause to
appear and testify, or obstruct any com
missioner in discharging his duty, shall
be fined not exceeding $1,000 or i'm
prisoaed not exceeding one year or both
Is. Provides for duties of commission
ers as between themselves ana the re,
ports and recommendations they are &c
make.
IA. Fixes salary of each commissioner
-. Provides that railroads are tc
contribute the salary and expenses Of
commissioners in proportion TO the;l
gross income and mileage in this State
Payments to be made through the Au.
ditor on thirty days notice. Provides a
penalty of 5 per cent. per month for de
lay in payment.
16. Applies Sec. 6 to sleeping and par
lor car companies or roadsrunning sleep,
ing and parlor cars. Confers power to
regulate rates in regard to these.
II. Applies the act to all railroads in
this State.
IS Provides for swearing in Com
missioncrs.
SPEAKER WILSON ON RAIL.
ROADS.