Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1882-11-17
THE RAILROADS..

the best solution is perhaps an open question.
1t at least has many and able advocates, and
perhaps will come, in time. But how ever
that may lie, as far as local and State inter-
csts are concerned, there can be no reasona
BILE doubt that we would be better OF with a
commission after the Massachusetts plan
than with the present absurd aud powercss
system. A bill to that end has been intro
duccd in the Senate and deserves serious
consideration. II provides for the appoint
ment by the Governor Of three railroad COM
missioners, to hold office for two, four, and
six years, respectively, who shall have pow
or to examine 'thc books, accounts and IA
pers of any corporation or person operating
any railloal within this State, and obtain
copies of the same, subpoena WITNESSES, adj
minister oaths to them and compel their at
tendance and examination as though such
subpoena had issued from a court Of
record of this State Every railroad
corporation or person operating a railroad are
required, under heavy penalty, to furnish
on request any information desired by the
commissioners concerning "the condition,
operation and management of such railroad,
and the rates OF fare and charges for trans
portation made, and with copies of all con-
tracts and agreements, leases, or other en-
gagemcnts, by such corporation or persons
entered into with any other CORPORATION or
person whatsoever But such commissioners
shlll not give publicity to such informant N,
| contracts, agreements, leases or other engage
ments, il in their judgment the interests OF
the public do not require it, or if the welfare
and prosperity of the railroads of this State
in their judgment might be iniuriously affect
ell thereby"
The commissioner; are to have the general
supervision of all railroads aud railways
within this State, and TO examine the same,
and keep themselves informed as 10 their
condition, and Tie manner in which they are
operated, with reference to the security and
accommodation Of the public, and the COM
pance of the corporations or persons oper-
atng the same, with the provisions of their
charters and the laws of the State. The
duty of the commissioners is defined as fol-
lows:
| whenever, in the Judgment Of the rail-
road commissioners, it shall appear that any
corporation or person owning or operating
any railroad within this State has violated
any constitutional provision or law, or neg
lecIs in any respect or particular to comply
with the terms of the charter Of such road,
| 1. ct. nfa bo ln,,rc of
this State, or fails in any respect properly to
provide for the security of tie public or I'M
Justly discrimiuates in its charges for trans
porting passengers or freight or usurps any
authority not granted by its charter, or will
fully refuses to comply with any reasonable
recommendation of said board OF commission
ers or enters into any combination or con-
spracy with any other person or corporation
whereby the rates of charge for transporta-
ton of freight or passengers, or the cost OF
| commodities or LecessaIies, is unduly
increased, said commissioners shall give
notice thereof in writing to such corporation
or person and if the violation or neglect is
continued after such notice, the board shall
report the same to the then next session OF
the General Assembly and if in their iudg-
ment such action is required, they shall also
present the facts to the States attorney of
the proper county, who is required there
upon to take such action in the premises as
may he according to law. And any person or
corporation in this State who shall be guilty
of any such violation, eglect, failure unjus
discrimination, usurpation, refusal, combina
ton, or conspiracy, Shall be subject to fine
Of not less than iive hundred dollars aud no
more IMAM I'VE ',lo.san, do,uaS' anu W a. !,
favor If thn nerson or versions injured for al
loss OF damages occasloncd thereby.
1t is further provided that whenever il
the judgment of the railroad commissioners
after a personal examination, it shall appea
that repairs are necessary upon any sucl
railroad, or that any addition to the rolling
stock, or any addition TO or change of TN
station mr. station bousee or any chonoc q
, VI. '"'N' VI '"''' VI
| freight or passengers, or any ClluDpt IN III