New-York tribune., 1882-02-28

lotion would thenceforward be shaped i'll the
interests of the people has simple and child
like faith.
Mr.. Adams's plan misses The Scylla of cOer-
con, but does not avoid the Charybdls OF per-
petnal agitation for change. Ills COmms-
sioncrs are expected to report measures Tor the
consideration of Congress. This would bring
up. wear after year. the whole subject of rail-
way regulation, and every member of Congress
would have his pockets full of amendments and
substitutes. Perhaps the Commission would
wisely argue against attempted coercion, ana
recommend only the wiseSt possible action
Thereupon every sincere fanatic ana every
demagogue in the House would start up, all
aname to rebuke these tools OF monopoly
Commissions rarely have as much influence
over legislation as committees composed OF
members of the legislative body. The mem
bcrs would feel called upon to vindicate their
own wisdom 10y altering or rejecting anything
proposed for them, and the chances are that
really wise measure would fare worse than IL
would if offered by single representative on
his Individual rcspOnsil ility. In fact, If the
Commission should devise any particularly
good thing, its recommendation would prob
ably lessen the chance of that good thing get
ting done.
The railroad problem is settling itself good
deal faster than any Congress could settle it.
Ten years ago there was not even single
fanatic who contemplated as possible the rate
for transportation which the railroads have of
their own sweet will maintained for half a year.
If the practical result is bankruptcy for any
company, that event will educate more people
than any number Of elaborate reports. Or,' IL
the result is that the roads have all survived,
that experience will educate both people and
managers, so that rates which were once COM
mon VIII become forever impossible. Or,
again. if it appears that railroads have escaped
bankruptcy only by taxing local traffic unrea-
sOnaby to support through tralic, 1t VIII IN
stantly become a practical question Tor the
business men of every State whether they wish
to surrender the through traffic or to see 1t pre-
served at such Il cost. As matters stand, stock
holders, bondholders, shippers and consumers
are all getting educated by the same events
and very rapidly. 1t may be doubted whether
any Commission could possibly disseminate rs
much information in a. short time, and III
form to stick in the mind as long. Men re-
member lessons that they pay fer roundly.
The best of it is that railroad managers are
getting educated. They have been compelled
to appeal to commercial bodies, to merchants,
to public journals and public opinion, to save
them from the consequences OF their own acts.
They have learned that they cannot afford to.
make transportation so profitable that new
ronds by the score will start up TO divide the
business They have learned that unlimited
dilution of stock has its disadvantages. They
have learned that public distrust Of the good
faith and wisdom of railway management is a
particularly expensive and inconyenient crop
to cultivate. They have learned that mo-
nopoly is in greater danger just in proportion as
it becomes more powerful and profitable.
These are wholesome lessons. We doubt
whether any Commission ever could teach them
as effectively as the experience of the last year
of unrestraincd and unreguatcd sclf-Sovcrn-
mcnt.