The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-03-08

We should not forget the good in
huence of railroads in bringing TO oLr
state one hundred millions of cap
ltal since it was wilder
ness. 1t was invited by legislation
and came in good faith. There were
great interests and we should shape
our actions by spirit of conservatism
which should actuate us on questions
of this kind.
But few years ago a fresh impetus
was given to railroad enterprise by
donation of lands. lie didn't ques-
ton the wisdom of these liberal ap-
preparations. In Europe they were
encouraged by subsidies. France and
England, with two exceptions, en-
dorsed the bonds by which their roads
were constructed. Citing the figures
of the area and population Of Texas
and the facts of her rapid growth, he
argued that the same rules would not
apply here as in the older countries of
Europe, and the older states of Geor-
gia. and others, where railroads are
regulated by law. Their different
conditions are to he considered.
Again we should not lose sight of
the fact that while these roads have
contributed TO the population and
wealth of Texas, they have contribu-
ted largely TO the support of this gov
eminent, which has invited such en-
terprises to come to us with their cap
ltal, and that they pay one-tenth of
the revenue of the state government.
They pay annually TO the school fund
Sl50OOO. He did not deny that they
should he subject to some sort of prop
er legislation, but we should carefully
deal with interests that bring TO us
the teemiDg thousands from every
cline, from every state, and from
every government and country across
the Atlantic.
Let us be fair and Just to these
great interests, only requiring them
TO be Just to the people. AS he said
before, he was not opposed to proper
legislation on this matter, and should
Indicate that he was not when the
Dill Is fully considered. AS to the ar
gument of the gentleman from Lime
stone, that legislation was demanded
In laundering tones by the people; let
us see, he said, what our constitution
authorizes and requires. He read
from the constitution the mandate, as
TO the power vested in the legislature
To fix maximum rates. These rates,
he commended, must be reasonable.
Have they shown us that they are in
this bill? He said this in all Difference
| to the author of the bill, for whose
talents and abilities he had high re-
gard. 1t was stated as evidence that
railroads had adopted the tariff for
getting that it was for two years.
But railroads changed their charges
every two or three months to suit the
necessities of their traffic. 1t is not
indicated what interests may be af-
fected by that clause of the constitu-
ton.
Again the bill seeks to create
commission with judicial powers,
which in his opinion can't he confer
red on railroad commission. They
can't have power to commit TO prison.
1t never entered the minds of the
trainers of the constitution that such
a thing would be demanded.
Mr.. Acker read statistics from the
railroad manual of III. ID. Poor as to
the workings of the railroads in
Georgia and Miss 1suSln heir
relative conditions =
Texas. These different conditions
should be considered in arguing that
the system would work as well in
Texas. 1t was against the genius
and spirit of our constitution to pre-
scribe rules for railroads different
from other interests. IL looked like
class legislation. Section in the bill
was in violation of this right.
| The bill provides that in no case
shall the damage be considered less
than $50. Why make these great
interests any more than other pay $50,
where the damage might not be over
81? You might give the commission
some sort of judicial discretion, but
not such powers a3 this bill proposes.
1t was not right, too, to apply the
same rules without regard to capital
invested to roads which cost vastly
more than others in their con-
struction. He contended that we had
as stringent statutes as any state, and
that to-day the railroads of Texas are
reaping ruinouS consequences from
some of them. There should be in
fact, as there is nominally, state
engineer or some instrumem<
to investigate them, and
let the laws stand as N
decoys for pettifogging attorneys a
facts for the cupidity of shysters.
Mr.. Acker spoke further at some
length, but we have not the space to
follow all the arguments of his able
address.
Mr.. Ayers offered substitute for
the bill, which, however, was with
drawn.
Section first of the bill which desig-
mates the commission was adopted by
vote of 40 ayes to 45 noes.
House adjourned till 3 p. m.