Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1883-02-07

conveying to your minds all the varying conditions
which should Influence your conceptions OF regua-
tive measures They are introduced to bring into
view the unscientifc and false standard you are
seeking to establish and the insppclble principle
the adoption Of this measure viii inaugurate The
schedules You would supplant by the adoption of
this erroneous principle are the result of natural
development from surrounding circumstances.
NEouIrABLE REDUCTIONS.
The adoption of the resolution can have no other
effect than to produce arbitrary uncaed for and in
equitable reductions in few localities. It is in no
sense proposition 10 regulate the rates of fares by
any recognized standard OF justice to either the
railroads or the public. It's adoption will ignore all
the experience and testimony of those who have
given careful study and attention TO the subject Of
Safe control Of transportation.
1t will simply be sn arbitrary and ufexible reduo-
ton OF rates detached parts Of the railroad sys-
tenn Of this State and will be an act of tyranny and
oppression toward the companies subjected to its
operation, or TO use the apt language OF Messrs-
Stoueman, Doyle aud smith when considering Sim
liar acts, it "will be to retr grade by many centu
ries."
OF SERIOUS IMPORTANCE.
In conclusion, gentlemen, am sure you viii in
dulge me in the remark upon subject OF the most
serious Importance to the transportation interest Of
the State II this great commonwealth can confer
upon you the power Of coniscation if We admit that
such power has been conferred upon you then this
great power to destroy or piure even fix the re-
turns upon the private capital of any citizen, or
limit and restrict the reward be shall receive for his
toll the proceeds Of his eforta and his capital,
then this power should be exercised with caution,
moderation and justice. You should comprehend
the effect of the measures proposed by you in all
their breadth and far reaching significance.
You should exercise these powers without pref
udice, because you are the representatives OF .
civilized people, and this exercise of justice will be
confidently expected at your hands
But admitting the high sense OF justice which
will con- rol you. there still remains to US the danger
of injury from. hssty ard improperly considered
action. The effect of the measure before you for
consideration cannot be understood by few days, a
few weeks, or even few months study and in
auiry Ii the powers sell TO have been conferred
upon you by the org mic law Of this State are indeed
valid powers, you can dispose Of vast interests and
infict ir-eparable injury with dash Of the pen
IN CONCLUSION.
The science of railroad transportation is compar-
atively OF modern developme ent; its relation to and
and important A distinguished citizen of America,
after many years of experience, has declared that
'our laws and the political catch. words which out
weigh all argument W tn unDformed public opinion,
do not allow the railroad system TO follow out
quietly its natural course Of development, subject
to an intelligent restraint where the development
runs into essential abuses" What is needed, he
declares sis the continuous pressure and the steady
building up Of legislation, which can only come
through the employment Of trained specialists"
These sentimG nts show how prolonged study
OF the question has convir eed particularly lucid
and powerful intelligence the necessity of cantou
hesitation and moderate action.
may be pardoned for commencing these wise and
just counsels to ysur candid and just consideration
Respectfully submitted,
A. n TOWNE General MANAGER