The Dallas weekly herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1885, 1883-01-25
Railroad Commissioners.


Among the important bills introdIced
into the house at Austin is the following
by Mr.. Moursund, Of Blanco: To create q
board of railroad commissioners, defining
their dHties and providing payment for
their services. Referred to committee on
internal Improvements.
SECTION l. Provides for board of three
ompetent persons, to be appointed by the
governor-one for two, one for four, and
| third for six years. One OF the three to be
suggested by the chamber of commerce or
other mercantile associations Of Texas and
be an attorney at law, and one to be civil
engineer.
Sec. 2. Provides for suspension of any
commissioner upon charges to be reported
to senate by the governor, etc.
Sec. 3. Board to have q clerk or secretary,
and marshal o serve notices.
| Sec. A clerk and marshal to take con-
stitutional oath that they are not in the
employ of any railroad company nor any
way interested in railroad bonds or stocks,
and shall not engage or be engaged in any
other business. s-,--.
Sec g. Establishes the office of the board
at Austin. Proceedings OF board to be pub
lished in biennial reports to the legislature.
Sec. g. Any two OF the board to be quo
rum, etc. f-.st
Sec. Z. Board to administer oaths; to SUI
pervise railroads ana railways las lar as
necessary conformably TO law)i to keep adj
vised of the operations of the roads AS 10
the security and accommodation OF the pub
lie, and their compliance with their char
tiers and the laws of the state; to in
vestigate and report, after due notice
given. upon accidents; to have access, 10
books, ETC., vi The railroad lpauIes, sli..1
compel attendance of witnesses, etc.; viii
nesses to be allowed fees and mileage, The
~ Ia Isg
operating or represented in this state.
Sec. 8. Provides in substance that when
repairs TO the road, additional rollingstock
or terminal facilities, changes in stations,
freight and passenger rates are reasonable
or expedient in the interests of the public,
the board shall give due notice TO the COM
psnies Of the changes and improvements
deemed proper, allow the companies a
hearing, and If same are not made in
reasona lie time. or the board satisfied that
no action is required the board shall far
nish the facts TO the attofney-general for
action. end report to the Legislature.
Sec. .. This mum Der Is omitted In the bill.
Sec. 10. The companies to furnish the
board necessary information, etc, rs 10
their condition, operations, etc, but the
beard are not required 10 make the inform-
alton public unless the public interests de-
mand IL.
Sec. IL. Provides against impairing con-
tracts by any acts oil the com m iss1Ouers.
Sec. u. Calls for annual reports by the
board TO the legislature.
Sec. -. The board 10 prescribe character
OF reports, etc. to be made By the railroad
companies under existing laws.
Sec. Il. The board TO make iabuiars and
abstract statements Of all reports deemed
necessary, etc $40. 80
Sec. IS. Salary OF each commissioner 90
be 5000, clerk A., 900, and marshal $3.50.
Sec %. Secretary OF state 10 furnish
board with books, maps, etc, for iniorma-
ton.
Sec. IL. The board. singly nr together, 10
have access 20 and remain in cars. Offices,
etc, in the state while in the performance
Of their duties. hut shall not recommsnd
persons for emDloyhen BY the commis-
sioners, or allow pastes 10 be accepted By
The clerk, marshalA experts, etc. Of the
board. under penalty lpf from 400 to 81 600,
and dismissal from Office.
Sec. IS. Any revelation Of secrets Of the
board BY any Of the com missionsrs or on
GERS 70 Be deemed q rnisdemeanor. subject
20 fine from 81 600 = $500. and Gauss dis
mi-zal from Office.
Sec. 10. Repeats sllfsvs in conflict with
these provisional.