The Dawson journal. (Dawson, Ga.) 1878-18??, 1884-07-24
The Railroad Commission
Law.
Naycross Reporter. !

Law.
Naycross Reporter.
II IS important in the discussion OF
State policy, no matter what the sinh.
Ject, that it be treated dispassionate-
~ and equally Important that the
issue be clearly stated.
4 brief review of the position we
nave taken we deem proper at this
time.
We oppose all suggestion of re,
peal OF the law; first, because the
constitution Of the State requires
such law, and The Supreme Court
OF the United States has declared it
not in conflict with the constitution
OF the United States and second be-
cause we believe it to the interest of
the people and the railroads to have
a commission with a certain powe,
modifying the law in the particulars
hereafter named.
We would remand the power to
make rates to the railroad managers,
subject to review of any rate of
rates Oh complaint made, with due
notice, under fixed rules OF proce-
dure, the commission sitting as a
codrt, with the right of appeal from
the commission to the Supreme
Court, by some prompt method, in
snriDg a speedy hearing in that
tribunal.
No law is perfect. From time to
time our laws need amendment, even
in matters which have long been the
subject of legislation. How much
more probable that in experimental
legislation, such as the commission
law confessedly IN, amendment will
prove necessary. If this law is not
perfect, it was experimental, if it at
tempted to deal with a new domain
Of legislation, has not four years
practical experience of its workings
been long enough in which to ascer-
tain what amendment will improve
it?
VIII the three amendments sug-
gested detract from the benefits to
the people desired in the passage of
the law? viii they not, instead,
make the law more effective for
good, while making it less arbitrary,
partaking less OF the character Of
class legislation, and conforming
more to the genius Of our laws, our
system of government?
The railroad commissioners make
a schedule Of rates for the State. 10
meet the different conditions Of diff.
ferent roads they permit certain
roads to charge on certain classes Of
goods an increase by q percentage
above the standard rate, and circulars
issued making these notifications.
There are in round figures $500
miles Of railroad in Georgia. There
are seven corporations which control
the largest proportion Of this mile
age. Each corporation has a corps
of officers. Each officer, from the
president down, familiar with his
particular road, its patrons. its spo-
cial industries, the condition Of those
industries, the effect on those indus
tries of local conditions, circum-
stances, will anyone assert that a
railroad commission, sitting in At
lanta. can make as wise a tariff
for anyone Of these roads as these
oilicers-can modify rates as speed
ly as to meet changed conditions OF
business? We think not. But the
objection may be urged that if given
this power the railroad managers,
guided by sclf-interest, would i'm,
pose extortionate tariffs, With the
commission prepared to redress
grievances, II would, on the contra
ry, be to the interest of the compa
MES to model their tariff SO as to
satisfy patrons, and thus obviate APP
peals to the commission.
Should grievances arise there
should be hearing under special
rules, or under the rules that govern
in our Superior Courts. The com
mission now take the statements OF
parties at their hearing, often, if not
always, under oath. We see no
reason why an oath should not be re
quired as in judicial proceedings in
other courts. There is wisdom i'll
the law that requires the oath. Some
men will tell the truth as conscien-
tiously without as with an oath
Others if not under oath viii stretch
the truth. And still others if not