The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-09-04
Did ANY Republican Governor Ever
do as Much?

Gov. CLICK has been persistent in
his fight against mOnOpOlies. In his
message to the Legislature he scathing-
ly reviews the unjust conduct of the
railroad managers and then says:
Therefore l deem it my duty not only
to call your attention to these evils, and
to warn you of the danger of delay in
dealing with them, but also to impress
upon you the following propositions:
First, That railroads are public high
ways, created by the authority of the
State, for the benefit of the State.
Second, That railroads are common
carriers, and as such shall receive and
have the right to demand just and reas-
enable compensation for service rem
dered and have no legal or equitable
rights to charge excessive or eXOrbitant
rates.
Third, That all persons have right
to their use on like conditions.
Fourth, That the Legislature has the
right and power to regulate them in all
these respects and particulars men-
toned, including the right to fix rates
of freight and fare.
With these propositions in view, it is
clearly the duty of the law-making pow
er to exercise a most thorough, fearless
and just management and control Of its
corporations, including telegraph and
express companies, SO as tOpreyent these
valuable adjunctS of the business of the
State from becoming oppressive mOnOp-
Olies. And should the Legislature, in
it's wisdom, deal with this important
question as the public demand, and
should it be decided that the railroads
shall be placed under the control of
commission appointed for that purpose,
l would fail in my duty to the State and
to you did not specially request that
you shall fix by law, independent of
any commission, the rate of passenger
fare at three 81 cents per mile, and
that you provide by law, independent
of any commission, that railroads shall
be prohibited, under proper penalty, re-
coverable by civil action, from charging
more for short distance than for long
distance; that you shall fix by law, in
dependent of any commission, a low but
just and fair minimum rate of freight
for coal, wheat, corn, oats, broom corn,
cattle, sheep, hogs and lumber, SO that
no contingency of weather or combina-
tons shall deprive the public of fuel at
reasonable rates, and prevent the agri-
cultuTist and stock-raiSer from getting
his produce to market at reasonable
rates, and in the quickest time, so as to
give him the advantage of the best mar
ketS, and to enable him to obtain a
reasonable return from his labor and
capital invested.
Did any republican governor ever
think it necessary to make such recon-
mendations to the Legislature? Not
one. And Gov. CLICKS message has
been supplemented by active and con-
siStent work. As result of his mes
sage, the railroad law was passed and
Board of Commissioners, to consist of
three members, was provided for The
Governor, 10y and with the consent of
the Senate, was to appoint the Com
missioners. The present Board of Com
missionerS was appointed by Gov.
CLICK, and in all of its laborS it has
received the active support and encour-
agement Of the Governor. AS direct
result of his efforts the freight and pas
senger tariffs have been reduced % per
cent. 1t is just and right that he should
receive the credit for inaugurating a re-
form which was badly needed, and the
people of the state may be assured that
if he is continued in Office he will not
rest until the railroads are made to as
sumo proper and equitable relations to-
wards the people.
1t is well enough not to overlook
these facts. Mr.. CLICK has made Kan
sas an able, fearless and honest Gov
ernor, and fully deserves the usual COM
pliment of a second term.
We shall take pleasure in succeeding
issues Of the REFLECTOR in reviewing
other official acts of the Governor. No
petty, partizan spirit has animated him
in any of them.