The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1885-01-15

reasonable rates What are reasonable rates
and reasonable dispatch depends on the cir.
cumstances of the case, but the obligation to
carry Tor all alike IS absolute under all cir:
cumstances No increased dispatch, no re.
duoed rate TO some. will justify any practici
which works discrimination, or O restriction
OF his free right, to any. ::
The people look to you to adopt laws whic,,
shall interdict and terminate all these prac-
tees The details of tho legislation which
will accomplishit will be yours to elaborate
1t Is my duty to recommend that you aim to
secure, at every station, an Open and un-
restricted market, the right of shipment for
any and all. without partiality or preference,
ana transportation for all without discrlmt
nation at equal and reasonable rates, to any
desired destination. The prosperity Of tn,
companies depends largely upon the proc,
perity OF the people along their lines YOU
Will not. therefore, evince hostility to tn
roads by releasing the people from thu
prosperity.
The producers of our state have been
greatly disappointed by the failure of thu
railroad companies to adjust their tariffs tn
past year to conform to the changed cond!l
tions in the general business of the countrvl
They justly complain that charges for transj
pOrtatlOn are out OF proportion to the yalui
OF the commodities transported Whi!l
the prices OF grain have declined to q poini
that affords no profit to the farmer undet
the most favorable conditions for mark ctin1
his crop, the charges for transportation pre-,
valling in former years have been substan1
italy maintained A slight reduction maj
nave been made in some instances, as i
grudglng concession to popular clamor, yet
It mas not been sufficient to afford apprecia-
bic relief In this regard From many
points in the state, one-half the value Of i
bushel Of wheat is taken for its transports,
ton to Chicago, while from remote stations
the freight and accompanying charges upon
certain kinds and grades of grain, amour
almost to conhscation of the property. Tho
gross injustice of this policy does not reuuiro
| illustration In times Of general depression
! there should be, 50 far as may be practicable,
AL equitable distribution Of burdens When
values of agricultural products prove re-
munerat've to the farmer, he willingly pay }
liberal rates for their transportation; but,
when prices barely pay the cost of produc-
ton, he certainly should not be compelled
to pay the full tribute necessary to enabl,i
these corporations to declare regular tlivi..
The report of the railroad commissioner
shows continued prosperity to have pre-
| vailed In the railroad business of the state
The total number OF miles of completed
road reported within the state, Dec. l, 1882,
was $40 l3. The total number Dec /!
1854, was 4, 1922 of which 25G 81 mites
were constructed within the last twelve
months. The total earnings OF these roads
within the state was for the year ending
June 80. 1882, Sis, sos, 1893 l6 The total
earnings for the year ending June 30, 1854.
was 500 DAB, 466 %. The total operating
expenses, which amounted to S1O,22l, =
1888 SO in 1882, were $l1,7S4 ,253. 50 for
the year ending June 80, 1851 The aver
age earnings per mile had increased from
So, G42. "a to So 924. II In two years; while
the average operating expenses had been
reduced from So ,O6U 80 to T3, OO4 % The
average cost OF construction of the roads in
this state, including equipment, as repre-
sented BY their issues OF bonds and stock, is
given by the commissioner at $40, 904 5G
per mile. The average earnings of the same
for the last twelve months report exceed
the average OF operating expenses by
s., 92O 40 per mile. The taxes paid to the
state on the gross earnings OF the railroads
in this state during the past year were
$645, 735. lS. This large amount will he
steadily increased from the increase of bust
ness upon these roads and from the new
| lines, OF which number OF important ones
are soon to be:completed
CONCLUSION.
Confident that the influence controlling
your deliberations here will be desire to
serve the best interests Of your constituents,
| and trusting that the people OF the state may
| not be disappointed in their expectation OF
such practical remedial legislation at your
! hands as shall best promote their prosperity
and happiness, l commend the subjects OF
this communication to your consderate at
tentlon. l. F. HUBBARD,
Governor.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
ST. PAUL, Jan. z, 1885.