Lexington weekly intelligencer. (Lexington, Mo.) 1871-1887, 1886-07-31
THE RAILROAD OOMMIssIONERsHIP.

The Independence Sentinel is, we
think, making a mistake in basing what
ever opposition it may have to Mr.
James C. McGrew as q candidate Tor
railroad commissioner upon the part ne
took in the congressional fight OF two
years ago. We disagreed with Mr.
McGrew then and said SO plainly,
criticizing his acts and those OF the con
vention as we felt truth and our duty
to the democratic party demanded.
But in that contest MI. McGrew was
neither more nor less to blame than n
gentlemen with whom he was acting.
1t is suicidal for democrats to keep that
quarrel open or ito fan its animositles'
Both parties to it should bury the
Ratchet. If the Sentinel can fraternize
with Mai. Edwards with whom it was
at war some years ago it can also afford
to forgive other democrats from whom
it has differed.
There is no desire here to enter
into a fifteenth century crusade against
railroads per Sc. Their utility and
benefit is recognized by all, and there
is much regret that there should be any
conflict OF interests between the people
and the railroads. But that does not
alter the fact that there is such q con-
11ict.
Nowhere has this been made more
manifest than in the county Of Latay-
cite, where grievous determinations
against our coal mines have prevented
the employment of large numbers OF
men who might otherwise have been
engaged at remunerative wages. Other
unfair determinations are patent to the
merchants, millers and farmers of Mis-
souri,, to such an extent that these in
terests are at last awakened to the
necessity tor unanimity of action to
secure from the general assembly suit
able legislation. Of the present rail-
road commissioners there is complaint,
which seems to us just, that they have
not been sufficiently alert in protecting
the interests of the people.
1T MIR. McGrew were seeking a NOM
ination for congress, or aspiring to pre-
side over q d%ehberative body, the Sem
tinel's objections might be urged with
some force, as these are matters outside
of the gentleman's study and exper-
fence. But the democratic convention
of Lafayette county did not name him
for these duties. It did nominate him te
the state of Missouri for a position
within the line of his study and ex-
p~erience.
There are few men In western Mis-
souri, who have during the past fifteer
years been larger shippers on theil
own account than has Mi. McGrew
He is largely interested in coal il
Ray and Lafayette counties; he is also
extensively interested in milling and
the shipment of grain. He is known
to be an energetic, persistent fighter fol
whatever cause he espouses. 1t is also
known that he was not afraid, individ
ually and at his own expense, to fgh1
the battle of every private mine opera
tor in Missouri, against the Missouri
Pacific railway company's violation Of
the constitution of Missouri.
The democrats of this county believe
that he will as vigorously fight the bat
tie of the farmers and merchants if h,
is elected railroad commissioner hence
their instruction for him. They know
that his name on the democratic stat,
ticket will in itaelf be a platform OF
the question of the fair, square, homes
regulation of freight rates.
We fully understand the limited
powers of the commission, and that the!
should be enlarged or the board abol'
ished. The consideration of the ques
tons involved in these facts calls TO
the election of q railroad commissions
whose views upon them are in accord
with the immense interests of the grea
state OF Missouri, urban aud suburban
What other man named for the plac'
has taken SO decided q stand in tavo
of these interests as has Mr.. James C
| McGrew2
1t will scarcely be claimed by an,
sensible person that for this position
which has to do with the welfare Of tn
business interests of Missouri, a sue.
cessful business man ia less qualifie
than q mere politician.
The Herald has failed, up to thi
time, to adduce any evidence of its allie