Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1886-11-26
THE RAILROAD COMMISSION LAW.

ne law eStaDllSlllnI railroad COM
mission provides for board of three TO
be appointed by the governor with the
advice and consent of the Senate. to hold
Office two years. vacancies to be filled by
the governor. the board to appoint IA clerk
with power under the board to subpoena
witnesses and administer oaths. no per
son in the employ or holding any official
relation with the railroad or owning Sc
curiticS or in any manner connected with
the railroad shall hold the office of the
commissioner. nor shall any commission
er perform amy professional service for Il
Il railroad or make any business contract.
or receive amy commission. present or
award from Il railroad except passes for
personal transportation. Any two COM
miS>ionerS shall constitute quorum.
meetings to be held at any time or place
IN the state upon the call of any member
on reasonable notice. The board has
power. so far only aS is necessary for the
performance of its duties under the laws
of the state. to examine books. accounts
and papers of railroads. subpoena wit
nr>ScS. administer Oath> and if Il person
refuses the same. COmmisSi SiOncrS may ap-
ply to amy Judge of the supreme court
who shall summon said person before
INN and enforce his attendance, eXamin-
anon and exhibition of said books, etc.
il said Judge finds the same necessary for
the performance of the duties of the
board. Witnesses shall be paid bv the
State. Commissioners may employ cX-
pcrts to any investigation and have the
right to enter the office, depots and cars
IN the discharge of their duties ana be ell
titled to free transportation while per-
forming the same. Railroads shall on re-
quest furnish commissioners all informa-
tlon requested concerning condition. OBJ
GRAFTON ana management of said railroad.
rates OF fare and charges of tranSporta-
uon; such information to be made public
only so lar as is necessary, unless required
by law. Any railroad refusing such in
formation, or hindering or obstructing
the commission in the discharge of its
duties, may be summoned before any Su-
preme or county court, said court to hear
the parties and make such orders as il
deems necessary to carry into effect the
provisions of this act. The board have
general supervision of all railroads so far
as Is necessary to the performance of
Their duties, shall keep themselves in
formed of their condition and operation
and compliance with the laws of the
State. The superintendent or manager of
any railroad shall inform the board of
persons, the board to investigate the
same after notice to the railroad. If
railroad violates Il law or neglccts to com
ply with its charter or the statutes, or
fails to provide for the public security or
uniustly discriminates in rates or trans |
portatlon, or refuse to comply with any
reasonable recommendation OF the board |
or enters into combination to increase
rates or cost of commodities, the board |
after notice shall report the same to the |
General Assembly and if in their iudg- |
lheht required may apply to the courts |
Tor legal remedies. In case of failure of |
proper connections or accommodations |
Tor passengers or freight the commission |
shall make recommendation as they |
shall deem Just, give their conclusions to |
the public and the reasons for the same.
No act of the commission shall impair
the legal duties orrights of the railroads
ana the reports, etc, of the commission |
shall not be received in evidence in anv
judicial tribunal against such corporation |
Or person.
The board shall investigate as to the
necessary repairs on railroads, additions
to the rolling stock, changes in stations.
changes in rates or fare or any change
IN the operation of the road. shall make
with notice to the road
and fix the time within which changes
shall be made; railroads to comply with
such recommendations of the board as
are just and reasonable, the supreme
court as court of equity to have power
to compel compliance Herewith if in the
Judgment OF said court, upon hearing
ana legal proof, such recommendations
are Just and reasonable. The board shall \
make biennial report of their proceed
ngs to the legislature, including state
ments, etc, to disclose the workings of
railroads; and make suggestions as they
teem proper, and also statements show
ng receipts and expenditures of each
railroad and the condition of such road
ana equipments. In case of a United
states interstate commerce law the COM
nlssioners shall, so far as consistent
with the laws of the State, conform to
he same and comply with the recon-
of the national board as to