The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1886-11-25

coed 10000 per year. The board 10
have power to examine the books, ac-
counts and papers of railroad corpora
tons, as far rs the same is necessary
for the proper performance OF its du-
ties under the law. In case of 4 refusal
of any person operating railroad TO
comply withtho demands OF the board
in this behalf, the board shall apply to
any Judge of the supreme court, who
shall summon said person or persons
before him and shall enforce the pro-
visions of the act in this respect. IL
the board deem it eXpedient they may
employ an expert at any time to assist
in examination of said books and ac-
counts. The commissioners TO have
power at any time during business
hours, in official capacity to enter the
offices, depotS, cars, or upon the roads
of any railroad corporation in the state
so far as it i. necessary in the discharge
of lis duties. Members of the board
and its clerk to have free Transports
lion on all railroads in the state. Rail-
road companies are to furnish the board
any and all information requested byit,
concerning the condition, operation and
management of said roads, together
with rates of fare and charges for
transportation. The commissioners
shall not give publicly such informa-
ton as may be contided to them under
the act, unless it be to the legislature or
in any judicial proceeding, unless spec
tally required so to do by law. Any
person or persons operating a railroad
who shall rcfurc such access to books,
papers and accounts, or in any way
obstructing the commissioners in the
performance of their duties in this be-
| half Shall be summoned before any su-
preme or county court i'll the state, and
upon hearing the court shall make such
orders as may be necessary TO enforce
compliance with the request of the
board. Any wilfully false statement
made shall submit the person making it
TO prosecution for perjury.
The commissioners shall have general
supervision of railroads 50 far as ncccs-
sary to enable them to properly perform
their duties. They may investigate &C
cidents resulting in loss of life; and
not so resulting, if they think proper,
and shall make public their conclusions,
railroad companies to keep the board
informed of such accidents.
In case of violations Of the railroads
of this state, or refusal to comply with
any reasonable recommendation or in
case of any unjust discrimination on the
part of any railroad company, either
by itself, or in connection with other
railroad companies, the board shall III
vestigate and recommend to said COM
panies such action as the board deems
eXpedient and necessary. If the abuse
complained of continues after such rec
| tilt bbii u Silill ltDOlt W
the next session of the legislature; if a
more speedy relief is required any
Judge of the supreme court may be APP
piled to and take action in the premises.
Improper orinconycnient connections
with other roads, or insufficient accom-
modations for the travelling public shall
be investigated by the commissioners,
who shall make public their conclusion
and recommendation, if any, together
with the reasons upon which the same
is based
No railroad company shall be eXcus-
ed from liability in any matter by urg-
ing the fact that it followed the sug-
gestion or advice of the board in said
matter. III other words, when such
company is really at fault, it shall not
put the blame upon the board. When
any change is deemed proper in any of
the cases named below, the board shall
give to the railroad company interested
notice in writing of recommendation
and shall fix the time within which the
same shall be complied with, namely :
Repairs to property or rolling stock ;
changes in stations aud station houses !;
in the rates of fare, or freight transport
tation. IF the recommendation of the
board is not complied with in regard to
any Of the matters last above named,
he supreme court, sitting as court of
equity, shall have power to enforce
compliance with such recommendations,
providing the same are Just and reason
able in the Judgment of said court.
The board shall make biennial report
to the legislature of its work, and of
the workings of the railroad system.
If, growing ont of the Interstate
commerce bill now pendingin congress,
a national railroad commission shall be
created, then the state board shall. as
far as consistent, conform to the laws
and recommendation of the general
government.
Railroad accounts: The board shall
recommend the adoption of a uniform
system of keeping accounts to conform
as far as practicable with the system in
New England, New York and Canada.
No commissioner shall receive for his
services, or extra services, any compen-
sation from any other sources whatso-
ever except as provided in the act. vi
olation of this provision to be punished
by fine of one thousand dollar or i'm.
prisonmcnt in the state prison for six
months in the discretion of the court
Provided the clerk may receive the usua
fees for copies of papers, etc, furnish
ed by him.
The Scientific American, published
by Mum & Co., New York, during
forty years, is, beyond all question, thu
leading paper relating to science, me