Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1886-02-08

rather anomalous position upon tbis bill
ant: as he considers that he has been in
struc,ed TO vote in opposition to his judg-
ment, at his request we publish the follow
ing letter, addressed by him TO Mr.. W. A.
Smoot, prior TO the merchants meeting at
the Corn Exchange on the 22d of January
last:
RICHMOND, Jan. 81, 1886.
Mr.. ~ 4. Smoot
Dear Sr-It is not possible for me to leave here
this week. 1 therefore write to ask you to get
tho views of tho meeting tomorrow upon the
subject of optional, against compulsory, in
spcction of flour. Several cities are asking for
| an option in the matter audi wish to know the
views OF our merchants upon the subject.
End. The railroad commissioners bill. / would
like to know the reasons why t1,t) the 18th Sec
tion should not remain substantially as it is, and
(2d) if stricken out why provision prohibiting
rebates special rates to individuals not granted
to the whole community, should not be inserted
desire to carry out the views of my constituents
and hence ask these questions. But l cannot,
and will not, vote to place tho appointment of
these commissioners in the hands Of any person
or board but the General Assembly.
If ask for reasons, in place of resolutions do
SO that my Judgment may, if possible, concur with
yours. The roads Of the State are contr0llet by
residents, and it is serious question wheth-
er they do not need curbing. Very truly,
CHARLES E. STUART.
p. S.-I will bc in Alc1andria Monday and
would be glad if necessary, to meet our people
that evening. G. E. S.
We also subjoin his remarks on the bill,
delivered in the House of Delegates on Fri.
day last:
Mr.. Stuart said: am placed in a position
somewhat anomalous s-,hat of Offering
substitute for the 18th section and yet Of
being compelled 20 vote both against my own
substitute and the amendment proposed by
Mr.. Muuford the 18th section. l do s.
because at O meeting of my constituents I
was requested to vote against the 18th stc-
tion, aud that request, involving no matter
of conscience, but one purely of judgment,
l feel bound to respect in casting my vote.
While recognize their right to control my
vote upon this subject, must exercise my
own Judgment in speaking upon this subject.
Time will demonstrate whether they are
right or upon this question; and, "a | re-
member the clamor Of q few years ago he
| cause of discrimination against Alexandria,
| believe it will demonstrate the wisdom Of
| my amendment The substitute proposed
| is simple in its nature; it is the 18th section
of the Munford bill, with two amendments
The first prohibits discrimination except at
competing points. It is emiuently proper
| that at points where railroads come into
| competition with each other, or with water
| transportation, that they should be allowed
to fix such rates as will enable the mineral,
lumber and other wealth Of Virginia to be
broughG into competition with the markets
ofthe world. Such discrimination is bene-
fetal, just, and in strict accord with the
laws of trade. But where the point is not
a competing point it is gross injustice to
allow any company to discriminate in its
rates. Such discrimination builds up com.
munities at the expense Of the people and
of other communities. 1t is neither right
nor just 10 discriminate in local rates. The
bill simply allows rates to be fixed where
unjust discrimination exists at other than
competing points If the discrimination he
not unjust, then the commissioners are
powerless; if it be unjust, then the remedy
should be applied and the wrong be re-
dressed. Nocompany can reasonably object
to this. This second amendment prohibits
rebates and drawbacks to individuals not
granted to the whole community. No rail-
road company should have the power to
build up one individual and pull down
another. And such power does exist un.
less such an amendment is put upon the
bill. The man who offers twenty carloads
of freight should have no lower rates than
he who offers one load. To recognize any
other principle enables these companies to
crush out the small dealer and build up the
larger. The question now is one of policy,
for the constitutional question has passed
out of the realm of debate and become one
Of settled law siuce the repeated decisions
Of the Supreme Court of the United States.
Is it policy to pass this bill? The platforms
of both parties declare for il; the people de-
mand it. 1t is opposed by the railroads.
They do not want the principle recognized
that the State may regulate their rates If
their dealings with the people of this State
be fair, then they need fear nothing; if un-
fair, then the strong hand of the law should
| Intervene aad correct wrongs perpetrated
by its own creatures. 1t is said the law will
drive capital from the State. No reasonable
man can believe this. II our ores, lumber
&e., are better, and our lands cheaper, cap
ital will come here. The experience of
Georgia shows that under a more repres
sive measure it has progressed as never
before, and, with financial depression else.
where, is building up as is no other State
In the Union. With such law here ad.
ministered by fair men the railroads need
faar notbino an6 great pood will anure to