Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1886-12-17
II. IL. COMMISSION.

Report to the Minnesota Legislature.
The following is the first biennial report
of the board of railroad and warehouse COM
missioners of Minnesota:
To the Honorable Legislature Of the State
of Minnesota: ~
In accordance with the requirements of
sec of the act for the regulation OF rail
road companies, approved March 5, 1885
we herewith submit to the legislature such
amendments and changes in the laws, with
the execution of which we have been
charged, as our experience and investiga-
tions have led us to believe demand your
attention.
In making these suggestions, the COM
mission make no claim to originality; they
have, however, carefully studied the legis-
lation and proposed legislation of other
states and of the United States in reference
to the subjects embraced in these suggested
bills and the result of their labors are
herewith respectfully submitted.
For good and important reasons we have
deemed it essential to more definitely define
the duties and powers of the commission.
These duties and powers are now included
in the act of March 5, 1885, entitled "An act
The blending OF two or more distinct sub
jects in the above law is open to the criti-
cism that it is not in accord with sec. -, art
4, of the constitution. 1t has therefore been
considered of great Importance that these
duties and powers be embraced in bill es-
pecially designed for that purpose, and
strictly in accordance with the rule Of the
constitution, Us set forth in the section above
referred to, which says mo law shall en-
brace more than one subject, which shall he
expressed in the title"
These duties and powers are therefore pre-
sented in one proposed act, with a title in
dicating the purpose and intent of the law.
We have endeavored to embrace in this
suggested law such provisions only as arc
in the highest degree important, and such
as the ripest experience Of more advanced
states have proven and tried and such as
the courts have sustained.
1t is proper also to state that the bill here
formulated contains the essential elements
Of the bill introduced into the senate of the
United States by the committee Of inter-
state commerce, with such changes as were
necessary to proposed regulation Of rail
roads by state authority.
Should the substantial features Of the
interstate commerce bill become law
lieve, the great Importance of our state laws
regulating corporate control working hnr
mOniouslY with national statute to the
same purpose, will be fully conceded.
Even should that bill fail, we will ye have
availed ourselves of the most advanced
ideas and c)earest principles restraining
corporate aggression yet enunciated
LII addition to this other subjects than
those of the powers and duties Of the COM
mission, and unprovided for in the existing
statutes, are herewith presented In scpar.ts
bills, in order that each may stand upon its
merits, and not prejudice others which the
legislature, in its wisdom, may deem inn
p0rtant. The principal reasons which have
suggested the necessity for these proposed
measures are given with each act, including
that also of a proposition for constitutional
amendment. Attention is invited to pro-
prosed change in the tenure of office. Under
the present law, all the commissioners go
out of Office at the same time. 1t is pro
posed to so change the term Of Office that
one commissioner shall be appointed each
membership commissioners experienced in
the duties and work of the board. The
interstate commerce bill, the state of New
York and other states, recognize the wisdom
of this policy.
The act provides for a more definite sys,
| TEN of procedure in cases where complaints
are made against common carriers. 1t is
| believed to be comprehensive, simple, and
easy to be understood.
| II is also provided that in cases where the
commission find complaint to be well
| founded, which the common carrier will
not remedy, suit shall he brought in the
state courts by the attorney general and
carried on at the expense Of the state.
| Ample provisions are made for complete
reports from railroad companies.
In reference to tariffs Of rates, fares and
charges, provision is made for complete
publicity, and that there shall be no advance
| in such published rates without due notice:
Sec. II contains a substantial increase OF
power to the commission with reference to
the control Of rates, fares and charges,
| which are found upon examination to be IN
any respect unequal, unjust or unreasonable
While it does not invest the commission with
power to establish such tariffs in the first
instance, it yet places the tariffs under their
supervision, with ample power to amend
the same, when found to be necessary.
Provision is made that corporation
shall not, in any way, limit it's common law
liability. In reference to property given to
its custody as q common carrier.
The bill provides sufficient penalties fol
the violation Of any o.. its provisions which
in the old law, were uncertain and made
quate.
This proposed act, as well as the Others
herewith presented, have been submitted tc
the attorney general for a critical examina
ton, and have been by him approved
All of which is respectfully submitted.
J. H. BAKER,
s. s. MURDOCH,
GEO. i. BECKER,
i e. s. WARNER. Commissioners