Audubon County Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Audubon Co., Iowa) 1885-1894, 1888-08-16
Railroad Commissioners.

Cont2mpOraneouS comment upon the |
railroad commissioners and their duties |
has been very radical. 1t is frequently
stated in Independent journals that I'M
less the present commissioners are all
reelected the legislation upon railroad
questions will be annulled, in effect
that all effort to nominate and elect
other men was in behalf of the railroad
interest as against that of the people.
Other journals and advocates of the
railroad phase of the question have i'm
proved every opportunity to discourage
the denomination of the men now in the
Office.
There is, happily, a medium ground
for the tenancy Of those of the opinion
that neither the one nor the other is all
good or all bad. Approaching the diff
fcult duties of the Office, and the fact
| that the incumbentS are uncharitably
assaled by both factions, the one doubt
ing their ability, the other their honor,
the Office is altogether unenviable and
only men of the most sturdy independ-
ence of character will care to assume
the position of responsibility. Those
who have occupied the office during
this year and have borne the blunt of
this factiOu5 comment caused by the
trials incidental to the introduction of
the system may not he eager to con-
tinue in the service. But the know
ledge they have acquired will be of
value to the people hereafter. Messrs
Campbell and Smith so conducted
themselves rs to merit nomination al
the hands of the republican con ventiOn
while the democrats will undoubtedly
nominate Peter \. Dey. The republi
cans will have the important duty o.
selecting a third candidate from anon!
y those untut0red in the service. Com
:, ing from the northwestern portion o
u the state. from which there comes SOM
of the most serious complaints agains
railroad management, there now come
u the suggestion of name for the thir,
r commissioner on the republican ticket
- The Sioux City JOufHG! presents tn
i, name of J. 5. Lawrence, with we
argued claims for his fitness:
There is 4 feeling that the grca
II northwestern quarter OF the state is Ell
~ titled to direct recognition Oh the boar
)r of railroad commissioners, which it Ina
De never yet enjoyed. Besides being tn
10 largest distinct division of the state
~ is the one which is newest in point q
to settlement, and which is most rapid
e. developing. 1t is only just that tn
H. distinctive problems relating to raj
in roads growing put Of such condition
should be decided by coasaissis
u which is qualified to deal Intelligent
he, with them.
of AS the city which Is rs well the raj
vo road as the commercial center of nortl
'. western Iowa. it is fit that Sioux Cit
IL should take the initiative in the NOV,
ay ment for northwestern Iowa repr
tn sentative on the commission. The il
of terestS of SioFA ,ity and NorthweStel
Iowa are identical. Senator LaWren,
ID has served in the legislature Whi(
I'd passed the law which defines many I
the functions OF the commission al
has become familiar with its proyi
ho ions and with the subjects to which
II. relates, and the business men of Sior
'et City therefore turned to him as ca
ely didate indicated by the fitness of thing
p. Messfs. Campbell, Smith and Lay
he renee would constitute an eAceliel
ire commission, and one inclined to do ju
les tice to all parties concerned. \ col
re- mission to mediate between the sta
be and common carriers is needed, rath
IN than one radically inclined with te
he dency to antagohize.