The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1888-03-15
Ar. r. Lohbiest Talks.

Mr.. EDIToR:-C. E. Brown did not
appear at the meeting Of few bust
ness men OF Cresco to which You re-
fer in your issue Of March 1st - the
agent fanny r. r. Company or by
the solicitation of any r. r. oficer.
He attended that meeting without
fee or reward because he believes
the railroad legislation which is ask
ed for in the petition which he pre-
sentod for the consideration Of the
persons present, is decidedly better
for the people Of Iowa than the ex
trelne radical legislation proposed by
most of the numerous bills now be-
fore our Legislature and especially
that proposing to fix maximum
freight rates by law and declaring
such rates prin,d (acia reasonable.
In states where such legislation
has been adopted, the schedule Of
rates has been placed 30 high - to
cut but little or no figure In railroad
transportation. The state Of Iowa
tried precisely this kind Of legislation
in the Granger Law" passed by the
Fifteenth General Assembly. After
four years Of trial it was repealed
and the Commissioner system was
adopted. Fifty-five members Of the
House Of the 18th General Assembly
voted to repeal that law-twenty
seven OF the fifty Ave were farmers.
The Senate contained eight farmers;
seven Of the eight voted to repeal.
II the farmers demanded the enact
ment Of the Granger Law" the far
mers after trial demanded its repeal
and are responsible for its repeal,
The Commissioner system In our
State has done good service but its ef-
ficiency has been curtailed for want
Of power.
The following is the essential part
OF the petition. Let all road and
carefully studyit.
I'VE do most emphatically protest
against the establishing Of any fxed
schedule Of maximum rates for either
freight or passenger business, believ-
ing that the experience Of years has
proven such arbitrary fixing Of rates
fallacious in principle and = failure in
practice.
We favor the continuance OF the
present system Of the appointment Of
the Railroad Commissioners by the
Governor, but favor making such ap.
pointments subject to confirmation
by the Senate. We favor increasing
the powers Of the Railroad Comnis.
sion, and authorizing said Commits
sion, upon complaint and proof ol
any unjust discrimination, extor.
ton or excessive charge, to Re
wise, modify and change any rate
which the railroads may make, Civ
ing them full power to make snch or
ders in relation thereto as shall bt
necessary to secure servioe upon Just
and reasonable terms, and prompt re
dress of injuries from discrimination
and extortion.
We favor making the finding Of thu
Commissioners prima facia evidence
Of reasonable rates In the courts.
We believe that with the above en-
actments and q commission composed
Of fair minded men Of high characte
disposed to deal just aud fairly will
the question, that the people Of tn
state will be fully satisfied, and tina
all that any people can hope for |,
the way OF legal enactments looking
toward the control and regulation 0
railroads will have been gained 10
the people Of Iowa"
Rail road management In Iowa ha
J justified much of the complain
which has come up from all parts Q
the State. But the important que,
ton comes home to every candid pei
, son, Is it best, is it good economy t
kill the team and break the WACO
in pieces in order to spite or evel
punish the driver for his bad deed.
Rail roads the people Of Iowa mus
r have-first class roads too, in COL
! struction, equipments and manage
nent. The legislation which tend
to defeat these all important object
: IL not for the good Of our state.
g. 3. 12owx,