Audubon County Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Audubon Co., Iowa) 1885-1894, 1888-01-19
o., IOWA, THURSDAY, JANUARY 10 1885,

through their artfulness succeeded In appeasing
from time to time an Indignant public, Yet a
time Will come. Long continued abuses aud
aggressious win finally arouse the people; and
law, the outgrowth OF the necessities Of the
community, will surely, though inseushy be
moulded by public opinion. Railroads have
suspended the natural laws OF trade. III the
appeals OF justice are of no avail the instinct
oi sclf-presera alton at least should lead them TO
restore the Tree and unrestricted working OF
these laws, The people will not be- content
until existing abuses are corrected; aud per-
sistent popular demand never fails to accom-
plsh It's object. Under our form OF government
the right to rule is Inherent in the people.
Capital AMI enterprise may justly claim pro-
lection, but they must also submit to proper
control. The sense of justice which character
ICES our people will not permit any legislation
detrimental To the best interests of The railroads.
Iowa appreciates the service which they have
rendered In the development OF her great
resources, and acknowledges her dependence
upon their cooperation In the great work of
future days. However, the people have
grievances and drmand redress, aud II ncrOlyCS
upon their representatives to cuact such laws
as promise 10 correct existing evils Railroads
should be- consulted Ms To their wishes aud IL Is
proper for their representatives Ia present their
views upon all questions affecting their inter
ests, but they should not attempt to dictate
Legislative measures, The people 10 not psk
the passage of any law which would place rail
TpalS NJ u ulSahNINlHSt, NOT NnulN hNCn
legislation be advisable; there Is q community
OF interest between the State and It's public
corporations which should he constantly kept In
Wow. The great Importance these Indispensable
agencies of our material progress requires that
they be IudlciouSly managed aud properly
controlled, aud that IN the adjustment OF all
questions which affect their interests the people
be represented; and good feeling cannot he
restored until railroads Concedc this right tn the
people. Freight traits have always been one
sided compacts, The railroads have dictated
the terms which through the force Of ciIcum,
stances the people have been compelled
to accept They have taxed the
public TO pay interests aud divi-
lcnds on largely fictitious investments,
In every transaction growing out Of the rch-
tions between these corporations and the pco-
pie we lind an expert on one side aud novice
on the other.
To represent the people and to defend their
rights is the province Of the Board Of Railroad
Commissioners. This board has often been
looked upon by the railroads as u tribunal
clothed with judicial power and charged with
the duty of protecting the interests OF the pco-
pie AMI those of the railroads alike. This,
however. Is an erroneous conception OF their
functions. The Railroad Commission was ere
ated tob he committee of the people obligat-
cd to advocate their rights, Organized capital
can safely be trusted 10 defend iHsClf The
Board Of Railroad Commissioners should he
authorized and required To exercise lull and
complete supervision over the the State, com
pelling them to comply with the laws and to
furnish adequate facilities AT reasonable com
pensation. With less than this the people Of
Iowa viii not and should not he satisfied,
Senator's and Gentlemen Of he House Of Zen
reSentdtieeS: To your careful and Intelligent
consideration have been entrusted the interests
of nearly two million people. The Office Of the
legislator involves upon It's incumbent great
responsibility, In the conscientious discharge
of duty he must subordinate all personal ann
bitiOn aud private Interests To the welfare OF
the State aud the needs Of his constituency.
As II IL your duty 10 care equally for all sec
tons of the State, you should guard against
local and special legislation, Your measures
| should not only contemplate present results,
but your efforts should be directed toward &C.
curing the greatest permanent good for the
commonwealth, In making appropriations
for the support Of the State government, YOU
should see that it Is conducted with such econ
Omy as Is consistent with the efficiency Of the
public service. Permit me TO assure you, gen
tlemen, OF my hearty cooperation In all meas
| ures likely 10 advance the moral and material
| interests Of the State. Let US invoke the aid
| OF Him who guides and controls the destinics
Of States and nations and cndcavOr to gain the
approval OF the people, whose eyes rest upon
us, by earnest work and a faithful discharge OF
duty In the service Of our beloved Iowa.