Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1888-01-28
WASHINGTON, D. G

than they can be brought over American
lines.
The United States should pursue the
same liberal poliey--in fact. should pursue
more liberal policy. The companies may
be satisfied with the recommendations OF
the majority of the committee and willing
to accept them, but there are other methods
of settlement that might be advantageous
to both parties to these contracts, and could
be examined into and considered.
The total gross earnings OF the subsidized
roads may be set down at an average Of
$50, 000, 600 each year. Five per cent. OF
this would amount to sl,500,0O0, and 1t is
certain that the earnings, and, therefore,
The percentage will rapidly increase from
local traffic alone, while liberal policy on
the part of the government, In the way OF
substituting steamers on the Pacific ocean,
would sosn give to the road such share of
the traffic between Asia, America, and
Europeans to double or treble the present
gross earnings.
Why not, then, change the debt into
perpetual annuity at 5 per cent of the gross
earnings of the roads? The debt claimed of
all the roads, including interest, is now
little over 500, 100000. Five per cent OF
the gross earnings at the present rate would
produce II per cent. interest per aunum on
this sum, soon to be increased to.3, 4, and
possibly per cent.
Again, why not take the road beds and
pay for them? We expend millions every
year to improve rivers for the benefit of
commerce-to secure the transportation of
the products of one section to the people of
another-why not construct great iron
river from the shores of the Pacific to the
valley of the Mississippig
A great double track railway across this
portion OF the continent, open to all trains
upon the payment of toll sufficient to pay
the expenses OF management and repair,
would be an enterprise worthy OF this great
nation, and would give the lowest possible
transportation rate both for the long and
the short haul.
The companies as organized would retain
their rolling stock. workshops, and other
property, and the government acquire the
road beds, bridges, and terminal facilities,
and, after making double track, let these
companies or any other send trains over the
line, of course under proper rules to insure
safety. The eastern terminus of this iron
river would be In the valley of the Missis-
sippi, where plenty of railways connect
with it to carry off all its trains and their
cargoes.
These plans and the one submitted by the
commission may all be considered, but as
the NATIONAL REPUBLICAN, on the 18th OF
August last, il discussing the action of the
commission aud the rights of the railway
company, said sthese rights are the subject
of judicial inquiry, definition, and enforce
ment, but not Of Congressional inquiry,
definition, or enforcement.
"This inquiry cannot be justified as an ex
cuse for changing contracts as they now
exist. for Congress has no power to change
a contract once made. Hence It is clear
that the only legal investigation that can be
made between the government and the
Pacific railways is a judicial one, In which
the procedure is fixed, orderly, and con-
elusive when completed.
IF Congress desires to repeal and declare
forfeited tue charters of the Pacific rail-
ways, and is searching for evidence to
justify such repeal and forfeiture, the
answer is that the right to repeal is absolute,
If provision therefor be 10 the charters,
otherwise not. If forfeiture OF the
charters is the object such forfeiture can
be declared only after judicial investiga-
ton before court, wherein the cause of for
FIXTURE must be first alleged, and proved as
alleged. This commission can have no greater
power than is possessed by Congress, were
it 10 session aud engaged In the investiga-
ton now being conducted BY the commits
sioD."
In the end the courts must control, and,
so far as the Central Pacific Is concerned,
hardly any state's rights Democrats would
claim the power to forfeit charter granted
by the state of California simply because
the United States had entered into con-
tract with the company. But any plan that
is conceived In honesty and Justice and
carried out in fairness will be accepted by
the railways and Endorsed by the people.
Whateveris done toward settlement OF
the relations which now exist between the
United States and the Pacific railways must
be done By negotiation, not by attempted
legislative or executive coercion, for under
the existing contracts the Judicial power of
the government will unquestionably protect
the railways in their vested rights, and at
the same time rebuke the attempt of the
other departments OF the government to
usurp judicial attributes and power.
The proposition OF Mr.. Pattison win be
treated both by Congress and the people
with the contempt they deserve. They are
nothing but the ebulitions OF mind un-
balanced by too vaulting ambition, super
induced by unexpected and undeserved
promotion. They shed no discredit except
upon the writer, whom they mark as vain,
ignorant. and presumptuous.