Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1889-08-02

sarily be elected by an interest that
would not have sufficient consideration
for the owners o. the railroad interest,
and would it not be asking too much
of human nature to have men act with
large consideration toward those who
had no voice in their election? And
would it not he asking still more OF
, human nature to have men invest
their money in Il business venture, the
conduct of which was to be placed in
the hands of those having no moneyed
interest therein, and elected by parties
whose interests all lay in the way OF
the lowest rates consistent with the
life Of the road, (if even so thoughtfuD
regardless of any return to the in
vcstOrs? No sane man would invest
in any business, the hazard OF which
was entirely his, and the control en-
tirely in other hands. Such q consti-
tutional provision regarding railroads,
with such venOmous addendum, would
be the play of Hamlet, with Hamlet
eliminated. 1t would be a provision
to govern something which did not
exist. Not dollar would be invested
in future railroads. Ii there is any
prejudice or past cause OF complaint
against any existing road, We cannot
afford to deny ourselves all future
roads to settle scores with this one
We cannot afford to bite Off our own
nose to spite someone else's face The
temporary delight of our constituent
would soon lose its hilarity. and "cusses
loud and deep" would follow. One OF
the States that has the wisest legisla-
ton regarding railroads, has provided
as fully as is in the power of man to
control railroads, that any body
of men can, by general law, obtain
charter to build railroad from any
point in the State to any other, condi-
toned on proof Of certain sum per
mile being bona tide subscribed, and
ten per cent. ei such amount paid in
cash. 1t is only necessary to be
known that any railroad, leading any
where, is making large dividends on
certain charges, to make another road
between the same points a probable
fact, regardless of whether such rates
are high or low. If they are too high,
the general indignation helps the more
the building of another road. There
is no assurance SO complete for the
regulation of undue charges as open
and unrestrained competition. 1t OBJ
tains in all business matters, railroads
included.
But, gentlemen of the Convention,
the highest authority of the land has
declared that all railroads are subject
to the control Of the legislature in re-
gard to charges made within the limits
of the State. It is therefore within
the power of the State, at any time,
should evils develop themselves that
need correcting, to enact the needed
legislation to correct and control. To
place this addendum to your Constitu-
ton is to needlessly menace the capital
you desire to welcome. It is to say in
advance, 1--WE are assured that you
come here with evil intent, and we are
going to assume your guilt, and provide
for it in advance of your coming.
We are not satisfied to hold this rod
for use when needed. We want the
luxury of shaking it in your face and
showing you how we will thrash you
when you come over the border" This
would be bad bait to entice child
within reach. 1t will hardly attract
money.
A sapient old Lady who published
noted cookery book, headed her recipe
for cooking hare, First catch your
hare" The wise old lady knew that
the hare once in the cooks hands, the
proper thing could be done afterward.
Gentlemen of the Convention. First
catch your hare"