The Bottineau pioneer. (Bottineau, N.D.) 1885-1895, 1889-06-13
THE FARMERS COLUMN.
Edited By the Pioneers Agricultural
Correspondent.
GOVERNMENT OWNERSHIP OF RAILROADS.

Correspondent.
GOVERNMENT OWNERSHIP OF RAILROADS.
There are but one or two great national
questions on which believe we can unite,
and in which there is reasonable hope of
success in the near future. I refer to the
government ownership of the railroads and
telegraph lines in the country, and govern
ment retaining ownership Of coal lands. The
have now become almost if not
quite all-powerful; their influence being
felt alike in each Of the great political par
ventions their influence controlled. In the
republican convention, railroad president
boosted that he could not receive the NOM
ination for the presidency, then it would
not 60 to any granger state, by which no
doubt was meant, any state like Iowa, that
was endeavoring to control the railroad;
and he was successful. The democratic
party, not to be outdone in its obedience to
the potent influence, intrusted its campaign
to the management Of another Railroad
President. It makes no difference which
party loses, the Railroads win. Agitation
for years has been in the direction Of con-
trolling the Railroads, and the Inter State
Commerce, and State laws. have done and
are doing much in that direction. The two
questions for us to consider in this connect
ion ore: How far should we 60? and what
will be the effect? There is no question,
anymore, about our having the right to con-
troll; that is conceded. But if government
to fix maximum rates, and inter-
feres in the management, should it not also
guarantee dividends. That would seem to
be logical and just conclusion. Ifso, why
not own and operate? What has Leen til:
of the Interstate Commerce law
on the Railroads. 1t would seem to have
fastened consolidation, which will in the
end make them more powerful and arrogant.
The difficulties in securing what might be
termed anti-Railroad legislation, are much
greater than would be met in advocating
Government ownership. When we demand
legislation on lowering rates, we at once
large number Of voters. en-
ployes of the Railroad companies, who are
afraid they will be the fist to suffer if the
revenue is cut down. Again, those not
favored with Railroad facilities are afraid
that any interference with the Railroads
will prevent extensions, and their influence
is against interference. What are the pros
poets for success? Wefwil have the same
powerful opposition of the Railroad Com
panies, but they will not be able to carry
their employees with them. for they will
realize that the change will, if anything,
improve their condition. Railroad strikes
will forever be at All end. Thelarge MAORI
ty of business men should heartily support
the movement, and that powerful organiza-
ton, the Knights Of Labor, will be with US
in the movement. If the several farmers
will unite with US, as believe
they will, Government ownership can be
made an assured fact in o very few years.
One thing certain, unless the Government
does take possession of the Railroads, it is
only question of very short time when
the Railroads will take possession Of the
Government. The recent attempt of Jay
Gould to organize "clearing house." of
which all the leading Railroad Companies
should be members, is sufficient evidence Of
the determination Of these men. One of the
principal arguments against Government
ownership Of railroads has been that it
would place too much power in the hands Of
the Government of the day, enabling them to
perpetuate themselves in power, etc. The
argument is fallaclous. Patronage is a
weakness rather than q strength to party.
For every official appointed there are at
least five disappointed Office seekers, If the
increase Of the civil-service would have any
effect, it would be more frequent change of
Government. A law making the civil-ser-
vice non-partisan, would remedy that defect.
1t is simply q question Of Government or
Jay Gould having the power. There can be
no other choice.
Reserving our coal lands to be mined on
q royalty, and the area leased to any one
party limited, no second lease to be given
until the first was exhausted is the only
pcactical way Of rescuing our fuel supply
from the monopoly Of the Coal Barons, In
National Politics, we should concentrate our
efforts on these two questions; make them
and If we are willing to pledge
ourselves that we will not vote for any can
didate for any Office unless he pledges him
self to support only such men for National
Offices as will support and advocate these
measures, and then, by taking care that the
nominees past record and present affiliations
are such as to warrant the belief that they
will keep their pledges, and we can send |
solid delegates to both branches of Congress, |
in favor Of this reform. 1t would be = |
grand thing to start the ball rolling from !
The Dokotas eastward and southwark that |
would accomplish the greatest reform Of the |
present generation. We can do it if the |
Delegates present at this meeting 50 resolve.
Annual Address of Mr. Louckes to Ter
ritorial Alliance
In 1880 Jay Gould subscribed 500, 600 to
he fund for electing Garfield, and IN return
received written guarantee that NO one
would be appointed Judge Of the Supreme
court, unless he. Jay, approved Of him.
Wall street is our ruler, and dominates both
both our great parties. The farmers pro-
luce costs to get to market at least double
What is required for fair rate. il Railroads
'ars will pay ct o rate Of cent a ton per
nile; it is 500 miles to Minneapolis. which
would be $3.50 . ton. There is 33 bushels
# wheat in ton, y cents o bushel is
air rate to take our wheat to Minneapolis,
Ind we are charged l8 cents if am not
mistaken. The overcharge Of 10 cents per
oushel. How can farmers prosper with
Iuch pack Of cornorants preying upon us.
High tariff nsury, high interest and railway
,Larges, make prosperity impossible.
Thank God, We have independant Journal
sts, although on the other hand there is !
party hacks, and hirelings, men who for q |
would say, black is white, such |
men arsa disgrace to the noble calling Of |