Omaha daily bee., 1889-07-03
THERE MIST RE NO BEIApsi


The New York Sop, discussing the
western railroad situation, says there
must be no relapse into rascality. The
early promise of the Interstate COM
merce railway association, formed with
the avowed purpose to obey the inter-
state commerce law, to maintain stabil-
ity of rates, and to secure among the
railroads in the association an equitable
division OF business, was most favorable
to the realization of these conditions.
AS the San says, there was
abundant and gratifying evidence
OF the beneficial working of the an
rangement, rates became stable, the
administration of the railroad proper
ties improved, public confidence was in
measure restored, and the general
traffic movement OF the country became
natural and regular. 1.-THE condition
of affairs was entirely wholesome; hon
ost and straig ghtforward methods OF bust.
ness were in this ascendant, and the
reign of rascalitv, OF private feuds, and
of personal greed and rapacity appeared
to be at an end"
Into this hopeful and propi-
tious situation was suddenly thrust
the Chicago Sc Alton compll-
cation. That company had entered the
association most reluctantly, and doubt
less never had any genuine sympathy
with the agreement. In order to Sc
cure it's acquiesoence the association
consented to notifications of the
original terms of the agreement, which
left q loophole that has enabled the
Alton to regain its independence with
out the least difficulty or responsibility.
When the association, at the instance
OF the obstinate company, inserted in
the compact the provision that, not
withstanding the decision OF the arbi-
traitors, the company claiming the right
to make any particular rate may, after
such decision, make such q rate on ten
days. notice, the agreement was rem
dered little better than rope of sand
and the Alton obtained an avenue of es-
cape which il has since improved.
When its application to be allowed to
make O reduced lumber rate between
Chicago and the Missouri river was re-
fused it simply gave the required notice
and the association was powerless to en-
force its decree. Then came up the
question OF division of live stock traf-
fic with the st. Paul, and al
though this was decided in
favor of the Alton that company
found an excuse for notifying the asso-
citation of its intention to withdraw.
| The complications thus introduced have
| brought ON others, until now the situa-
| tion is said to be regarded by conserva-
| tive railroad men as the most serious
| that has ever menaced the western
| roads.
| We observe that Chairman Walker,
| OF the railway association, takes hope
full view of affairs. He looks, it is said,
for cessation of hostilities, and be-
lieyes that at the coming meeting wise
counsel will prevail, and that none of
| the companies will risk adverse public
opinion when they will have an
opportunity to accomplish commendable
things by maintaining rates which ex-
cessive crops and nprecedentedly
heavy business will give them. But
there is nothing apparent to furnish a
ground for confidence of this sort.
Meantime, how is the law being re-
spected? The New York Sun afilrms
that the Alton, since it withdrew from
the association, has been engaged in
practices which bring it within the
penalties Of the amended interstate
commerce act, and it urges that these
penalties should be enforced. $50 bold
and shameless" says the S,sn, "has this
defiance of the law become that it is now
essential, in the public interest, that
some vindication of it should ensue. II
will not do to be content with fines paid
by presidents on behalf OF convicted
subordinates. Such penalties are
laughed at and incurred with contempt
The provision which involves imprison
ment must be enforced, and not agains
the servants, but against the masters