Omaha daily bee., 1889-08-13
ONLY A POLITICAL FACTOR.
A Nebraskan Thus Dubs the State
Board of Transportation.
A CUMBERSOME NoNENTlTY.
Auxiliary Prohibitory Leagues
Wanted for Assault and battery
Tho Wolf SCALP Bounty Law
Supreme Court Records.
LINCOLN BUREAU OF THs OMAHA Baa
1929 u STREET, y

LINCOLN, August ~
A prominent man from one Of the interior
counties Of the state, whose interests are
identified with the agricultural development
Of the west and northwest, was heard TO re-
mark to-day that the "absurd p~rctcnse made
by the state board of transportation at regu-
lating railroad companies to a first consider
alton and Observance of what is duo the
public in those sections of tho state, un-
affected by competition, In transportation
facilities to the markets, need hauling over
the Goals" Being urged to particularize, he
continued; Let me ask you what good can
we hope TO obtain at the hands of q commis.
sion made up in the unwieldly shape provided
for by our statute, in lieu of o constitutional
provisionl Three men TO do everything up
TO the real point of doing something to in
vestigate, inform themselves to the point
where intelligent action is possible, and then
DO relieved of all responsibility Of action by
a board made up of five individuals who are
chiefly answerable to the people through en-
tirely different sources, and who conse-
quently make use Of their seat on the trans
portation board as a subsidiary political
factor. 1t is proving a very vivid example OF
the results usual In contests of conscience
with political aspirations.
1.-THE law provides that three men are to
investigate ali complaints formally made
under oath to the board. That part is def
mite, and it is just as clearly the intent of the
law that these three men are to go further,
| acquaint themselves In all possible ways
with the constantly varying relations exist
ing between the roads and shippers and set
foot firmly down against the extortionate
| practices of the roads, and insist on far and
equitable treatment of all shippers, and not
lay waste to the country by means of tariffs
adjusted on the principle of what the traffic
will bear. But even though we were lucky
| enough lit could only happen through ig-
norance, or erroneous respect
ing the character and opinions of applicants
for appointment. on the part of the state Of
ticers comprising the board) to see men APP
pointed as secretaries who would recognize
the duties OF the position, and with sufficient
backbone to proceed conscientiously with
their performance aud boldly make known
their convictions, 1 say it is doubtful even
then where we are to derive any results. i
| understand several member Of the present
board of commissioners assert themselves as
opposed to the consideration even OF any
questions but those arising through formal
complaints. The law provides that all final
decisions shall be made by the board them
selves. We have had evidence quite recently
of the marked ability of the commission to
the adoption of which would affect
tho earnings of a strong corporation
capable OF political influence and a strong
factor in ''second terms.' The secretaries
reported on live stock rates brought about
by some complaint against the Omaha road
extending north from Omaha, up the Mis-
souri, valley, q great cattle-feeding section.
They said rates were SO per cent higher on
that road and on the Northwestern's Black
Hills road than on the roads south of the
Platte, and if 1 am not mistaken, asked that
those roads be ordered in to show cause why
such a difference should exist. Was q day
set for the hearing? Not that anyone knows
about. The papers reported that the board
adjourned without taking any action on Sec
rotary Garber's report, and without day.
You see the Northwestern's road was not
formally complained against, and the North
Westerns road does an enormous cattle traf-
fc from non-competltlve regions. A cut in
rates would certainly reduce revenues, and a
reduction of revenues would iniure the repu-
tations of the roads officers among the east
ern stockholders. The officers have proved
mighty good fellows since we hold Office. 1t
wouldn't do to throw a stone in their way,
they might prove resentful."