The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1889-02-14

lation, and concluded by saying: when i
| consider the imperial influence which
these great engines of power exert it be- \
comes evident to me that only mott 3oes the |
state have the right to supervise and reg
ulate them on the ground of public
policy, but it has the right
to regulate them as public highways.
Applause.
MI. jenkins made forcible argument
in favor of the bill. He confessed that the
railroads we're great pioneers of oiviliza-
ton and development of the country.
But we must consider other great inter
ests to be protected. No one could ques-
ton that some legislation was necessary to
prevent excessive charges and di5crimina-
tions. As to statutes fixing rates, there
was the objection that while in large
cities the railroads would comply
with them, in the country they
we're disregarded, especially by the
older and stronger companies,
which was not only unjust to local traffic,
but to weaker companies which were
forced to comply with the law. The people
were 80 dependent upon the roads they
could not afford to incur their displeasure.
Nor are the people as a rule able to con-
test their high rates on appeals to the
higher courts.
He cited peculiar case where poor
man gave a road the right of way through
his farm and when he sought damages on
account of the road killing his dog they
made fun of him as to the value
of his dog, and in retaliation for
his threats to sue the road,
the company loaded car with
100 CANNES and turned them loose on him,
running him away from home. 1t was
sheer nonsense to talk of fighting such
corporations.
Mr.. Jenkins argued that the railroads
we're not the most important interests of
the state and that without our stock and
cat lie the railroads would go into bank
ruptcy. He did not agree with Mr.. No
Comb that the people would not want a
commission if they understood the bill
The people did know what they wanted,
and their cry for commission was not as
intimated by Mr.. Hamblen on account of
the influence of demagogues. 1t was our
duty to give the people the legislation
they demanded. Applause,
Mr. MoOomb presented report of free
conference committee on senate concur
rent resolution recommending substitute
providing for committee of two sena-
tors and three representatives to visit the
Agricultural and Mechanical college and J,
Sam Houston and Prairie View normal.
Adopted.
The committee on free conference on
sub-house bill Is recommended that the
senate recede from its amendments.
Mr.. Handy, chairman of committee,
reported favorably the Levy military bill.
House adjourned till 10 O'Clock to-day.
From Wednesdays Daily.]
The house met at 10 O'Clock, Speaker
Alexander and quorum present. Prayer
by the chaplain, Rev. II. w. Dodge.
The speaker signed senate bill No. "a.
Petitions were presented
By Mr.. Tolar-.From Henry G. Lyons
asking for patent to land
By Mr.. Stevenson-From citizens of
FL Paso city fsvoring the new CITY charter,
BY Messrs Woodruff, Bishop and Nc
Gehee-From citizens of Delta, Henderson
and Hays counties respectively asking for
repeal of the occupation tax.
By Mr.. Newton-From citizens of
Cherokee county praying for railway
commission.
Mr.. Faubion asked that house bill No.
492 be recommitted. Granted.
House bill No. 36, amending the stock
inspection law, was considered as the
pending business.
humorous amendments were adopted.
including various counties and exemptipg
Others from inspection, and the law
passed.
The railway commission bill was re-
s1med as the special order,
MI Oonnellee spoke against the bill
lie had not intended to discuss the meas
uie, but felt it was his duty to put himself
upon record to say that, as far az he had
noticed petitions from the people on the
subject, they were rom men who did not
Oelong TO the democratic party. He was
member OF the democratic convention
at Dallas. He saw Judge Terrell there
asking for commission, and addressind
Uhe committee in favor of one, but thd
proposition was voted down. Under the
aouon OF that convention and as a democrat
eiecteu on that platform he felt it his dntv
W i"Vor plain statute that will let the
raliroads know what charges thew shall
naAe unoer proper classification of
lreights. We are not here, he aroued En-
create commission and he was mot will
ing 70 leave such powers as the bill nro-
posed with any three or five men. He
ald not want to tell his people when he re-
turned that the legislature had left evsrv-
.ulng 10 tne governor, and the governor to
vi! commissioners. As evidence of the
tnoefsley OF the railroads, he cited the
Isc' that during the drought eyerv ponnd
VI ireight donated for the people of his
'eeuon had been hauled free of charge
MI Moody said that as the disoussion
mad taken the range of an exnerienca
he would add that he had received
Nv petition either way. He had travelled
~ several COUNTIES distributing snnnIies 20
.ne a[outh sufferers, and his experience
wa. mat the corn donations cost mora for
onlpment than the corn could be bonoht
!ot' Still he believed the intent of a com.
no.,n was good to classify and adjust
matters matters, The people demanded RAILROAD
~, CESSATION, and he believed that the demo
!, a'iC party as a majority of the peonIe.
'Apected railway commission,
Mr.. Gresham made an eIoho..o -,
,o.e argument against the bill. His bnsi-
i = as an attorney had forced him 70 Give
ns SUBJECT good deal of study and in.
our reasons: W 'ne Oil LOT
alEst-It was in violation of the exnress