The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-10-01
BERNER'S BILL DOOMED.
TIE CHAPPELL MEASURE THE
ONE THAT WILL Be PASSED.

AAAG O44 nj 64@A-
ONE THAT WILL BE PASSED.
Mr.. Hartridoe Makes a strong Speech
Against Ant.-Rsilroad LeSislation'
An Assertion That Few OF the Geor-
Z cia Roads are Dividend Farmers If
Comnelled to Rely Upon Their own
Resources.
ATLANTA. GA, Sept. 9O.-The entire two
sessions of the House to-day we're occupied
in hearing speeches on the Berner bill. To-
morrow the discussion will be continued,
and vote will probably be reached. All
other substitutes have been abandoned. and
the fight is being made between the Berner
hi and the farmers substitute introduced
Inv DIR. Chappell of Laurens. The Cnappel4
.nbstitute is favored by tee railroads, while
the anti.monopolist element fights for the
Berner bill. II the Berner bill becomes
law the Terminal will have to Walk the
chalk. but if it is the Chappell bill the pres
snt policy will not be materially affected.
The outlook is that the Chappell substitute
will get more votes than the Berner IN
lhe whole opposition to that measure having
erystallized on the bill which bears MI
ChappelIs name. One Of the best speeches.
of the day in opposition to the Berner bill
was made by Mr.. Hartridge of Chatham.
In the course of his remarks be said: III 1t
be true that Mr.. Gould confesses that he
used money in five states to make legislators
friendly. it shows very depraved and I'M
happy condition of things in those states.
1t proves that he encountered in those COM
monwealths men who held Office in order to
extort money from corporations, and who
and tribunes of the people
nntil their palms were crossed with silver
by these enemies of the public. But Geor
gia's public men have seldom been guilty OF
corruption.
AN OUTRAGEOUS HYPOTHESIS.
81 submit that we should not legisIate on
such an unfair, such an outrageous hypo-
thesis Let US welcome into our borders
rich and poor. Let us solicit wealth, not
drive it away under the idea that we will
surrender our honor and virtue at the first
temptation. When Mr.. Gould made his So
called triumphal progress I was not honored
as guest or chained as a captive, but do
remember that one road, the South
Georgia and Florida, secured him
as the recipient Of their
hospitality, and though he was transported
over this line at night the report was spread
abroad that the great magnate was studying
the property with view to leasing or pur-
chase it. This was about the time Mr.
Robinson was invited to lease the same road.
This is the road that attacks the consoli-
dated roads for not submitting 70 q revision
of their passenger rates. Mr.. Gould is not
the only man interested in these leased roads
or the Terminal. Take the Central, Georgia,
Southwestern, Augusta and Savannah and
Eetonton branches. Their capitalization Is
ST, 1895, 800; of this amount 81, 200, 900 of the
81, $4,000 paid annually in dividends
over 81 ,000, 900 goes into the pockets of
Georgians. Remember, too, that the
South western never, or seldom, earns its
dividend. Last year it fell short $3.50
The Georgia road never earned its dividend
until tue past year. The Central had to
borrow nearly all the money to pay its div
idends last year. Break these leases and
Georgians will suffer more than the Termi-
nal, which concern may possibly renew the
lease on lower rates in the names of other
corporations or private citizens. II there is
any reason why these leases should be an
nulled or any charters forfeited why have
we heard nothing from that committee of
investigation, of which Mr.. Berner is
MEMBER
GOODWIN OPENED THE DEBATE.
Ar. Goodwin of Fulton opened the deb tie
on the Berner bill this morning. He was
opposed 10 the BILL and argued for the
Chappell substitute as amended by himself
and Mr.. Calvin of Richmond. Mr.. Good
win attacked the speech OF Mr.. Berner YES
terday, declaring it to be eloquent. but he
said no such legislation was demanded by
the people, notwithstanding the claim of
the gentleman from Monroe. Mr.. Goodwin
took up the Olive bill, and as a proof of his
claim that the people did not want such leg
islation, referred to the defeat of MIR.
Olive In his campaign for
congress fresh from his championship
of his measure in the legislature. To
emphasize their views the PEOPLE had
chosen Judge Lawson, one of the foremost
opponents to the Olive bill. Mr.. Goodwin
was glad TO admit that Jay Gould was in
terested in some of the systems seeking a
foothold In Georgia. He was only sorry his
advance was SO slow. He wanted TO see the
great Missouri Pacific feeding the ports OF
Georgia. Mr.. Goodwin closed by asking
leave on the part OF the minority Of the
Judiciary committee to withdraw their bill,
as the members who reported it were now
IN favor of the Chappell substitute. There
was no objection and the minority substi-
tute was withdrawn.
DR.. Hand spoke briefly, favoring the
Chappel substitute.
HUFF AGAINST BRRNER.
Mr.. buff Of Bib opposed the Berner bill.
ALS o1lO GuhL OuL VI WIS ,UoU uillcS ORn6Q
and controlled by the Richmond Terminal
there were 3 900 miles that would be in the
hands of a receiver if it were not supported
and fed by the big corporation. A railroad
was a monopoly always. be said. until it
was paraleled by some other road. Col
Huff jumped on the Georgia Southern with
all his weight. He referred to il
as one little broken down, weak
kneed concern boycoting the whole United
States. The Georgia Legislature will get
hump on it and you will have t. come, to
as" that is what this bankrupt corporation
says he did not want either bill because
no such legislation was needed, but il he
had TO take it he wanted it in the miliest
form, 81 nd therefore he favored the ChappelI
bill. At the afternoon session Mr. HUFF
concluded.
Mr.. Lewis of Hancock made forcible
argument against the Chappell bill, favor
ing the Smith substitute which is the
most radical cf all the bills or substitutes on
the control of the railroads. Mr. Calvin of
Richmond began his speech few minutes
before adjournment. He will continue i'm
mediately after the House assemblies to-
morrow morning. Dir. Hin Of Meriwether
aud several others are TO speak tomorrow
A vote will be reached some time during the
DAY.
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