The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1891-12-17


ducing classes of the various States
of the Union, by those private indiv-
iduals who control the American
Railway System. Owners-through
franchises-of the right to transport
the surplus product of the farm, and
factory from where it is valueless, to
where it is valuable, it is not surpris-
ing that they improve the opportuni-
ty thus afforded them to prey upon
the necessities Of the producing class
eS.
1t is to the operation Of laws by
which the individual enjoys an ad-
vantage at the expense of society
that the millionaires Of to-day are in
debted for their fortunes. These laws
are subject to two classifications.
While those regulating the tariff,
the issue of patents, and those gov
erning the ownership of land confer
a legal advantage upon the individ-
uals benefited by theiI operation.
the injury resulting to society as a
whole, while serious, does not cause
hard times. So closely identified
with the interests Of each member Of
society, however, are the two agen-
cies which are made the subject of
this pamphlet, i. e., money, the me-
dunn with which exchanges are af-
fected, and railroads, by which the
product is conveyed to the consumer,
and SO vitality does the Office that
each performs affect the prosperity
of all, that for society TO confer upon
individuals or corporations the con.
troll and management of these vital
agencies as it does at present, is but
to voluntarily invite the condition
that naturally follows such action
the enrichment of those who enjoy
the advantage, and the corresponding
impoverishnent Of those from whom
the enormous tribute is exacted.
! The fact that these opportunities
are not confined to particular in
dividuals does not mitigate the evil
1t is the existence of the advantage
from which arises the disastrous con
sequences.
Railroads are public in character
They exist only by authority of char
tiers granted by the state. The,
were built largely by the people
themselves, and their advantages ant
emoluments instead of being confer
red upon any class of private individ
uals, should be RETAINED and enjoy
ed by the public. The accumulated
millions Of the so-called Railwa,
kings, are but the proceeds of thei
enjoyment Of these advantages.
1t is a self-evident proposition, tina
until Agriculture is made protitabl
industry, by removal of the yer.
few causes that now make it unprotit
able, no general prosperity Of the pee
pie Of the United States is possible
So long as it costs the wheat raise
living SAY in the interior of Kansas
J AS it does to-day-4O per cent. Q
the value of his crop to market it il
N. u; or 70 per cent of its value t
market it in Chicago; or the Western
farmer is compelled to give one ca
load of corn for the privilege Of maj
keting another, this great industr
| upon which the prosperity Of all d.
; ponds, cannot prove relnunerative.
Adding to these the additions
7 burdens imposed upon agriculture b
, a restricted volume of money, whic
! through the increased value Of th
dollar, correspondingly reduces til
price of farm products. and make
; unjust rates of interest possible, an
the two causes of hard times al
| plainly recognizable
Transportation charges under til
: present private ownership of raj
roads are based, not upon the cost