The advocate., 1891-04-22

AAAHas hWyHs
Senator Murdock and Senator II. b. Kelly are
the men who are delegated by the Republicans
10 compile a manifesto In reply 10 the ono Issued
by Speaker Elder and the chairman OF Che House
committees Both Senators are now In the city.
Judging from their respective
newspapers since the adjournment OF
the Legislature, a compilation indeed
il will be. The Mcpherson Freeman
has been rather scanty in its condem-
nations Of the House, but the III Dor
ado Republican has been extremely
prolix in It's puttering attempt to de-
nounCe the House and TO correspond
ingly exalt the Senate Here is some
Of It's preliminary moralizing concern
ing the railroads;
We gave the lands, voted the bonds and Sc
cured the railroads. and upon tho whole II ls a
great system; nearly 10000 miles OF railway in
Kansas And these corporations, although a
share OF their stock which cost $1,000 i've years
ago can be bought for $3.50 now, they continue 70
pay S2,OOOOOO annually into the treasury as taxes
without any threat OF ropudlatlon. We've got
the railroads; they cost us dear, but as they are
part and parcel OF our state, We can't we'll
destroy them by an act OF the legislature and
no honest man would wish 10 do so. Pay day
and short crops came 20 them as 10 came 10 us,
and we must work out our salvation together.
Thai IA the hOngst Wnv OF doing
The House journal Of February 26
has this:
Mr.. Campbell called up House bill No. N3
(substllute for House bill No, 2lO An act 10
regulate and establish reasonable maximum
charges for che transportation OF freight on the
different lines OF railroads In the state Of Kan.
sas, and providing for q state board OF railroad
commissioners with general powers Of super,
vision over transportation lines within the state,
and giving 10 such commissioners full power and
authority TO control, fix and regulate the charges
and rates TO be collected by railroad and trans.
pOrtatlon lines carrying freight over such roads
and lines In Kansas, and 30 prevent unjust and
unreasonable determinations In such charges,
and providing for the selection OF such commits
siOners, and the manner In which they shall be
chosen, and prescribing their compensation and
duties, and making appropriation 10 enforce this
act, which was read third time.
IL passed by vote Of yeas, IS;
nays, %, and this Senator MurdOck
declared that had it become law Of
the state every mile of railroad in
Kansas would have been foreclosed !
Hence the Senate, as Of yore, served
the railroads. In order that certain
facts may be kept before the people,
the following from the peoples man
ifssto is in order:
After careful examination the House adopt
cd the Iowa schedule OF freigbts and fares In
creasIng them, however, nearly 90 per cent above
the Iowa railroad rates, which was an average
reduction OF present Kansas rates Of 10 per cent
This bill also provided that no more should be
charged for a short haul than for a long One 10
also provided for election Of railroad commits
siOners by the direct vote OF the people, with
power TO change freight rates aS conditions re-
qulred. The Republican Senate refused to even
consider this BILL The present railroad commits
SOners used their influence against the consider
alton Of the bill, and showed that they we're Op-
posed TO the people and were the mere employees
Of corporations On no bleCt that came before
us was as persistent a fight made as on this
transportation question Every railroad attorney
In the state was present, In addition 10 the rail-
road officials, and In order 10 show q spirit Of
fairness they we're allowed to come before the
committee on railroads and show why freight
rates should not be reduced. All the evidence