The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1891-01-23


OF these years exceed the cash receipts as
above given by So, s76.92, and the expenses of
the last year exceed the cash receipts BY
SJsr SZ9. IS
Ihs total number of prisoners from the
various counties OF the state in custody June
30 1883, WAS ST. The number received during
the ensuing two years was 675s number dis
charged during the two years was 7O2- The
number in custody June 80, 1890, $50. On
the list of January, 1887, there were SIS state
prisoners confined in the penitentiary; on
the LIST OF January, ISIS, there were S9S; on the
3Oth of June OF that year, there were So; on
January 1, 1889. there were SOL and June so,
1893. the number, as before stated, was $50.
These figures indicate slight falling OF
tendency in OuFState prison population since
1887. The board Of directors report the health
20 the institution, as in excellent condition
Railroads and Railroad Legislation.
The subject of State regulation of railroads
is one of surprising Importance and never
ending public sOlicitude- In respect TO meth
DDS OF control the commissioner system has
been demonstrated 10 be the most satisfac-
tory, and has received the sanction OF nearly
ali the States of the Union. This system, ad-
ministered by boards OF commissioner has
| come TO be regarded as IA necessary part OF
government. such a board has existed in
this state since 1888. Ny predecessors have
spoken of the work OF this board in terms of
unqualified commentator, and it is believed
that careful review of their labOrs can not
be otherwise than satisfactOry.
During the last eight years OF the exist
this State 5000 miles of railroad, and the
duties of the commission have been CORE
power the board has repeatedly required re
auctions to be made in the rates of trans
pOrtatiOn charges, and an examination of
the ngures Tor She period covered by its eN-
istence can not be otherwise than interesting
and profitable. a comparison of the tonnage
of 1888 with that of 1889 emp has!zes the above
statement In the former year the tonnage
of all the roads operating in Kansas, accord
ing to the reports file in the railroad com
missiOners office, was 2,sSl, 822.74. For the
year 1889, the tonnage OF the roads in this
state was p, 454 867, or nearly double the
TONNAGE ear
The earnings from the tonnage of 1881 ac-
cording to the same authority, We're Si5,l35,-
33Ii for 1883 they were $50 $40, O95, or only
twenty I1ve per cent. greater than the
ceipts of the former year.
While it is doubtless true that the tendency
of transportation charges has been steadily
downward and that reductions in rates are
a result of consumption and constantly in
creasing strife for business, as wen as re-
Spouse to the popular demand for cheaper
service, yet 1t is also true that the existence
OF the commission has contributed in a large
degree to this result.
The board has, by repeated orders. caused
the abatement of diSCrm in atiOnS which had
been long maintained upon the freight
IFS, and which, so long they existed pre-
vented the establishments, upon secure
basis, of commercial and manufacturing
terpriseS in any interior town in the State
These discriminating tariffs were a menace
to capital; their abatement is an invitation to
its investment among us, and the creation of
more diversified industries.
With a view promoting the efficiency of
the board, inYite your attention to the
pediency of comforting upon it, by appropri-
lfelShV farms TO be made over two or more
railroads which connect with each other,
so that continuous shipments may be made
over such connecting roads from one point
in Kansas TO another in the same State, such
joint tariffs TO prescribe rates not to exceed,
beyond reasonable transfer charges, a single
and continuous rate for the same distance
By this means the business of this State,
whether it be WhOlesaling or manufacturing,
existing ia any interior town in the State,
may be placed upon favorable footing
far as transportation charges are concerned
a hnafnREa mol i'm Dfh her
States and reaching the same points and des-
tnatiOn in this by single rate
further OF the opinion that, in addt-
ton to the penalties now provided by law for
neglect to comply with orders made by the
SPECIFIC enforcement of it's orders, and the
legal effect of such orders should be defined.
For example: The findings and decisions of
the BOARD respecting the reasonableness OF
any existing rates, which the subject of
complaint, are made Prima facie evidence OF
the feasohaDiehes5 or the rates they pre-
scribe in any proceeding brought to enforce
them. But the law also authorizes the board
to make findings and decisions in numerous
other, matters pertaining to the opera
ton and management of railroads, such
as the enlargement or increase of ter
mnal and depot facilities, the increase
or Detterment of train service, repairs of
track and the supply of Joint or connecting
tracks, etc. There is law defining what
shall be the legal status of such orders. It is
recommended that a speedy remedy for the
endorsements of these orders should be pro
vtded by statute in any case OF refusal
neglect to comply with them by any railroad
Soiil Pt'lly5 oHu mat III proceedings Drought
for that purpose the findings and decisions
of the board should be made prina facie evil
dence of the duty and obligation of the com
pany in respect to the matter decided.
In addition to these recommendations for
further legislation in respect co the powers
OF the DOarus L uecIn IL eNpeuiSnt TO can at
tentiCn to another provision, which, if en-
acted, would increase its useful functions.
In the transportation OF goods and mer-
chandise over railroads, claims frequently
arise against carriers for damages Occa-
stoned by loss injury to the goods en-
two more roads, each road being indie
pendently responsible only for such dam
ages a may have occurred upon it's own
line, it is frequently dificuIt for the shipper
to locate the liability. Moreover the amount
and value OF the greater part of this class
of claims is not sufficient to Justify expensive
| litigation for their recovery. It would be d
source of aid and relief TO shippers il the
Board of Railroad Comm ssiOners were
thorized to entertain complaints of this char
acter, to investigate the ana make
written findings thereon, and TO advise the
.