The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-10-13
GOVERNMENTAL OWNERSHIP OF RAIL
ROADS.

A telegram from Cleveland. Ohio. an
nounces that Mr.. Jerry Simpson is arguing
before the people of Ohio in favor Of Gov
ernmentsl control of railroads. This is doubt
less in accordance with the Sixth Demand al
contained in the principles promulgated by
the Alliance at Ocala. Florida
Some of the leaders Of the Farmers Alliance
have been very FESTIVE under the criticisms
which have been made by the press upon
their demands" Disclaiming any purpose
| of becoming political party or even being in
politics, the Alliance has autbortatively an
nounc.i certain articles of faith. and have
laid down certain objects TO be attained. which
affect voters in matters belonging only to tho
domain of politics. and which can DO accom-
plished only by the influence of voters upon
the Government II this is not being in poll
tics, what is it? 1t certainly is not aericui-
| ture.
1t is we'll known that the members OF the
Farmers Alliance ore by no means agreed
among themselves as to the expedlency or
| Justice of some of their demands" Indeed as
| has been stated by writer in their own or
gan in this State, there are thousands of ALI
ance men who repudiate come OF the "Ocala
demands" especially tho sub-Ireasury
scheme. There is another of their demands.
with which not only Alliance members, but
all good Democrats agree and that Is their
denunciation of tho iniqutous tariff.
But Mr.. Jerry Simpson is now pressing
upon the people of Ohio that demand"
which says:
1--WE demand the most rigid. honest and
just State and National Governmental con-
troll of the means of public communication and
transportation, and if this control and super
vision do not remove the abuse now exist
ing we demand the Governmental ownership
Of such means of communication and trans
portation."
How ownership can improve the power to
correct abuse, which already has the most
rigid control and supervision" it is hard to
tell for in controlling yon have the direction
and benefit Of the operations without incur
ring any risk Of loss.
The ultimate purpose however, contained
in that clause which demands Govern
mental ownership Of the means of
public communication and transporta-
ton" according to the faith of the
Alliance. is that the Government whether
State or National does not appear but pre-
sulnaby NATIONAL shall become the owner
of all railroads. canals. steamships, steam
boat lines. sailing vessels. barges. stage
coaches besides all telegraph and telephone
lines, and any other means Of communication
already put in operation or hereafter con-
structed Tho Government would Of course
have to pay for this property, which would
mount up into the thousands OF millions of
dollars. The debt so incurred would bear
interest. which would have to be paid as the
Government debts are now paid. g.. by adj
ditional taxation, as there is no reason TO be-
lieve that the Government would be any
more successful in making these means of
transportation profitable than the present
owners.
Indeed, if we may take the postoffice as an
example. a loss would he expected, and if the
rates of transportation are now 50 exorbi-
tant and unbesrable that the Farmers ALI
ance cannot stand them. the Government
would naturally be expected to reduce the
rates. which would lessen the revenue while
the expenses. if anything would be increased
The expectation that the number of officers
and employees would 5e diminished is against
Governmental experience. and the like
lihood is that political influence being
more plastic than personal interest the
number would lie largely increased. In
what condition of affairs then would we find
ourselves Our railroad officers. con
ductors. baggage masters, engineers. road
masters. track walkers. road hands, tele-
graph operators, hnemen and tele-
graph boys would instantly become
employees, and like postmen,
doubtless. would be required to wear Gov
eminent uniforms. This addition to the Off
cial aristocracy would be but the beginning.
The logical sequence of the assumption by
the Government of all roads and other means
of communication and transportation would
be the gradual absorption of all manu-
which produced articles en-
terng into tho operation of the
acquired property. All the ship-yards. ma
rine works. locomotive and car works. rail
mills and whatever other manufactures
would be deprived of their old customers By
this Government monopoly would naturally
and inevitably be absorbed 10y the Govern
ment-i ust as the Government has always
owned It's navy yards and eun-works. These
works would have nothing to do but to work |
for the Government, and would certainly be-
long to it,
All of this is naturally though not Of i'm |
mediate necessity-iucluded in the Sixth |
Demand" of the Farmers Alliance as made
at Ocals Fla. An appalling prospect truly |
Indicating the facility with which men under |
evil guidance, and FESTIVE under the pressure |
of some features of missovernment may DO |
led into the widest excuses.
1t has recently been said by Herbert Spen-
Ger in contemplating the tendencies of Social
ism, OF which the above is only part, that
when general Sociaistic organization has
been established, the vast ramifed and con-
solidated body Of those who direct its
using without check whatever
coercion seems to them needful in the inter-
rsts of the system (Which will practically be-
come their own interests, viii have no hesita-
lion in imposing their vigorous rule over the
entire lives of the actual workers, until event
lally there is developed an official oligarchy.
with its various grades, exercising a tyranny
mora tyiCapfip and tarrilla fbo,, anu ,,t;ob