The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1892-08-04


into Wichita by carload or less than
car load lots.
Thus while in the act of lowering rates
it was proposed to give legislative APP
prevail to the very system against which
we are now struggling. But what
Wichita wants is not only lower rates
but fair rates, and an equal show In the
race for life with Kansas City or any
other town: and she proposes to hight
till she gets it
The objections thus stated are but a
part of the objections to this bill. While
it might have benefited some or our
people it would have struck ire
mendous blow at some OF Nichita's
greatest business interests.
Seeing the shape matters were In. 1
prepared bill intended TO redeem every
pledge upon this subject made IN our
county and state platforms OF lS9U and
offered the same in the house as SUBJ
stitute for the Alliance bill. The substl-
tute thus offered provided for eiecting
railroad commissioners by the people;
also for the establishment by such COM
missioners of such maximum rates as
should be fair and equitable to all classes
of shippers and producers, with provis-
ions for enforcing them; and 1t also pro-
vided a specific remedy for such unc0n-
scionable Determinations as are Illus
trated by the New Orleans and Calves
ton sugar rate. This substitute received
the vote of few of the Alliance MEM
bers. all of the Republicans and most OF
the Democrats. But majority OF the Al
lance, aided by two Democrats from Mis-
souri, river cities, voted it down and then
voted through the caucus bill without
allowing any material amendment what
ever.
The Alliance bill was prepared, I'M
derstand, by former railroad official
living in the eastern part of the state.
Whether it was prepared with view to
perpetuating the supremacy OF the
Missouri river live stock dealers and
iobbers | do not know; but such would
have been its effect | want to say that
| think Mr.. Campbell, the chairman OF
the railroad committee, who reported
the bill and supported it III the house,
did so from the best Of motives. He
came from Stafford county and / sup
pose he thought that the bill would do
enough good ia other parts of the state
to compensate for the injury 1t would III
fiict upon some OF the business interests
of Wichita and other commercial points.
[ believe that the bill which l sup
ported would have insured fair rates Tor
the whole state, while at the same time
it would have protected the interests of
Wichita and provided prompt remedy
for our most elaring grievances.
If again returned to the legislature 1t
is NV determination to devote my best
energy to the work of securing for our
people relief from the unjust exactions
and ruinous determinations to which
their business interests are now sub
iected. To free our industries from
this thraldom and to break forever
these commercial letters that retard the
growth and OF osperity of Kansas should
enlist the best energies OF every member
of this community. 1t Is not a work
which should rest upon the shoulders OF
any one OF two men; but it is work IN
which all should JOIN. And, In this con-
nection, let me call attention to the fact
that, in such matter, one OF the prime
requisites for Intelligent and successful
action is full and accurate information
upon the various elements entering into
it. l think, therefore, that the interests
of Wichita would be served if general
meeting of business men could be held
to consider this matter. A committee
could then be appointed, which
should represent not only the wholesale
and retail, but also the live stock and
other leading commercial interests OF
city and this committee should be IN
structed to enter upon an immediate in
yestigation of this whole question. 1t
might visit the state of Iowa and ascer-
tain Just what effect the railroad law IN
that state had and is having upon the
various business interests of the state
and whether that law would be good for
Kansas, and in what respect 1t could be
improved. The investigation should also
be extended to Texas where pretty
vigorous railroad law is also In force
with some good effects.
Our wholesalers already have an organ
ization; the retailers have one; the live
stock men have one. But what we want
is to get together; and l venture to say
that in few weeks time such joint
committee could gather fund of prac-
teal information which would be OF I'M
mense value in preparing railroad bill
which would benefit all our business in
terests. knowledge Is power. and such
a committee, having given the whole
question careful study, would be
potent factor in securing the necessary
legislation next winter when tue leglsla-
ture is In session.
GEORGE L. DOUGLASS.
Wichita, Aug ,, 1892.