The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1892-12-21
RAILROADS.

To the Editor of the Eagle:
The election is over long enough to
pay attention to more important matters
that should not be political, but the con-
Germ of all, and that is a most vexed
question, railroad freight-rates. We
have had an interstate commerce COM
mission appointed by congress and it is
true they have brought out good deal
of light in railroad matters, and done
some good. But here comes Judge
Gresham's decision, refusing to compel
the railway managers TO furnish the
evidence demanded which might tend to
Criminate them or subject them to pen
aities, which does away with the use
fulness OF the commission on freight
charges. At different times, in several
states, we have seen this same trouble;
South Cardinals general assembly had a
bill before them, giving the railroad
commissioners almost absolute control,
allowing the owners or the com
pany 10 appeal. And we find the presi-
dent of the Richmond Terminal system
saving that if that bill should pass it
would destroy the railroads as complete
IL as if General Sherman was again at
work.
When we have to resort to such ex-
treme laws for the public good, is it not
time that some of the measures should
be brought about that would accomplish
the desired end. Life is too short to
wait for the slow courts to decide, and
then get nothing.
The state of Kansas will soon change
her railroad commissioners, and the
Legislature will soon pass q maximum
freight bill, and all business men IN the
state are looking forward to be helpe G
in freight rates. But Will they he:
doubt it much. Some say we must have
a commissioner from Wichita to look
after her jobbing interests. All well
and good. But the state Of Kansas is
200 miles wide aud 400 miles long, and
all want TO be looked after.
Wichita's location should make
her large city OF some prominence.
But it cannot be done with only the
favored few getting heavy rebates on
freights. 1t must be proper adjust
meut of freight for all.
II any law should pass the legislature
1t must be so oppressive 10 do any good
at all that the railroad companies will
,
we will make them accept 1t. have
heard the same thing about prohibition
and do we expect i: Eminent writers
have appeared IN articles upon this veNed
question and the most of them fail to
ind a remedy. 1t has been stated By
them that competent railroad authoIi-
/ ties, have taken the pains TO ke esti-
mates, and give the following items OF
uncalied for expenditures by the rail-
roads:
Annual distribution OF passes. $50. 600 900
Annual political corruption fund 80 coo 0J9
Secret REBATES. OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES 9UvSJOJJ
All to be paid for by the public.
The end will be ali railroads w!ll go
under the management Of one syndicate
having absolute control.
Some say let the government condemn
the roads and appraIse and pay for them
and run them. Would 1t not be better
TO let the compal,,- keep them until
they offer 10 sell: here has been sew
er.l schemes put teju.- tHe people that
are good, aud one - Iar,-al4r by q
Wichita man lasJ summer. 7 IS plan
was fer the government to baud a rail
road from Duluth st the north 20 Gal
Weston n tne south. There Is no ques
uou about tie right Of the government
70 oWu aud operate lines Of transpor.a-
tlOu. This would rua through the
golden grain belt" cotton ami hog
country aud from Galveston bs water
tn European points. l. would cover
about 100 miles OF railroad ana
wouli require al issue OF atou,
S24,ooo,0oo Of legal tenders 70