The morning call., 1892-06-28
RAILROAD COMMISSION.
The Board Decides TO Employ an
Expert.
Colonel Richard P Morgan VIII Conduct the
Ehivsly Investigation II Il Ever
Is Held.

TIE Board Of Railroad Commi ssioners
met yesterday morning, Messrs Rea, Itch
field and Beckman present.
The meeting was an interesting one on
account Of several unexpected disclosures
which were made, and which plainly indl-
Gated that the Commissioners have been
buslly engaged in preparing for the hearing
Of that now notorious complaint OF H. q.
ShiveIy of San Jose, who wants an inEesti-
cation held at once, so that the railroad
companies doing business in this State be
eompe He'd TO show cause why their freight
rates should not be reduced % per cent and
fneir passenger rates be lowered 10 per
cent.
When Secretary Kelly read the communi-
cations to the board. received since It's
previous meeting, il appeared that negotla-
lions had been entered into with richard
p Morgan, al Eastern railroad expert now
IN this city, with a view Of obtaining his
services. II evidently was the Intention oil
the board TO have Mr. Morgan conduct the
ShiYely investigation as representative
and empl0ye Of the Railroad Commission OF
California.
AN EXPERT.
The first advances were made by Secre-
tary Kelly in behalf Of the board as early
as June Is. only a few days after the Shively
complaiut was fled. The following is
copy Of a letter sent TO Morgan by the sec
Tetary:
SAN FRANCISCO, June IS, 1892.
Colonel r. Z. Morgan, Palace Hotel, san
francisco. CaI.-DEAR SIR: Onr board being
DESTROYS Of obtaining the services OF AN eXDeH'
enced engineer and expert IN railroad mattets
aud learning that you are he the city, am lh-
structed by President Rca Of this board 10 ascer-
tain whether you are open 10 make an engage
nent with the board 10 investigate aud inform
them particularly Ia reference 10 what would be
just and equitable rates Of freights ana Iares,
taking into account operating expenses ana al
other matters Of general import bearing thereon
and affecting the operation OF railroad IN thls
State. Kindly inform me at your earliest con-
venience WHEELER you can devote sulHcleht tiihe
10 an Inquiry OF Ibis magnitude 10 enable you 10
fully advise The commission, who are deslI Gus
mat such a report be made as soon as possible.
il your answer 10 the foregoing be favorable,
please give me your references, terms; etc
JAMES Y. KELLY,
Secretary Railroad Commission Of California.
Three DAYS later Colonel Morgan replied,
declaring his willingness TO serve as an In
yestgatOr or expert provided regular uni
form rates" were paid for bis services. His
letter was also read; 1t IS as follows:
THE EXPERTS REPLY.
PALACE HOTEL,
SAN Francisco dune -. 1892.
James =. keith, Secretary Board Of Railroad
Commissioners - DEAR SIR: X plying 10 your
favor OF the 18th inst, l understand from II
that the commission desire to have report
made upon the tariff Of charges OF The railway
companies Of California for the transportation
bl pcfbOnb duu uIOptil1--ls c. ldhibB INV AZ
count operating expenses and all other matt rs
Of general imD0t bearing thereon and affecting
the operation Of railroads IN this STATE" tie
question is, are their charges unjust or inequit.
able or nOt2 aud If they ought 10 BE- modified TO
make them Just and equitable IN what respect
ana degree? To accomplish a woIk of such
magnitude and Importance vi h reasonable ac-
curacy as promptly as you desire aud as Is feas-
ible all the aids the authority OF The commission
can command and that the railway companies
themselves can readily give should be available.
1t would be necessary Tor me 10 acquire by
personal observation aud investigation, addl-
tional knowledge OF the physical CONDITIONS az
feeting each read, aud also OF the resources,
present and prospective, OF each.
After few days necessary 10 complete re-
mort / am now engaged upon for English capital,
i shall have the time N my disposal and, so lar
as may b. able, viii prepare report upon tie
ouestfOn IL tie Commissioners desire H. Ny
terms have been uniform for more tDan 10
wears and are not uHreaSOnably high. They ~
cIude all expenses necessary 10 acquire aud pre-
pare The data essential 10 The Work may be ell
eaged uron. AS requested, inciose my pro
fessiopal letter, which contains the testimony OF
acme fhir5 parties in respect 20 myself. Await.
ing your further pleasure, / remain respectfully
yours hlChAhD J. NiOiA@AN'
NOTHING NEW TO ADD.
Colonel Morgan was present at the meet