Fairhaven herald. [volume] (Fairhaven, Wash.) 1890-????, 1893-01-19
IMPORTANT BODIES IN SESSION


bodies in session, one at Olympia and
the other in st. Paul, which have il in
their power TO do much good for the
state of Washington, and to greatly
relieve the people from the effects Of
the dull times which have prevailed
here for the two years last past. These
two bodies are different in character
and organization, and can accomplish
most by working in different ways.
Much legislation is apt to be rather
hurtful than beneficial. Every act
should be in the direction of retrench-
ment and economy. The burdens of
taxation should be made as light as
possible, and there should be no legis-
lation which will in any way discour-
age the introduction of foreign capital
for investment in any Of the great
enterprises which tend to develop the
resources Of the state. II the Legislature
will do these things and adjourn II
will deserve and receive the gratitude
Of the people. 1t is rather negative
than affirmative action which is desir-
able at Olympia.
Not so with the body in session at st.
Paul. A settlement Of the rate ques-
tons favorable TO the interests OF Puget
Sound will solve for us all the prob
lens Of development. Heretofore we
have been almost as much at the mercy
Of one corporation as California
has been, and every place west of
the mountains has felt its power
and many have suffered from it. 1t
was perhaps the course pursued by the
Northern Pacific which caused pro-
vision to be incorporated in the state
constitution directing the legislature
TO pass general laws fixing maximum
rate Of freights and fares, and which
made it seem necessary for the gov
ernor to recommend not only such leg
islation but also the appointm mt Of a
railroad commission, and which has
aroused such feelings amongst the peo-
pie as makes 1t greatly to be feared that
some extreme measures may be incor.
porated into the legislation of the state.
Such course would be unwise, what
ever may be thought Of the general
principles Of such attempt on the part
Of the state to regulate these matters.
1t would not be difficult to show that
as a whole freights are not unreason-
ably high, although this is not true of
all classes ofgoods, nor is 1t true Of all
places. The difficulty lies not 30 much
In high rates as In the matter of dis
elimination, and II this point could be
thoroughly understood IL would be a
long stride toward solution Of many
Of the difficulties attending the sub
ject.
Determinations are Of three kinds,
all Of which have been much practic ID
by railway managers, and especially is
this the case where there IS no compe-
tition, as in this state up to
the present time. Discrimina-
ton against some points and
IN iaVor OF others, discrimination
against some individuals and In favor
OF Others and discrimination against
certain articles In favor Of Others are
the three modes pursued by the mana
gers In making rates, and in many other
matters pertaining cooperation Of roads,
as witness the years of effort on the
part Of the Northern Pacific to foster
the interests Of the city Of Tacoma at
the expense Of other points 10 the state.
1t was against the system Of dscrim-
ination that the interstate commerce
law was directed, but so far II has
proven a failure. At least II has not
succeeded to any great extent, nor has
any Of the legislation on that subject
succeeded In removing the evil. The
experiment Of fixing rates Of freights
and fares by law has been going on for
many years now, and different states