The record-union., 1893-01-28
MORE RAILROADS NEEDED
Adverse Legislation Would be a Stu
pendoUs Bluuder.
From the Santa Rosa Republican. ]


We do not know of any difference of
opinion among the people Of California
as to the necessity for legislation under
which the railroads can be compelled to
pay their taxes, past, present and future
Men may differ as to the legislation that
will accomplish this result, but all are
united on the proposition that such result
should be reached.
There are other propositions under dis
cussion at Sacramento for railroad legis-
lation about the wisdom of which there
may be difference Of opinion.
1t would be very nice to have passenger
tariffs reduced to two cents per mile. as
Is proposed in one of the bills before the
Legislature. 1t would be sill nicer To
have them reduced to one cent per mile.
But would it be wise for this State, under
existing conditions, to enact laws fixing
such rates in California? We do not
thinkso, and we have good reasons for
our opinion.
All shippers, producers and consumers
would like to have freight rates materl-
ally lowered. We are of the opinion that
the railroad companies can and should do
considerable in the matter of such reduce
tlons. Their schedules are not as fair
and impartial as they should be- These
are matters that should receive immedi-
ate attention, and we should have legis-
lation under which justice in regard to
them can be enforced. At the same time
the enactment OF retaliatOry measures as
punishment for past offenses by trans
portation companies may result in more
harm than good.
We need more railroads in California.
The future development of the State calls
Tor additional transcontinental lines and
greatly increased mileage within her
boundaries. Nothing can be clearer to
most people than this, some railroad men
to the contrary nNtVyitbStandiuor rTba
enactment of laws under which railroad
property in California will become nm
profitable will prevent the construction
Of these needed lines.
In the past few months we have heard
considerable in regard to the Iowa and
Kansas laws. How many roads have
been built in these States since the enact
ment of the present statutes? None of
any consequence. The people there were
wise enough to get their roads first and
then enact the laws for their control.
Suppose we enact similar laws? SuD-
pose rates are reduced to the point that
railroading in California will not pay as
trains are now run, what will be the re-
suit? There can be but one answer to
this question. Fewer and slower trains
will be run at less expense within the
state and the tariffs on our through East
ern shipments of fruits, that must 90 to
market quickly, will be raised to meet
Lne losses OF the company in operating its
lines in California where controlled by
State laws. Thus an increased burden
Will be placed upon our fruit producers
and this industry will suffer accordingly.
We cannot think ofanything that would
be more disastrous to the general welfare
here now than legislation that will pre-
vent the construction of transcontinental
lines of railroad into and through this
State. 1t would kill a hope that has lodg-
ment in many communities and give us,
instead, discouragement and stagnation
OF business.
Such legislation would be specially
burdensome to the northern and central
portions of the State. Southern California
is already provided with competing lines.
This competition has been an important
factor in pushing that section to the front.
The general division Of land into small
tracts enables the roads TO do profitable
business at less rates there than here.
Legislation that would result in poorer
service north ofthe Tehachapi Mountains
and prevent railroad building in this
great region would be a stupendous
bIunder. 1t would give our southern
neighbors great advantage over us.
Candor, fairness and good judgment
should characterize the legislation on this
subject. Such roads as have been made
to cost more than they are worth should
not be permitted to receive more than
would be fair earnings for a properly
constructed and properly managed line.
Such legislation as will permit fair re-
turns on roads honestly built and
economically operated would not dis
courage legitimate railroad building, and
we have no use for any other kind.