The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1893-02-13
LEEDS GOOD WORK.
lie Began the Movement to Gust the
Commissioners.

While the ropOsitiOn TO abolish the CON-
mission is largely the result of a general
realization that the body could not be kept
out OF tile practical control OF the railroad
monopoly. the actual movement is the re-
suit Of the agitation begun nearly year
ago by the Traffic Association through Gen
eral Manager Leeds.
In some OF his communications to the
ad Commission Mr.. Leeds states very
empha tically the urgent need for a revision
of railway tariffs In California. and Illus
trates the alacrity with which the Commits
sioners have moved in the performance of
their duties. His first letter calling the at
tentiOn Of the commission 10 the necessity
tor relief from burdensome freight tariffs
was written in February last, as follows:
Gentlemen: You are doubtless aware that
more OF less complaint OF very general ehar-
8cteT IS made through the press OF lie Staie, ana
otherwise, Of extensive transportation charges
by the carriers within The limits OF the State.
and, as my observation goes, not without some
reason. You have, no doubt, found by coDDaTi-
son Of the rates chaIged within the limits Of
your jurisdiction with the tariffs IN effect in
many of The States OF the West, no more faVOra-
bly, situated Than this, marked difference,
greatly 10 the disadvantage OF California. 1
think you Will agree with NE that II California Is
10 continue 10 grow and keep pace with the
other States, under practically equal conditions
in the aggregate, the rates OF transportation
on their products 10 market, and The dist ibu-
tIOn Of merchandise and such commodities as 20
into general use, should be no greater than are
paid for substantially the same service else
where.
IL IS a self-eVldent fact that the wealth OF
community is The product OF their labor, and
Duless that product can be disposed OF at
pTofjt 10 material gain can result. Furthermore,
Thai this STATE cannot grow IN population by
immigration more rapidly than employment can
he secured for those who come on subs iantlaly
as good terms as can be had IN other sections Of
fhis country all things considered. A great
disDatiIv In The cost OF transportation does eK-
Isl. and 10 such an extent as 10 seriously Impede
lie prosperity OF the State IN all industries which
are in any way dependent upon transportation,
and ID Is very certain thai such widespread com
EJaInt as We have heard cannot exist without
foundation IN fact. The conditions are such as
10 call for prompt and vigorous investigation as
10 the material facts. with special reference 10
the prices charged for service performed win
rrIafion 10 the same service III other oilIohs
az tbe country and The necessary powers e1eI-
cised 10 correct any evils II found 10 exist.
The ueope Of the State naturally look 10 ~. y. as
their chosen servants TO diligently serve .aeil
interests IN this connection, and expsct lnat,
mon proper investigation, you VIII pioceea 10
no % IL Is evident That fb9Te 10 some oeledcJ
IN lie paft 81 the iSdiVlduals about makIns
specific aud indisual complaints OUT ius - III, IN
necessary uader The laws Of Inc sta'e' "hi0n