The morning call., 1893-02-11

be done by the Traffic Association, and by
the untrammeled press OF this city and
State.
In my opinion that which remains to be
done Is the most important work of all.
II refer to local rates. We can't get
distribution of goods in our own State.
That is our greatest curse. and the one least
able Of being cured, too.
"What we need most of all are equitable
and even rates between local points. How
can California progress when her railroads
demand double q price that the railroads
of Minnesota or Illinois or any other State
do for transporting ton of freight given
distance?
"That is the fight now. and il is worthy the
best efforts of the most pubiic-splrited men
this State possesses
ut is going on now In Sacramento, where
the Traffic Association is urging the adoD-
ton of an act 10 regulate local freight
charges.
Il can see no other way TO bring about
honest freight rates in this State than for
the whole people, through their representa-
tiyes in the Legislature, 10 demand that the
Southern Pacific do business in business
like way and TO enforce that demand.
There are many indications that local
competing lines will be established In the
near future, but in the nature Of things
some time must elapSe before they can De
put into successful operation.
Now the thing TO do is to adopt fair
and legal classification and give the courts
power ia enforce the law.
1.-The State must fix a distance tariff, be-
yOnd which the railroad cannot go.
''Such law. as outlined in the bill pro-
posed by the Traffic Association, would be
Ike putting new life into the commerce OF
this State
Nothing is needed so badly as this; moth
ing would go so far toward placing Callfor-
MIA on par with the other States of the
Union so far as trade and commerce are
concerned, as would the passage of this
law"
Suppose the law should not be passed ?"
suggested the man who had spoken first.
"Wel, we must bend our efforts 10 COM
petition, then. We have solved the trans
continental question by establishing COM
petng water routes and breaking up the
overland pool in rates. The same thing
can and VIII be done locally ii the General
Assembly should disregard the express
wishes Of their constituents as voiced at the
polls last fall.
Electric tines between interior points
are talked of for the transportation Of
freight. Take my word for II. they will be
established at once If the proposed act IS
not passed at this session.
Popular education has gone 10 such an
extent that the people will not be triiled
with any longer. They will have equitable
freight rates come what may and come as
luch may.
ut is now for the representatives Of the
people II choose whether the will Of the
people shall be thwarted for the time being
or enforced.
Il have in mind single example which
shows how the railroad is now robbing the
people of this State.
Take the grain output Of California. In
rough figures the farmers receives for the
entire product about $4,000, 600. That is
its value, or about its value on the ranches
Now the Southern Pacific system collects
annually from the local shippers of this
State So. 000,000
what an enormous drain is this on the
resources OF the State!
How can a State, taxed like this. expect
10 progress and keep aDace with the world
Think of il. the railroad collects in local
freight rates $1,000 eco more IN every year
thnn the selling price Of her greatest staple
amounts 10.
well. will he greatly surprised if the
present Legislature does not put stop to
this sort OF thing.
Il expect TO see the yoke thrown off this
State before the present Legislature ad-
juurns."
I've hope So" said the other two