The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1894-08-14
The Fight Against Pullman.

The attorney general OF Illinois has
filed with the federal circuit court at
Chicago petition asking leave to bring
an information against the Pullman Car
Company for a writ to compel the com
pany to show cause why its charter
should not he forfeited. The company
has been operating Its model town" of
Pullman for something like fourteen
years, and for a longer time than that,
probably, IT. has been owning stock in
other companies. But it seems to have
just occurred TO the authorities that in
operating hotels. water works, gas works,
etc, and in owning theaters and churches,
and in holding the stock of other compa-
MES, the Pullman company has been
transcending the terms of its charter.
The attorney general is quoted as hav-
ing said, when he filed his petition, that
his action meant flight to a finish" with
the Pullman company. Under the limits
of the company's charter, the very act
of establishing and conducting town is
an infraction of the law, " says the attor-
ney general, and in another sentence he
says, The whole power and machinery
brought into this prosecution"
1t is desirable, of course, that the Pull
man company, and all other companies,
be made to comply with the law If the
Pullman company, or any other company,
has violated its charter, it should be made
to pay the penalty of its illegal act.
Trusts are dangerous, and should be dis
cOuraged by every legal means.
Under the circumstances, however, it
appears that there is as much of politics
as of love for the law in this sudden
awakening to the wickedness of the
Pullman company. The company has
been a landlord for fourteen years, but
until there was discomfort among the
tenants there was no suggestion that the
landlord was exercising his functions
Illegally.
The recent strike and boycott in the
west have made the name of the Pullman
company one for small politicians to con-
jure with BY nagging the company they
hope TO capture the votes of the people
who engaged in the strike and boycott
against Pullman. 1t seems to be lost
sight of that the company has any rights
whatever. There is a great cry made
because the company demands of some
people who occupy its houses that they
pay rent or surrender the premises Moth
ing is involved in this but right of prop
erty, which must be sustained or no mans
property would be safe. The Pullman
company is not a charitable institution
1t has never posed as such. 1t is bust
ness concern, and according to informa-
ton, mas been run on business principles
If the attorney general of Illinois can
show that the company exists illegally, it
is his duty to do so. But until he does so.
and unless he does so very soon. public
opinion will be apt to charge him with
having been influenced in his action by
idle clamor for an attack upon CAPT
/. tai and its representatives.
. Democratic harmony is getting so thick
and all-pervading in Texas that when the
daily newspapers that come from that
state are unwrapped the blessed aroma
| OF harmony comes floating up from be-
tween the folds. The Houston Post saws
both Gov. Hogg and Judge Reagan are in
! line with the party sentiment; that judge
Reagan has repudiated all overtures from
the populists, and that neither the gov
ernor nor the judge will wear a single
dab Of war paint TO the Dallas convention.
The governor and the Judge will make a
stand for their silver views, but what
ever the convention may do the party will
remain solid.
Miss Pollard will make her appearance
as a theatrical star during the coming
season. A New York manager has found
place for her. She will play in a com
edy-drama called "Tennye" 1t is chart
table to wish for the woman such success
on the stage as will make her past UNI
thought of in connection with her pres
emit
II the Senate is wise it will not 60 TO in
terfering with the peoples elections, in
Alabama or elsewhere. The Senate is
not popular institution as it is, and its
most sensible policy would be TO keep in
the background just as much as possible.
II it doesn't the people may get up and
throw a rock at it that will hurt.