The record-union., 1894-05-05

and those having the highest rates are
used by smaller class. and to less ex-
tent. This adjustment thus distributes
the necessary burden where 1t IS most
easily borne.
1.-The rule will be recognized by all as
right, and Determinations which fairly
follow from it are therefore Just. In the
results of such determinations the interests
of the community and the carriers are the
same. the increased business and conse-
quent prosperity of the one being the in
creased traffic and profits of the other"
REMOVAL OF PREJUDICE AND MIscoN-
CEPTION.
But however just a discrimination
made by the carrier alone 1t will be cause
for complaint and discomfort by those 1t
does not benefit. So grows up the idea
that the welfare of the railroad and OF the
community are opposed.
But such cases referred to the decision
OF commission representing the people,
subject to appeal to the courts, would ST.
lence complaint, tend to remove prejudice
and effect greater good than under the
paternal policy attempted in the past.
STRONG CoNcuRRENcE.
A distinguished member of the Inter-
state Commerce Commission has said on
this subject:
''The concession is quite general among
shippers, that, with some exceptions,
rates as a whole are low enough, and they
often express surprise that the service
can be rendered at the prices charged.
The proper relation of rates is now the
vital question, and one important phase
OF the problem of to-day is how, in the
interest both OF the carriers and the ship
pers, to so adjust the rates that neither
communities nor certain kinds OF traffic
will be unduly burdened or unduly
favored.
"Hhe private corporations which ope-
rate our railroads do so with view to re-
sulting net revenue, and are entitled, as q
matter OF private right, to fair remunera-
ton: but in apportioning charges in
tended to produce such revenue among
the communities they serve and the kinds
of traffigthey carry, they touch the pub
lie interest with vital effect at every point
and, while keeping within the rule of
just and equal rates to individuals, their
| prime duty as public carriers is to apply
such rates to localities and the diversified
| traffic they carry in relatively just pro-
| portions" (Hon. W. g. Veazey, address
at Worlds Railway Commerce Congress,
Chicago. 1893. p 29.)
| MORAL AND PRACTICAL GAINS MADE.
The restrictions now placed upon
legislative action have assured us
moral and practical gains. concludes
Mr.. Lansing. Railroad companies
are low allowed to keep out
of politics. There is opportunity for a
cleaner class of politicians to make our
laws and undertake their administration.
Thus there is more likelihood than ever
before of the State exercising it's powers
more eXtendedly by their restriction to
the securing equalness and TO preventing
! injustice. This is the fundamental pur-
pose for which government was insti-
/ tuted and the more its action is limited
to this end the greater the. protection to
! life, the broader the liberties of the peo-
pie and the more security will be given
to their property.
THE TRUE FUNCTION OF GOVERNMENT.
AS the facts with us in railroad matters
| prove, SO history establishes that when
the functions of government extend be-
yond the limits of securing justice there
is most likelihood of transgression OF
| justice.
Though done under forms of law, to
take from one person or class for the BEN
eft of another is the same in principle
with Governments as with persons, and
in individuals and in practice results the
same, concludes the essayist. conclusion
! that is the epitome of truth and wisdom.
! He concludes his able paper with this
sententious expression: 80, with the
acts of the State as with the conduct OF
the individual, that which is just will be
found also to be expedient and produce
In the end the greatest good"