The morning call., 1894-07-01
UNCLE SAM INVOLVED.
Some Steps Must Be Taken to Move
the Mails

WASHINGTON, June 30.-Unless there is
some movement of mails out of San Fran
cisco within few days Judge Mcguire will
make this matter one of Congressional &C
tion by resolution. There seems to be
great diversity of opinion among public
men here as to whether the fault lies with
the strikers or with the railway managers.
1t is assumed by some tnat the roads could
transport mails without an interference
from the strikers If they were so disposed.
Representative Loud Of California is a
prominent member Of the House Commit
tee on Postoffices and Postroads. He said
to-day that the agreements between the
Government and the various railroads con-
cerning the transportation of mails did not
amount to contracts except in one case,
that of the New England and Florida spe-
cial. which receives subsidy. In all other
cases there Is no contract but it is op-
tienal With the Postoffice Department tO
terminate an agreement with railroad at
any time. The agreements provide for
many contingencies of obstruction and de-
lay, such as wind and snowstorms and
wrecks. II the Postmaster-G General Is
convinced that road Is doing all in its
the other hand, it is willfully neglectful, he
can tolerate the delay or fine the road in
his discretion.
Judge Mcguire said to THE CALL cor
respondent to-day concerning the stop
page of mails between San Francisco and
Chicago: "The failure to transport mails
is wholly upjustfiabls upon the facts as
they now appear. The strike does not
prevent the transportation of mail, and
does not interfere with the operation of
mail and passenger trains In any way. as
understand it, except to the extent of
preventing the carrying OF Pullman Sleep
ing cars. The quarrel between the rail-
road companies and the men Is purely
private, but the refusal of the companies
to carry mails or to operate regular trains
for the convenience of the public is an at
tempt on the part of the companies to
draw the public and the Government into
the quarrel on their side. This should
not be permitted. The railways are
public highways in the broadest
sense Of that term. The rights
Of way have all been acquired
either direct or indirectly through or
under the law of eminent domain for
public uses. The exclusive privilege of
controlling such highways was given to
companies as a mere matter of expsdiency,
but only for the public advantage. They
have no right to use such privileges to the
detriment of the public. and whenever,
through Quarrels with their employees or
any other cause, they are disabled from
rendering the public service for which
their privilege was granted, it becomes in
expedient to allow them to longer control
such privileges over public highways.
This Government should insist on the
transportation of the mail. Failing in that
there should be provision made for its
transportation through Government agen-
ces. even if it be neces sary to take possess
sion of post roads, whether railroads or
turnpikes, and operate them or provide
for their operation.
"The department. of Justice, in giving
instructions for the prosecution of men
who refuse to handle Pullman coaches,
seems to have overlooked the very inn
portant fact that.the railroad companies,
and not the strikers. are really preventing