The Daily Texarkanian. [volume] (Texarkana, Ark.) 1894-1906, 1894-09-03
AN ANSWER TO DEPEW.
His Objection to Government Owner
ship of Railroads Criticized.

v" hSAo jill L VI AAtiiA oNtNo' 81 ShS 1 Aoh
of appearing arrogant and conceit
ed in daring to reply to one so able
and learned in railroad matters,
offer to the public the following
thoughts
Mr.. Depew's strongest point is
that government ownership will
create a public autocracy. This
carries with it the idea of govern
mental paternalism. The Ameri-
can Anglo-Saxons, and from sym
pathy all Americans, are intensely
jealous of their politicalNrights and
liberties, and though, like all Anglo
Saxons, slow moving and not in
clined to be revolutionary, will de-
mand and compel rotation in office
and they will not allow the violation
with impunity even of an unwritten
law. This applies to both persons
and parties.
Gen. Grant failed of a nomination
for third term, though supported
by such men as Roscoe Conkling,
Chauncey M. Depew himself, and
other master minds, supplemented
by the sentimental and almost idol
itrous love of the whole union peo-
pie, and especially Of the old union
soldiers-a class engaged not only
as railroaders, but in every advoca-
ton of life, Nor could all the way
ing of the bloody shirt, its grand
traditions, its heroic efforts in be-
half of human liberty II do not
speak ironically save the republi-
can party from defeat.
These are not analogous cases,
but | think they plainly prophecy
what would be the trend of public
opinion and policy. With regard
to paternalism, | know this is a
great scarecrow" for democrats,
but when they can look with COM
placency and even with commenda-
ton on a democratic president in
vading with troops sovereign
state over the protest Of its govern
or, | feel sure that much of their
apprehension will be dispelled, and
| know that no republican will OBJ
iect to a little of this Godgiven
quality, paternalism, of which, for
so many years, the few have been
the benefcidries, being extended to
the many. Nor can | conceive why
the imagination of any one should
stand appalled, from the contempla-
ton Of the consequences which
must inevitably follow"
But ! do think, in the light of rec
ent events, that private ownership
of railroads will lead to a "sea of
trouble, and unless prevented by
the strong arm Of general govern
ment, anarchy itself will sweep
down on us like night" destroying
life and property. With regard to
the safety of human life, invite
comparison between governmental
and private railroads, and in an
swer to Mr.. Depews charge that
new mechanical devices and new
scientific discoveries will not be
readily adopted by the railroads in
Europe under government control
| say Europeans, and especially con
tinental Europeans, are slow to
change their manner ofliving, their
habits Of thought, or any other
customs. Wooden shoes are today
worn in Germany. The face of the
German housewife today is the face
of the frau" of the fatherland of a
century ago. The same applies tc
the monsieur" Of the streets and
cafes of Paris.
This is the effect of monarchical
despotism; but free America, not
forced by fierce competitor, willing
ly would operate the railroads, not
for the purpose of making money,
but for the convenience, comfort
and safety Of her people Ourpub-
lie buildings, in their admirable
construction, from sanitary
point Of view, theirmassive solidity,
their architectural beauty and
their interior conveniences, are
monuments to the proof of this
theory. Add to this, free mail de-
livery, and ! think the most preju'
diced will be convinced that the
government would really expert.
ment with and adopt all useful me
chanical and scientific discoveries
even though they apply to expert
ments with the elements toprcducC
rain something the government
has already donel, or a thing al
chimerical DIS aerial navigation
Further, see no reason why any
one should be denied the luxury O
a sleeping or dining car, baggage
checlsinu etc but the system nov