The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1894-04-13
Topeka NOTES.
LETTER NO. 8.

LETTER NO. 8.
Special to the GRAPHIC.
TOPEKA, KANSAS, April 11th.-|
For many years tho transportation
question has been one of surprising
Importance to the people of Kansas
The question has been discussed by
men of all shades Of opinions; news
papers have been furnished with arti-
cles calling attention to the unjustness
of the existing freight rates, and legis-
latures have been petitiOned for re-
dress. The legislature in 1888 enacted
the present railroad law, creating a
board of railroad commissioners and
comforting upon them certain powers.
For a time after the passage of this
law public telling was allayed to very
large extent. Later the people dis
covered that, either OH account of the
lameness of the Law or the inefficiency
of the railroad commissioners, no re-
lief WAS afforded, Again the agitation
of the question WAS renewed with
vigor, and SINCE that time scarcely
platform has been adopted by either
of the political parties in the stat g.
that did not contain plank demand
ing railroad legislation and reduc-
| ton in the exlIOrbltant freight rate
charges. In the campaign of 1890
this agitation eliminated in electing a
large majority to the lower house of
men pledged to radical reform on this
question, and as result the populist
house Of representatives passed what
is known rs the maximum Freight
Rate Bill" This bill was defeated by
the republican senate which left the
Ematter still undecided. In the cam
paign Of 1892 the question was again
brought prominently before the people.
The platforms Of both political parties
Incorporated vigorous resolutions
favorlng railroad legislation and re-
duction of freight rates. In obedience
to these demands the populist senate
in 1898 past the minimum Nreight
Rate Bill.'' but it failed to be consid
cred by the republican HOUSE. and the
result was the legislature again ad-
journed without hAving affected any
reform on this question.
1t has been the ainiland determination
Of the. present state Sfficials to redeem
ery!eromise made to the people so
far as lay in their power, and true to
their pledges, the present board of
railroad commissioners has been
zealOusly at work for months on
the detail work of formulating a just
and eqitable schedule or tariff freight
rate sheet for the entire state of Kan
sas. They have progressed far enough
so that it is safe to say that should
the schedule as contemplated be put
into effect it Will.save to the people of
Kansas, on a basis of last years bust.
ness, several million dollars. 1t IS
their earnest desire to treat all inter-
ests involved with exact and even JUS
tice. After full and patient invest
igatiOn of this important problem they
have DECIDED to take action in accord
ance with Section Is of the rail
road commissioners act of 1888, which
will put the farmers, stock shipper and
the merchants IN the small interior
towns OH an equal basis with the
larger ones.
The board is to he congratulated
for the care and energy exercised in
this work. They took sufficient time
after being installed into Office to
fully acquaint themselves with the
duties pertaining thereto and have
proceeded in this matter cOnscien-
tiOusly as they believe to be their duty
and their actions will be approved and
appreciated by long suffering people
regardless of past OF present political
1 affiia tiOnS.
| J. NJ p