The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1894-06-22
DEMOCRATS TO DEMOCRATS.
The Corporations VS.. The People "A
Railroad Commission the Paramount
Issue.

The Corporations vs. The People A
Railroad Commission the Paramount
Issue.
TO the Democracy of Florida
Prior to the democratic convention held at
Tampa in june, 1892. the corporations in control
Of the transportation lines had so encroached
upon the rights Of the people as 70 arrest atten-
ton aud awaken solicitude throughout the state.
That convention, in response to demand as
extended as tie commercial and productive in
terests affected by these entertainments, declared
in its platform Of principles, that Transports
ton being means of exchange and public
necessity, the government should control the
railroads in the interest of the state
Existing conditions have produced feeling of
disquetude, confined TO no section Of the state,
based upon the supposed inability Of the demo-
cratic party. as now organized TO redeem the
pledge OF the pc pleanvolvedin this declaration
AT a conference Of democrats, representing all
sections of the state drawn together by their fe-
atty to the democratic party, their mistaken
faith in its abiityt to redeem its pledges and
common purpose to labor for this end we were
designated eoinmitteeto publish this address to
the democrats Of Florida
We earnestly discIaim, at the outset, any an.
tagonisIn to railroads or other interpretations or
any desire or purpose to prevent capital from Sc
curing just aud liberal remuneration for its
investments; we insist that a sound public policy
would. encourage the formation of corporations
in and invite capital to- this state with view to
our transportation and industrial development,
but maintaining the duty of the people to pro
tect the rights of capital and labor alike we sub
nit 10 you this address and ask for il your careful
and conscientious consideration
FLORIDA INTEREST ASTAGoNIzED.
Relieving that the industrial, commercial and
financial interests Of Florida are antagonized by
certain great transportation corporations which
have combined TO wiring from the producers and
traders the legitimate profits Of their labor, and
believing that the people of Florida desire the
enactment Of wholesome laws winch will insure
TO themselves just treatment at the hands OF such
corporations, we appeal to the democratic voters
of this state.
We charge that these transportation compa-
MES after having received from the people and
from the state valuable franchises and privileges
also vast bodies Of public lands, are not only in
considerate of the rights Of the individual ship.
per- but are in fact, unfriendly to the best inter
ess of the state of Florida, III that they seek to
divert from the seaports of our own state and
transfer to ports IN other states the shipping bus
mess which Of right belongs to our own ports
such as Fernandina, Tampa, Punta Gorda PEN
sacoia and Jacksonville. and upon this we appeal
to the democratic people.
We charge that by extortionate and unjustifia-
bic rates of freight, also by indifference in the
matter OF handling our produce. the tendency
and effect Of their present methods OF operation
are to paralyze the vegetable, fruit, lumber,
phosphate and other industries Of Florida; and
the aggfieved shipper has present available re-
dress, and upon this we appeal to the democratic
people
We charge that they have been most persist
eut aud uniting in their efforts to prevent leg
islation that will preserve the equitable relation
ship between the producers and themselves so
necessary 10 the welfare OF our state, that their
retained attorneys and agents have acquired
high political influence, whereby these corpora
tious are enabled TO exercise undue power in
directing public affairs aud that they are now
arranging to control the next primaries and CON
MENTIONS Of the party to the end that they may
control the next legislature; and upon this we
appeal to the democratic people.
UNFAIR DIscRIarINATIoS.
We charge that by secret methods they have
given undue and unfair advantages to indiyidti.
ais, whereby practical nonopolies have been es-
tablished in certain branches of commerce to the
detriment Of all competing firms and individuals
engaged in the same business, and have prac-
ticed unjust discrimination to the great injury to
the material interests of the majority of our peo-
pie; and upon this we appeal to the democratic
people.
We charge that they have sought and are seek
ing to boycott antagonize and prevent the con-
struction and maintenance of other transporta-
ton lines over land and water which offer to the
people Of Florida reduction of the extortionate
rates Of freight in this state aud 10 and from
other portions of the United states, thereby
wrongfully depriying the people of immense
sums money annually, which constitute large
part Of their earnings, as well as denying to
them increased facilities of commercial inter
course; sand uron this we appeal to the demo.
cratic people
We charge that they have assumed through
their owners and officers The right to determine
who shall be appontedor elected to Offices in this
state, and that through their attorneys and rep
resentatIves They have sought to. turn over 10
their nonresident overs the right to name dem
ocratic officials in Florida; aud upon this we APP
peal to the democratic people
Believing that the creator is, of right. and ever
should be, superior 10 the creature, we call upon
the democratic voters of Florida TO make the
question of state control of transportation by
common carriers leading issue in the election
OF legislature this year; aud we urge that each
candidate for election TO that body be duly adj
inonished Of the condition upon which he shall
receive his nomination for office
CoRpORA cations WILL. noNflxArts
tits clear. if the existing conditions continue.
the dangeris imminent. il will not be manf
years before the state government win be placed
completely under the domination Of these cor
porations; aud il is necessary that the masses Of
democracy IN all parts Of Florida shall organize,
not only toremove the existing evils, but to avert
the greater injuries which menace the entire
people.
/ + absolutely necessary that by thorough
aud systematic organization, the masses Of the
democracy Of the state shall secure such rem.
ressnsation IN the next legislature as win assure
us Of the substitution Of some better system than
now prevails Of holding elections. Upou fair
and untrammeled expression Of popular viii Il
the poles depends the welfare 81 eur country.
| We submit this address 10 the demoerary &c
Florida with an abiding confidence that we are
voieing the sentiments aud just aspirations a. !
great majority Of the party and We urge the peo
pie % action We urge them 10 organize at once
BY the formation Of democratic clubs in every
precinct and 70 see to il that only mel, Of hon
esty and patriotism in full sympathy with the
views Of the democratic masses are sent as dele
gates e ccnVentions voted for Ia the primary
These corporations are always organized rkey
have both wealth aud inluence aud they are az.
dernined to control As corporations. they have