The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1894-09-16
JUSTICE AT LAST.

The wholesome ruling OF Judge Will
Jams in the case of the government
against the Missouri Pacific railroad will
strike responsive cord in the mind OF
every lover of fair play in the west. A
careful reading of the opinion will
readily dispel the idea of any strained
construction of the law or any leanings
in either direction. 1t is plain, honest
Interpretation of the law enacted for the
very purpose of rIghting the wrongs
complained of in this action, and sup
Elemental to the functions which con-
gress clearly intended to delegate TO the
commerce commission. The defect
which leaves the commission powerles5
to enforce its own rulings necessarily
invokes the aid of court of equity, ana
right fortunate it is for the people of
central and western Kansas that this case
should fall into the hands of court which
fearlessly news 10 the lines of justice,
regardless Of any or all influences which
may be arrayed against it. 1t has been
said Of Judge Williams that he should
live thousand years to preside over the
court, and the compliment is not extrav-
agant This ruling certainly supplies a
most wholesome contrast to other deci-
sions which have served no better pur-
dose than to delay the long prayed for
and much needed relief.
Now that we have gained a point,
every citizen of Wichita should person.
ally interest himself in pursuing this
fight to finish. 1t has been suggested
that the city council should take the
matter up and, in its official capacity, to
aid the prosecution in every way posi-
bic. If It involves the employment of
counsel let it be done. If it can be used
as organized authority directly from the
people let it speak IL man.
ner which traffic managers
tolerate no foolishness. Upon the sue
cessful issue of this suit depends the
life and growth of Wichita. Every en-
terprise, every line of industry and even
the life and growth of this city depends
upon equitable rates, and there must be
no backward step-no faltering in indi-
vidual or united effort. We have the
law, tersely stated in Judge Williams
opinion. The commission is to keep
itself thoroughly informed as to all the
operations of every common carrier in
the United States engaged in interstate
and whenever, in the course
of its investigations, it discovers abuses
which affect the public commercial in
terests injuriously, its duty is at once
to have such abuses suppressed, and
if need be to call in the strong
arm of the government, through
its appointed courts TO enforce the pro-
visions of the law" There is no am
biguity or double meaning in this law.
Like all other laws, this, as well as the
courts established to enforce it, are the
of the people. No other rights
are involved save those of the people,
and fair recognition of these rights
imposes no hardship on the roads con-
;tructed and operated for their use.
They hold valuable franchises direct
rom the people. They rely on the
public for support, and they justly |
owe it to the public to make no dis
against localities or classes.
Let the traffic associations and managers
stand aside for once, and give the people
and the courts a chance to interpret
he law,