Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1894-10-31
RECORD OF REFORMS
What Has Been Done For the Ad.
Vancement of the Farming and
Kindred Interests Of
Minnesota.
RESULTS OF REPUBLICAN EFFORT.
Plain and Simple Facts That Voters
Should Remember When Cast
ing Their Ballots Next
Tuesday.

The points in which legislation toucIfe,
most nearly the farming interests oi
/ Minnesota are the regulations relating
to the marketing and carriage of grain.
| Whatever concessions have been made
by corporate interests in these particu-
lars, and whatever safeguards have been
| thrown about the farmers interest, are
to be credited to the Republican legis-
latures by which laws were passed, and
to the Republican governors who, in
many instances, originated them, and
i'll all cases approved them. There was
a time when the grain grower of Min.
nesota was wholly at the mercy of two
combinations, acting usually in har-
mony with each other. The rail-
roads were entirely uncontrolled
in the leyying of freight rates,
and the elevators were equally absolute
in their system Of grading and charges.
The transfer from Il regime of these
two monopolies to thu system of justice,
fair play and free market, which pre-
walls today, has been accomplished
under Republican auspices.
Grain Inspection Established.
The inspection and weighing of grain
at terminal points has been under cor
troll of state authority for more than
nine years. The effect of legislation
during that time, and of the control of
the railroad and warehouse commission,
has been to establish and maintain
fair, equitable and uniform system Of
inspection at the terminal points, and a
careful and accurate method of weigh
ing. This system, applicable only to
the central markets, seeming to be in
sufficient, there was enacted by the last
legislature, in 1898, law to extend the
supervision and authority of the COM
mission to the local markets of the
state, where, as rule, the farmer most
needs protection.
The Country Elevator Law.
Under this, known as ''The Country
Elevator Law" all warehouse men on
the railroad right Of way must be duly
licensed, operate under the commission
and make sworn reports. Disputes at
country elevators are referred to the
chief inspector of the state, who deter
mines the controversy by inspecting the
sample of grain submitted. This is a
practical method of arbitration for re-
dressing any injustice in grading at
local centers, which has been very sue
cessful in operation and is more and
more satisfactory the better it becomes
known.
That this law is formed upon sound
constitutional principles appears from
a decision Of the United States supreme
court sustaining similar law referred
to it from the state of North Dakota.
A Free Mar ket.
The law of 1887 provided for furnishing
cars to transport grain and other COM
modities to all persons who may apply,
without discrimination. The amend
nent in 1893 requires the companies to
furnish reasonable facilities at all
points of intersection for the inter
change of ears and traffic between their
lines, Another law of 1893 |
provides for the erection of grain eleva-
tors and warehouses on railroad rights
of way by any person, association or
and authorizes condemna-
ton proceedings for that purpose, Still |
another law cQmpels the construction |
af sidetraeks and switches to elevators |
and wareh houses located near the right |
Of way. From this brief survey, linn
tied mostly to recent enactment made |
during Governor Nelson's term Of |
office and embracing. altogether an ad- |
mirable, complete and equitable system
If Warehouse laws, it will be seen that
the Republican administrations of the |
state have made study of the grain
growers interest, and have furthered it
IS rapidly as experience pointed out
what was necessary to be done. This
'ygtem, as now existing, may be classi-
led as follows!
First the terminal inspection law in
;ures fair and careful inspection and
weighing of all grain which may be
shipped to the terminal points.
Second, the country warehouse law pro-
yides ample means OF relief and protection
or those!who desire to dispose of their
,roducts at the local elevator against
fraudulent practices in grading and weigh
ng,
Third, the right of way elevator law Sc
lures to any farmer or association of farm
rs the privilege of constructing their own
under reasonable restrictions
md conditions.
Fourth, ta those who desire to ship their
)wn grain and to preserve the identity of
he same, there is guaranteed the right
md privilege to demand cars for sn3h
hipment, and to secure whatever advan-
ages The terminal markets and inspec-
ion laws may afford
It is probable that this sys tenn is not
ret complete, and that further expe-
ience under it will exhibit the need Of
till other changes and additions, but it
,annot be denied that the producers of
he state have been objects of special
olicitude in the past on the part of
10Th the legislative and the executive
power.
Regulation and Reduction of Railroad
Charges.
Side by side with the development Of
he state system of grain laws has
as rapidly as the process of
egislation and the decisions of the
'OufIs Woulu permit, bne CROWN OF
mother system of control and regula-
ion of railroad freight rates, When
he railroad commission was established
a 1883, railroad rates IN general were
bout what it pleased the companies to
make them. One of the first achieve
nents OF the eemmi sion was reduc-
ion In wood rates il 1885. which were
hen cut from 30 to 50 per cant, and
lave since been placed on the basis OF
ctual COST Of hauling. Tho year follow
ng, its attention was turned TO the
natter Of passenger rates, which were
hen 81 to 4 cents per mile, These
we're reduced Ly order Of the commis-
ion to a maximum Of cents per mile.
which has been the rate in effect
,ver since. The rate is still
over than this on Communication