The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1894-11-04


Among the items of expenditure
disclosed py tho examination of the
affairs of the Central Pacific Railroad
company by the United States commits
sioners appointed in 1887. was an item
aggregatiug "a, 500. 900, for which nc
vouchers were produced, MIR. Leland
Stanford, under oath, was asked the
question as to how that money had been
expended, and declined to answer. The
vouchers were not produced. Tho COM
missionera report that 1t was evident
that at least a large portion OF that
money had been expended for improper
purposes. 1t 10 needless for me to say
that with the people of California no
such vouchers are needed. They are
written in the shameful records OF the
public men OF this state, who have been
corrupted and seduced from their allie
glance to the people whom they were
supposed to represent, by this corrupt
power. In San Francisco in this cam
paign the office of Mr.. w. w. Stowe
is open and we'll known to all. He
keeps the railroad political black list. in
which are inscribed the names of all men
who in public life have dared to stand
up and Oppose the nefarious plans of his
corporation, and he has the assistance
of his political agents and newspapers
in every county. So used have we be-
come to considering this fact as a mat.
ter OF course that without indignation,
and in fact as if it we're matter for
merriment, we refer to the railroads. in.
terest and corruptive influences in all po-
liticsl affairs.
The opportunity lie presented to the
voters of this state this year not only to
settle this railroad question forever, but
to reduce the cost OF freights and fares
upon all transcontinental roads by at
least 90 per cent. This would be the
necessary and immediate result OF the
operation by the government of the
Central and Union Pacific railroads and
the establishment of rates bssed upon
the actual value OF the property and not
upon lite fictitious value.
This, however, cannot be accomplished
without the vigorous and united action
OF the people, irrespective of party.
THE HARBoR QUESTION.
Asan illustration of the exorbitant de-
msnds OF this corporation, may refer
to the pending attempts to throttle the
commerce and industry of Los Angeles
and to subject it to the same blighting
influence which has we'll nigh destroyed
the commerce of Oakland and San Fran.
cisco. After having for years enjoyed
the benefits of a railroad terminus at
San Pedro, and in the possession OF am.
pie and adequate terminal facilities, the
railroad company has suddenly con-
Guided that it would be better for the
people of Los Angeles and the CONNER
oial interests of Southern California
that this harbor should be abandoned
and new one constructed at Santa
Monica. 1t may be remembered that
before this determination was
reached, after two boards of gov.
eminent engineers had unanimous.
ly reported in favor of the con-
struction of hRrbor at San Pedro, and
it, not only as a cheaper
but as q better site, and after eastern
capital had been invited by the
held out of government
harbor at that place to invest in a
water front and in the construction of q
line which offered the hope OF CONNER.
cal competition. the Southern Pacific
proceeded to Santa Monica,
after having secured to itself and to Sen.
ator John P. Jones, who is member OF
the committee on commerce of the
United States oenate. the control OF
the whole available water front, de-
that the government harbor
should be constructed at that point.
The merits OF this question have been
go fully and completely discussed in the
take up time in repeating it. Last
spring this question was submitted to
vote of the chamber of commerce of
this city, and notwithstanding the
most tremendous efforts upon the
part of the railroad company, assisted
then as now by the hired columns of the
railroad organ in this city, the Evening
Express. the railroad project was de-
feated by an overwhelming majority.
So earnest was the chamber upon the
question that it was resolved that some
should be sent to WASH
iugton to represent the interests OF the
freedom of Los Angeles.
solicitation WAS selected for
that task. spent nearly two months
at Washington, where to the best OF my
ability labored to secure an appropria-
ton for the commencement Of the work
at San Pedro. In this labor the Demo-
cratic senator from California, the Hon.
Stephen III. White, was active and Darn
est. Mr.. Huntington Wac in Washing
ton, backed by the most powerful lobby
" hich has ever been gathered together
in behalf of nefarious scheme, and the
result was that instead of securing the
of the work, as we had hoped to
do, We were compelled to accept at least
a delay in the commencement of the
same. Upon my return from Washing
ton it was represented to me that in the
jnterasts of the commercial freedOm of
Southern California which l had repre-
this contes for congress-. l have done
Of this district the facts in regard to
this matter. with truth and candor.
have turned their attention to the clear
issue which is presented by the silence
Of the Republican platform upon the
railroad question, and by the explicit
declaration and party pledge of the
Democratic platform upon that subject.
have suggested to them that this is
the first opportunity which has been
presented in 30 years to settle this ques-
ton, and that If it be allowed to slip
through their hands. it will be the last
opportunity. / have called their atten-
ion to the fact that If dele
cation ia elected to congress in
his state which will be COM
oacent to the railroad or Indifferent
Upon the subject, that there will be re-
ported and passed, not necessarily tie
Reilly bill. but some other bill extend
ng the time OF payment of the govern
nent debt, and that whenever such
scton is taken, it in effect transfers. the
burden of the payment OF it from the