The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-09-02
STANTON MEETS CLUA|E,
The Railroad Commissioner
Says That They Are Still
Good Friends.
HE EXPLAINS HIS ATTITUDE.
Why He Was Inclined to Grant the
Company's Application for
Delay.

Railroad Commissioner Stanton de-
clared yesterday in just SO many words
that he intended to do his duty toward
the people in the present movement for re-
duced railway rates. incidentally, he
added that Andrew ]. Clunie was still his
friend, or, at least, DIR. Stanton said be be-
lieved that they were very good friends.
It was Clunie who made the doctors fight
in the State Democratic convention and
nominated him, and when, as Railroad
Commissioner, Stanton would not vote on
La Rue's resolution calling for compre-
hensiye reduction of freight rates in Cali
fornla at least Is per cent, Clunie ex-
pressed his feelings in strong language. In
spite of this, however, they remain good
friends.
The doctor explained his position with
regard to the adjustment of rates, though
he was very cautious not to commit HIM
self on any point which might prejudice
the case in question in favor of the rail-
way company.
81 felt it was the proper course to pur-
sue,'' said he, after some thought "that
when the railroad urged delay yesterday
to give them the time asked, but mean
while to take up the complaint laid before
the commission from the Salinas Valley.
"There was clear case OF dlscrlmlDa-
ton there. 1t was given IN HE CALL
this morning, and 1T was one that called
for prompt action.
"In matters of discrimination in rates
the railroad people are as competent to
present their arguments Immediately as
in week in favor of this discrimination.
The whole matter of rate-makIng is arbl-
trary, and there must be some reason for
discriminating. For instance, DR.. Con-
zales complained that if relief were not
given the Salinas Valley farmers they
would be comp PEELED to convert their wheat
lands into cattle ranges. Here is the petit
ton:
The rate of So per ton for grain from Con-
zales to San Francisco is manifestly unjust
when but So so per ton is charged for SINH
lar amount of grain hauled from Pismo to San
Francisco, a greater distance by ll6 miles. In
shipping our grain we are, by reason OF the
exorbitant charges, compelled to pay the
Southern Pacific Company one-fourth the
crop. In many cases, particularly when the
grain is poor il quality, we are compelled TO
go further and give an amount equal1ng one
sack in every three.
pay the exorbitant freight rate OF SO 40 per
ton for the actual necessaries OF lie shipped
here from the. City OF San Francisco. II the
condition of affairs now existing is allowed to
continue for any length OF time we will be
forced to convert our valuable agricultural
lands into cattle ranges, at great loss.
There seems to me to be no reason why
discrimination of that sort. In this case
the rates, compared with other rates, are
unreasonable and unjust, and the Salinas
Valley is entitled to reduction. And,
further, wherever that condition is found
in the State there should be an immediate
reduction in favor of the farmer. Now my
plan has been to give farmers in the Salinas
Valley, or in any other part OF California
where such determinations exist, the
benefit of a reduction, and then take up
Mr.. La Rue's resolution as it stands and
give them the additional benefit of the Is
per cent horizontal cut.
off it were decided to give or 7. or say
10, per cent reduction to place them on an
equal position with people faVorably stu
ated in the matter of rates, then We would
have a level plane upon which to make Mr..
La Rue's resolution applicable. The people
in the Salinas Valley don't ask anything
unfair, anything unjust, to my mind.
'sMy argument on the La Rue resolution
was that we should first have adjusted all
determinations wherever they existed, so
that we could have an equitable basis for
our calculations in making 10 per cent or
other reduction"
s'That might delay everything until the
crops were moved, and then the farmer
would have to wait for another year for
benefits of the reduction" was suggested
to the doctor.
lit was not INTENDED TO cause delay, Dut
on the contrary to give relief at once
where it was most needed, and then to
lose no time in following it up with gen.
eral reduction. If we had taken up the
matter yesterday concerning the Salinas
Valley it would certainly have placed the
farmers there in more favorable position
at the termination of the investigation.
Our time spent so far in it should have
been given to these determinations
II am in favor of meeting the issue at
any point and meeting it squarely."
John Boggs, Democrat OF forty years
allegiance to his party, and a resident of
Colusa County for an equal number of
years, was seen at the Palace Hotel last
evening. Concerning the recent record of
the Railroad Commissioners he said:
II do not reside in this railroad district.
Mr.. La Rue is the member from the district
in which Colusa County is situated. The
farmers, SO far as | know, are very well
pleased with his course in the board. I
am not prepared to say that DR.. Stanton,
the mem Der from the San Francisco dis
trict, has disappointed the farmers of this
State. I understand that he solemnly
pledged the convention which gave him
the nomination that he would vote for
reduction of rates, and if he fails to stand
by that pledge the farmers will be greatly
disappointed"
John Boggs was chairman of the cele.
brated Democratic convention at San Jose
which nominated General Stoneman for
Governor and W. W. Foote for railroad
Commissioner.
EGVpTTAN REG0RDS