The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-01-06

quent address delivered on February 2,
1895, just after the matter was referred
back to its committee. They possess par
ticular interest now and show how he
could be of value in the present struggle
against the great corporation. He spoke
as follows:
A great deal has been said about the so-called
California idea" for the settlement OF the
Pacific Rallrord question. AS some have
spoken OF IL in derision / feel called upon to
explain It in its application TO bill to enforce
existing laws relating to these railroads and
provide Tor their management by the United
States as military and post roads.
There is nothing UtOpian about 1t. 1t is the
logical result OF tendencies in the existing sys-
TEN that cannot be avoided under private con-
troll What has happened was foretOld over
half century ago. The California idea is ma
tionel and in sympathy with the highest aspi-
rations of the people for better government
ana more equitable Distribution OF It's bene-
fetal features among the masses. >
appreciate the sentiment existing against
Government ownership of railroads. but a care
ful examination wall develop the TACT that it
has not been based on the ground that 1t could
not flourish or be safely conducted reduced
cost TO the people. With some people this OPP
position Is encouraged, both for and by selfish
motives. Il can be readily imagined that pow
ers so pregnant with resources, possessing in
tiuenual ramificatiOns, can find supporters as
well as apOlOgistS.
The principal source of this opposition,
however, can be traced to the fear that such
ownership, owing to the great influence II
would lodge IN the party IN power over vast
army OF Of1ce-hOlders, and, indirectly, over the
masses, would be prejudicial TO the Republic.
The civil service has illustrated by its results
that this danger is greatly magnihed.
The powers now in control OF the railroad
Interests OF this country are thousand times
more dangerous to the well-being of the citi-
zen, TO the free exercise OF the public functions
by the various branches of our Government,
and 10 the existence OF our institutions, than
the strongest conditions that their ownership
even under the spOus system. IL would at least
possess the element OF accountability TO the
people, while that 10 which we are now subject
IS IN responsible authority not recognized by
our constitution, usurping Governmental pre-
negatives at every opportunity, and abetting
the worst form OF political corruption.
Mr. Caminetti explained that Govern
ment ownership need not be general and
that the Government did not need to go
into the transportation business. He held
that the Government ownership OF the
rOadbeds OF trunk lines between the GEN.
tiers of production and the markets open
TO all on equal rates OF toll would hold in
check the tendency to create monopolies.
The management, he held, could be under
the supervision OF the army, and there
would be a better and cheaper service than
could be hoped for under private manage
ment.
Mr.. Caminetti spoke of the opinion given
In 1892 by the Commissioner of Railroads
operate
railroads prOhtably. He contended that
the Government should not want to make
profits. At the same time he quoted the
experiences OF Belgium, Prussia, Russia
and Mexico to show that not only did the
Government railroads earn money but
that they were of inestimable value in de-
veloping latent resources. He said:
What other nations have done and are now
doing we can do.
I do not despair of success Only few
years ago leading statesmen denied the right
OF the General Government to expend money in
river improvements. Now no aDDrODriatiOn is
more popular and none more beneficial in re-
suits Thus II will be with Government rail
roads to and from the great centers OF COM
merce and production.
In case Of the non-payment of the debt due
by the Pacific railroads magnificent oppor-
tunity is presented for the beginning OF the
new era in transportation, which viii emanci-
pate the toilers and producers Of the land and
scatter its benefits in every direction.
Mr. Caminetti said at the time that the
vast interests of the Southern Pacific would
make it once more attempt to get favor
able legislation. He then explained GER
tain amendments he had intended to make
had the bill been read completely, which,
he said, would preserve to the Government
certain privileges worth untold millions
which would be lost were the Reilly bill
passed in its original form. He compared
the cost, 500, 1855, 347, of the Pacific rail
ROADS WIN Iuelr capitalization OF pos, oUZ,-
462. Fares and freights he claimed, should
be regulated by right and not by COM
parison with this fictitious capitalization
In concluding his convincing arrayof facts
and figures he said in speaking OF the tenn
porary victory of the opponents of the
Reilly bill:
1t is TO be hoped that Congress will not re-
verse the judgment il has just rendered. To
retreat now would wipe away record which.
II adhered TO, VIII cause the tifty-third Con-
gress to live in history as having made the first
turn in that long lane which the oppressed toll
ers OF the country had almost believed had no
ending.
An incident illustrating the truth OF this
prediction took place soon after the now fam