The representative. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1893-1901, 1897-01-13

wheat, and when the car got to Chicago
ther were but GOO bushels in the car he GER
tainly has ground for action against the
company. But he must have proof that will
convince court and jury of that fact This
commission would help him recover if the
evidence were in our possession that the
negligence of the road had caused him
loss.''
That's just what this committee wishes
to learn said Mr. Costello. I'VE want to
be able to prove with the concurrence of
the railroad company, by placing the
weights of the company at the initial point
in evidence. The establishment Of track
scales would accomplish this. The shipper
should have certificate of the amount OF
Shipment
THAT is not an unreasonable request, -
said Gen. Becker. eff the shipper did not
then receive pay for the full amount of his
shipment he could then sue the railroad
THE private citizen that wants to go to
law with a railroad was born in the latter
part of the moon," said Mr. Rahilly con-
temptuously, remembering his own expe-
rience.
I'VE had the impression that the COM
mission was established to stand between
the people and the extortions Of the rail-
roads," said Mr. Ames. e..
If 1t can be shown that any such condi-
ton of affairs exists as has been intimated
here today" said Gen. Becker, then you
should appeal to the interstate commission
and this commission will aid you in every
way. We, like you, are citizens of this
state, interested in its prosperity. You
must not think. some of you do that
this body is opposed to your interests /
have liyed in Minnesota for fifty years and
1 have a reputation to maintain and will
not sacrifice it. But in making your COM
plaints If you expect the assistance of
this commission, you must be sure of your
facts"
I'VE have confidence of the commission
said Mr.. Rahilly, concilia tingly. as Gen,
Becker had spoken with considerable sharp
ness and his voice rose in volume as he pro.
ceeded.
Il didn't suppose so from reading the re-
solutions passed at the alliance meeting yes
terday,' retorted Gen. Becker 'In that
resolution we are called frauds superan-
nuated politicians and other terms not
complimentary or pleasant to listen to,
I'm plain spoken man and 1 choose to
speak plainly now. 1 am not a politician
L never sought this office. This commits
sion has been Of great service not only to
the farmers Of this state, but to other in
terests-" .
Gen. Becker is mistaken" interrupted
Mr. Meighen hastily. THE resolution he
mentions did not refer to the Minnesota
but to the interstate commerce commits
sion."
''Then am in error began Gen. Beck.
er.
THE only resolution to which any refer
ence was made to this body" said Mr. Ra.
hilly with great dignity, was drawn by
myself and provided for the appointment
of committee to confer with this COM
MISSION
By this time there was considerable ex.
citement in the room. Gen. Becker looked
uncomfortable and Judge Mills and Com
missioner Kingsley both attempted to say
something conciiatory. But Mr. Costello
got the floor and declared for war. II af-
firm the right of the Alliance body to criti-
else this body" he said. Nor do 1 recog-
nize the right Of this body to criticise me
or this committee Of that convention, or
take me to task for holding an opinion con-
corning this commission, Had the resolu
tion referred to been still more drastic. and
had it referred to this commission 1 still
insist that we would have the right to come
here without any liability to criticism from
this commission 49, .,.,,. ..t..
Il have evidently been in error" said
Gen. Becker. "and-'' -,., -
but you have called into question the
good faith of this committee, 'hr said Mr..
Costello. Il regard myself as entitled to
immunity from the criticisms Of this body
WELL" said Gen. Becker "I've been in
error and 1 beg pardon. think the atmos-
phere has been cleared by this discussion,
and-now, let's to business, again." -->,
There was some further discussion and
finally it was decided that the matter re-
ferred to should be brought before the COM
mission in the form of a complaint and the
commission promised to do all in their
power to bring about the reforms asked by
the committee. The gentlemen separated
more cordially and less formally than they
had met.
The Nationalist Club, of Boston, is
collecting signatures for a huge petit
tion to the Massachusetts, Legislature
asking for direct legislation. 1t is
claimed that it was by means of large
petitions presented by Nationalist
cluts that the law recently enacted
enabling towns to ufacture their
own gas and electricity was car
ried. Our Yankee Nationalist breth-
rem are nothing if not practical. They
believe in hammering at one thing
until they get it.-American Fabian.
The coal trusts of the country will alb
sorb 100000, 900 worth of the existing
property of the people during the winter
by extortion on COAL How long can the
people hold out while the trusts are so
ranidlY accommodating the seventy bill.