The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1897-10-02

ton from the revenues OF the railroads.
can not state correctly the amount saved
10 the people by the reductions on other
commodities and on general merchandise,
but 1t must be considerable. In view OF the
reductions which have been made, and OF
the condition OF the net revenue OF the
railroads. 1t could hardly be considered
safe TO make any further material reduc-
ton or change in freight rates until We
can see what the cffecS will be, on the
revenues of the roads, of the saving of
their revenues by measures now being car
ried forward to prevent the cutting OF
rates and the allowance OF rebates. While
guarding the rights of the people by pro-
tecting them from executive rates and I'M
lawful Determinations. 10 is equally our
duty, as far as the business on the sew
eral roads will enable us to do SO, to give
them such rates as will secure the amount
Of revenue necessary to pay for the man
agement and repairs Of the road. and a
just interest on their value. We should not
forget the anxiety which we formerly felt
to get railroads, and the great benefit they
are to our people. considering the question
OF the legal control of their operations by
the authority OF the State.
In conclusion l wish to state that the
railroad commission OF Texas is invested
by law with many great powers vnd Is
charged with the performance OF most
difficult and delicate duties. in-olylng the
consideration of questions OF fact and oil
law almost daily, which affect property In
the aggregate of millions OF dollars In
value. No other railroad commission is
clothed with powyrs so extensive or with
duties so complex and difficult as Is this
| commission. It's current action covers
the interest of more than 1900, 900 people
and largely Of their property rights. And
1t covers the interests OF railroad corpora
Han ls.,1 -. ~ nh a L..
I92,669. and valued by this commission at
i2,132.354. Its action determines the
amount the people must pay for all their
railroad transportation. and the amount of
compensation the railroad companies are
to receive for that service. The State I'm
order to secure the services OF men capable
OF performing these great duties In such a
manner as to do justice alike to all the in
teresis concerned, has provided liberal sal
aries to compensate them for this service
and for this great responsibility. And the
people OF Texas have a right to expect and
to demand OF them capacity to understand
their duties. integrity in-the performance
OF those duties and courage to resist any
undue opportunities BY the corporations.
and patriotism which, will enable them to
resist any undue prejudice on the part OF
the people againet the carriers. and to dis
regard the appeals OF demagogues who ask
for unreasonably low rates either because
OF selfish interest or because of the hope
OF popular favor. A railroad commissioner
who would use his office and allow his ac-
ton to be controlled as a means OF Sc
curing popular favor, or personal benefit.
or to Influence votes in his favor would
thereby violate his oath Of office. betray
the great trtA confidcd to kim. sacrifice
the public we,-arc to crafty a base desire
and prove himself TO be unworthy OF the
great honor which belongs to his position.
Any railroad cornmissioner wino would al
low such considerations to influence his
conduct as commissioner would necessarily
forfeit his self respect and would deserve
the contempt and scorn Of all honest peo-
ptn -