The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-07-15
BUT THE SOUTHERN WINS
WHERE COAST LINE AND SEA
BOARD MADE THEIR MISTAKE.
COL. ANDREWS METHOD OF PERSUASION
And How Chairman Caldwell Appreciates Good
Fellowship He Just Can't Endure an
Argument Of The Stand
Ofish-Variety.

its sitting and gone on its way, if not
rejoicing at least, without heavlness of
heart. so far as two members of the
body are concerned. Father Abbott is
a philosopher whose serenity nothing
ruffles: Mr.. Pearson is conscious of hav-
ing done his duty, while Leonidas Chiras
Caldwell is conscious of many things
that need not be discussed.
The railroad commission sittings are
usually considered dull, but that is only
true for folks who are too aesthetic to
enjoy Il roaring farce or to be beguiled
by the droleres of Lightning Change
Artist Caldwell.
The three principal roads of the State,
the Southern Railroad, I'd Air
Line, and Atlantic Coast Line
were cited some time ago by Gov
ernor Russell latter having Hoped to
anti-reductiOn and back in one month";
to appear before the Commission ana
show cause why passenger rates should
not be reduced. The roads appeared in
the person of able counsel, the Seaboard
sending Judge Watts from Norfolk, for
the purpose, and Judge Watts made a
magnificent speech, the Coast Line had
Mr.. r. o. Burton, gentleman of some
learning i'm the law, the Southern had
Colonel Henderson, of Washington,
Fairfax Harrison of the same place
and, always, Colonel A. b. Andrews.
Counsel for the Seaboard, and for the
Coast Line stood off at a respectful dis
lance from the Commission. and pre-
scented the figures and the law as If adj
dressing the court, and they did it ably
and well. But they made a mistake.
They depended on brains and facts.
The Southern depended on embon-
point and things-and Colonel A. Il. An
drews. The Southern also depended on
Leonidas Chiras Caldwell. In nought
was it disappointed.
When the vote as to the reduction of
rates was taken on Wednesday night,
the petition of the governor was grant
ed as to the Wilmington and Weldon
division of the Coast Line, and rates
were reduced to 2la cents per mile for
first-class, and . cents for second-class
fares. That was smooth sailing. Every
body voted to slice 'em. Then came the
vote to reduce on the North Carolina di-
vision of the Southern. Mr.. Pearson
voted to reduce, Caldwell and Abbott
voted to maintain the rates. and any
thing else that might need maintaining.
Mr.. Caldwell. not only voted to maintain
rates. but in burst of confidence ia
vored the public, by the aid of silent
partner, with the reasons that influenced
or were supposed to influence him. The
reasons appear below. No other rea-
sons will appear if Chairman Caldwell
can help it.
1t was when the vote had been taken
that the Seaboard and Coast Line peO-
pie found they had been too respectful
and diffident. They had neglected
many little collrtesies that would have
been appreciated by Chairman Cald-
well, and which the Affable Andrews
never neglects.
Colonel Andrews is on the most friend
~ possible terms with all the board.
except Pearson. When the Colonel
wishes to call matter to the attention
Of the commission, after the usual cour-
teous preliminaries, he does not stand
off like Judge Watts and Mr. Burton.
He takes seat in a big comfortable
chair with arms, to keep him from
hanging over at the sides. directly III
front of Chairman Caldwell, leans over
on the table, calls for his neatly type
MS mellifiuous as locomotive under
forced draft. When he makes a telling
point the chairman smiles with the keen
est appreciation, and nudges alternately
his two associates 1t is evident that
the most charming comraderle exists
between the chairman and the vice presi-
dent. How can Chairman Caldwell help
voting as he does when Colonel Andrews
is so convincing? Chairman Caldwell Is
not such Il boor as to repay courtesy
with discourtesy.
The decision in the case of the Sea-
board has been reserved until July -.
There is time. therefore, for it to I'M
prove it's manners between now and then.
and show n little greater cordiality to-
ward Chairman Caldwell. lie is a
most affabIe man. and will accept an
apology for past short comings gracious
ly. He would not repulse Il repentant
railroad president, or vice president, for
worlds.
The following reasons are given by
Chiras Caldwell for his vote:
IN REPRODUCTION PASSENGER
RATES ON NORTH CAROLINA
ROAD.
This proceeding, instituted by his Fix
cellency, the Governor, is worthy of con
sideration and has received careful at
tention. 1t is not necessary III this cast
to pass upon the interesting question:
whether one part of a system can he de-
tached from the whole system and dealt
with separately because it may appear
at first blush to be earning more thar
legally entitled to earn, while the same
system may have other parts which are
operated at a loss and which may wei
be claimed, should enjoy the protectin.
care of its parent branch. When W,
prune off the branches, does the trunk
appear hideous in its. oppression?
The reasonableness or unreasonable
ness of rates prescribed by State fol-
transportation Of persons and property
wholly within its limits must be de
termined without reference to the Inter
State business done by the carrier
Whether we approve of this declara
ton of the law or not. it is the law anG
it is the boast of our citizenship tina
we live in obedience thereto.
/ find that the Intra-S State or domcs
tic earnings of the North Carolina road