The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1898-09-08
a HINT TO WELLS-FaRGO.
EVERAL times there has been necessity for
\ calling upon the Wels-Fargo Express Com

{ EVERAL times there has been necessity for
calling upon the Wells-Fargu Express Com
nanv to change its attitude AS it stands with
all four feet in the trough, people are likely to accuse
it of swnish proclvities AS this would doubtless
pain that good man, President Pecksnif Valentine,
the counsel to reform is here repeated
There is in circulation pamphlet OF apology tor
the express company. Besides plea lot mercy
some fallacious reasoning and few threats II con-
tains soothing and sustaining editorials from Certain
subsidized papers We scan it vainy for glimpse
of Call editorial bearing on the subject, and yet
venture the expression of belief that even to the
Wells Fargo people these editorials have been inter
estinq and instructive From this pamphlet we
quote one paragraph:
"a It is certainly most economical for shippers to
furnish the stamp as any revised express rates in
GLIDING it would unavoidably, at least double the
expense to them It is hoped the people will con-
slider this fact and accept the action OF the express
companies as moderate and just, and not withhold
their esteemed good will and patronage from the
express
Here is fragrant and impairment attempt at in
timidation The company virtually acknowledges
that it ought to pay the tax but will not; that If
forced to obey the law it will revise its rates so as
to make the shipper more than pay the cost OF the
stamp. 1t is rogue pleading guilty and impu-
IDENTIFY procaiming intent to do worse if punished
Now why should this corporate monopoly be per-
mitted to rise superior to the law?
The Wels-Fargo Express Company is common
carrier and as such subject to regulation by the Rail
road Commissioners. 1t will be their duty to bring
it to its senses. This express company charges from
two to three times the rate charged by similar con-
Germs in the East 1t is an absolute monopoly, con-
trolling every avenue leading to San Francisco Last
wear If paid dividends of 10 per cent a capitaza-
ton OF $S,oooooo, and OF this capital $75oo,ooo is
fictitious In other words, only half a million CAPT
tai has been paid into the concern. Seventy per
cent of this dividend was derived from California and
90 per cent of the stock is held in the East Such
are few of the facts tending to show that this State
owes to Wells Fargo no debt of gratitude
Once the company refused to carry the daily papers
unless they would pay for the required stamps. This
the papers refused do but they being carried
Just the same and are not paying for the stamps.
The private citizen has every right of daily paper
He can take his parcel to the Office advance the
tomary rate and decline to pay for the stamp. If
the company proves obdurate in the of any in
dvidual The Call will take up his fight for him and
endeavor to force the company to obey the law Not
only is it Just that WelsFargo be not permitted to
escape its share OF the tax but the shocking
spirit of unpatriotsm it has displayed merits rebuke
President Pecksniff Valentine may issue pamphlets
to the delight of his SOUL but they will fool any
BODY The concern of which he is the head is trying
a despicable bunko game There is comfort in know
ing that it is not beyond regulation by the Legsla
ture Part of the duty of every voter is to that
men obedent to the orders OF such corporations be
not sent to Sacramento Wells Fargo people must
be brought to their senses and shame fail to mpe
them to lead better lives be forced into decent be-
havior ANYHOW