The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-02-13
Bill IS READY.
Railroad Committee Agrees
Upon a Measure.
Commissioners to Be Chosen by
Executive Council.


The railroad bill has had its last draft
made and passed the inspection of the
joint railroad committee today Type
writer's are now transcribing it. and
chairman Seaton, of the house commit
tee, says It viii be introduced tomorrow.
AS the bill was not completed in time.
a republican caucus was not held last
night.
The bill provides for a board Of three
commissioners. and the executive coun-
cll AZ the successful candidate for the
appointing Of them Not more than two
Of the commissioners may be rnember -
q the same political party. The salary
OF commissioned is placed at S3.0 600 a
year. the boards secretary at 81 500 and
ste1ographer at 81 200
The original railroad law of the state.
adopted IN 1888, is followed in its gen
er'al provisions. This law gave the ex-
ecutlVe council power to remove a com
missioner at viii, but the new bill pro-
Vlces that removal may only be ac-
complished by impeachment for cause
4nsuring the commissioners independ-
ence of action.
The bill does not give the board power
20 enforce It's own orders. but it shall
proceed by mandamus in the supreme
court any one with a reaSOnab Bile
grievance may instigate this proceeding
and II the attorney general believes dis
obedience TO the order of the board IS
evident he may institute suit. In ac-
tons OF this character proceedings shall
be IN the name OF the state upon the
relation of the attorney general. Prac-
uce shall be the same in such cases as
in ordinary suits. The court shall con-
troll the time Of trial without regard
10 the time the issues are Joined but
they may have precedence over all other
litigation except criminal cases Re
IuSai to obey the orders Of the court
IS contempt and in addition to the usual
punishment the court may fine a com
pany ST, 600 Gay as long as its mandate
IS not observed. In all proceedings by
the attorney general the costs are to be
paid out Of the public funds upon the
approval of the governor. the attorney
general and the auditor.
Railroads are made responsible to
shippers in actual damages. and in ad-
Tor failure after a reasonable time to
furnish cars
The passenger fare fixed by the bin
Is cents a mile, as at present, but an
excess Of 10 cents may be exacted by
conductors when a passenger has not
purchased a ticket before boarding the
train, the excess to be refunded upOn
presentation of the conductors receipt
The railroads are not permitted to
charge more for short haul than for a
long haul, going in the same direction
and into the same territory This is a
flexible rule, however, to be governed
by local conditions
A rate established by the board is pre-
sumed to be reasonable until the con
trary is proved, and if any railroad
company ignores it notice of the fact
shall be published in the official state
paper for the benefit of the public.
Where two railroads have automatic
appliances for public safety at grade
crossings. approved by the board Of
railroad commissioners, the law reuuir- |
ing all trains to come to a full stop be-
Fore passing over shall not be in force.