The daily journal. (Salem, Or.) 1899-1903, 1901-12-03
KEYNOTEs OF NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVES
FIRST PUBLIC UTTERANCE.

I band our notional resources as each
OF us husbands his private resources
by scrupulous avoidance OF anything
ike wasteful or reckless expenditure.
only by avoidance OF spending money
on what Is needless or unjustifable
can we legitimately keep our income to
the point required TO meet our needs
that are genuine.
Interstate commerce.
In 1887, a measure was anaotad ,or
the regulation OF interstate RAILWAYS
commonly known as the Interstate
Commerce Act. The cardinal nrovis-
ions OF that act were that railway rates
should be just and reasonable and tbat
all shippers, localities. and commodi-
Ties should be accorded equal treat
inent. A commission was created and
endowed with what was supposed to
be the necessary powers to execute the
provisions OF this act. The law was
largely an experiment Experience has
shown the wisdom Of It's purposes, but
has also shown possibly that some OF
lts requirements are wrong certainly
that the means devised for the en-
torcement OF its provisions are defect
I've. Those who complain Of the man
agement OF the railways allege that
established rates are not maintained;
that rebates and similar devices arc
hahitually resorted to; that these
preferences are usually In favor OF the
large shipper; that they drive out OF
business the smaller competitor; that
while many rates are too low, many
others are excessive; and that gross
preferences are made affecting both
localities and commodities. Upon the
other hand, the railways assert that
the law by its very terms tends to
produce many of these illegal practices
by depriving carriers OF that right OF
concerted action which they claim Is
necessary 60 establish and maintain
nondiscriminating rates.
The act should be amended. The
railway Is a public servant. Its
rates should be just TO and open
to all shippers alike The Govern
ment should see to II that within its
jurisdiction this Is so and should pro-
vide speedy, inexpensive and effective
remedy TO that end. At the same
time II must not be forgotten that our
are the arteries through
which the commercial life blood OF this
Nation flows. Nothing could be more
foolish than the enactment OF legisla-
tion which would unnecessarily inter-
fere with the development and opera
lion OF these commercial agencies The
subject is one OF great Importance and
calls for the earnest attention OF the
Congress.
Agricultural Department.
The Department OF Agriculture dur
Ing the past fifteen years has steadily
It's work on economic lines
and has accomplished results of real
value In upbulldlng domestic and for
aign trade. II has gone into new fields
until II ls now I'm touch with all Sec
lions OF our country and with two OF
The island groups that have lately
come under our Jurisdiction whose
people must look 10 agriculture os n
livelihood. It Is searching the world
FOR grains, grasses, fruits. and vegeta-
)les specially fitted for Introduction
nto several states and territories
where they may add materially to our
resources. by scientific attention to
loll survey and possible new crops; to
breeding OF the varieties Of plants; 10
experimental shipments. 70 animal In
lustry and applied chemistry, n very
aid has been given our farm-
ng and stock growing interests. The
products of ths farm have taken an
unprecedented place In our export
rade during the year that has just
Deen closed.