The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-07-30
COL. T. c. BUSH WRITES AeE-HER- AID STRONG LETTER FAvoRINe
 THE SELECTION OF THE R. R. COMMISSION BY THE GOVERNOR
To the Bdltor Of the Are-Herald:

To the Editor of the Age-Hera1d:
 have noted with interest the organized movement of merchants in Birmingham and other places. with reference to hay ing the railroad commissioners Of this state elected by the people. Whatever may be the grievances of the eommunl- ties and individuals against railroad com panies. I do not believe that the enact ment of law making the commissioners elective by the people would accomplish the desired results in a satisfactory man. ner. A law of this kind would open new field for the demagogue and would cause many to seek the position of rail- road commissioner relying on the per sonal popularity and their ability to ex- cite prejudice against railroads in par ticular. and corporations in general, without being qualified in any particular for so important a position.
 The office of railroad commissioner is attractive to some by reason of the lib- eral salary paid and to others on account of salary and authority conferred by the office, and hence in a general election there would be promscuous scramble for these places. which would be sought probably by hundred asplrants.
 The office of railroad commissioner is a very important one as the interests of every community is concerned and also the interests and prosperity of very 1 large property interest which is intimate l ly connected with the prosperity and de- l velopment of the state, and which some people seem to desire to have the state, l through It's agents. to absolutely control.
 The men who fill the offices of railroad commissioner should be of large business experience judicial mind and broad views on public questions; men who are success l full in their respective avocations and who would be able to comprehend the needs of the people and be just to all in l the execution of the laws pertaining to their office. Can men of such qualifica- l tions be best selected by nomination at the primaries, or In conventions, and be l elected by the people? Are the people at large prepared to select and judge or l the capabilities of the candidates as well 1 as the governor and senate. who are now empowered to select them? It may be said that the appointees have not at all times been satisfactory. Is that any req son that the law is defective? Are not l the governor and senate chosen by the people-are they not more competent! Are they not better qualified to select | heat of political canvass, as they would be in a position to calmly and thoroughly | consider the qualification of any eandl- date that might seek the office under the | present law? These agencies of the state (governor and senate) should be held re- sponsible for the selection of competent men rather than find fault with the meth- cd of appointment.
 | The present salaries paid are none too large for competent men. but 1t is a well known fact many members of the legis- lature elected from time to time regard salary of 5000 as sufficient compensa- tion for any man, and have serious doubts as to whether a man can hon estly make more than that amount In one year. Such legislators will clamor for reform by reduction of salaries and If insufficient compensation should be or fered, men will seek the office of rail- l road commissioner who fit the salary. 1 Doubtless many appointees to this office Ienter upon it's duties expecting to make | great reforms and right preJudiced wrongs, but they are appalled, by the magnitude of the questions to be consid- cred. and shrink from the undertaking, or attempt to handle questions which they cannot understand. and probably cause changes which bring more evil than good.
 I think that people generally fail to ap- preciate the fact that in these days the making and adjusting of railroad rates has become a science and that 1t requires years of training, with liberal natural endowments, for man to become cap able railroad traffic manager. The com plications as to the adjustment of rates are so intricate that at many times the change, or readjustment at one point causes confusion and great disturbance at other places. How then can a man
 who knows nothing whatever of the man.
 agement of railroads, handle properly and arbitrarily adjust rates with fairness and justice to all? Should commissioners then selected In a most haphazard way, be given unrestained authority in adjust
 ing complaints? I have always thought that the law should require. at least one of the commissioners to be skilled in rail- road traffic business with fair under standing of operating a railroad. Rail- roads, therefore very naturally resist the enactment and enforcement of laws that | put their property under control of mex per4enced and incompetent men; in fact the owners of such property are inclined l to regard 1t as one form of confscation. | No one denies that railroads and other | corporations derive their existence and powers from the authority of the people and should be under proper and reason able restraint. but 1t Is hardly right and Il fair to offer inducements at one period
 
 railroad property, which practically can not bem owed, whatever conditions may exist and have burdons imposed later that are onerous and unreasonable.
 It Is a we'll known fact that within the past twenty years the reduction in the rates of freight have been greater than the most optimistic person could have anticipated. This has been brought about by consolidation of short lines into sys- tems, improved management and sufA- ciency of capital to enable the road, as to its physical condition and equipment, to
 increase largely the tonnage to the car and the number of cars in a train. This improvement will go on from time to time and the public will likely receive its share of the benefits derived therefrom. While believe that laws should be enact ed that would prevent excessive rates and unjust discrimination, l. at the same time, believe that the railroad author1- ties should be allowed the management of property in such a way as to give the best results and to give to the stockhold- CT a fair and reasonable return on his investment.
 No one will deny the fact that the rail- roads in this state, under able manage ment. have been the greatest factors in our development. This Is especially true with our section but, at the same time, all trade centers and other communities
 of the state have received correspond ing advantages. Some communities and individuals have grievances that are just We all, perhaps desire to have certain changes made with reference to rates or some other service to be performed by