Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1902-10-02
GOV. LAFOLlE1TE
OPENS The BALL
Wisconsin Republican Cam.
paign Begun at Turner
Hall, Milwaukee.
SCORES THE COAL TRUST
Roads Have Fixed Exorbitant Rates
and Make Consumers Pay Divi-
dends-"Whieh Shall Rule,
Wealth or MANI"

Milwaukee, Wis, Oct. 2.-Gove-nor
Robert NJ. LaFollette opened the cam-
paign for the republicans of Wiscon-
sin at West Side Turner hall in this
city last night before an audience that
overlooked the hail.
The meeting was presided over by
Major c. H. Arson Seated ON the stage
were several candidates for other state
offices and aspirants for congress.
Governor LaFollette was enthusiasts
tically received.
He disputed the charges that the tar
lift Is responsible for the trusts. AS to
tariff revision he believed all citizens,
regardless of politics, would conceGe
that tariff revision would be but fee
BILE, inadequate, uncertain remedy for
the trust evil which confronts us to-
day.
Anthracite coal is not protected by
the tariff" said the speaker, but
glance at the situation and problem 1t
presents: Ninety-fve per cent of the
entire coal field is owned and controlled
by eight railway companies. The lines
of these railways furnish the
portation of anthracite coal to
the market In pursuit of
settled policy these railroad companies
have forced private owners to sell coal
mines and coal lands at half value, first
by increasing freight rates, and second
by refusing to carry coal for private
owners at any price, whenever such
by the establishment Of exorbitant
transportation rates.
criticises Railway Coal Rates.
Owning the coal and owning the rail-
roads over which the coal is transport
ed to market, they fixed the freight
rates at an exorbitant figure in order
to make the consumers pay dividends
on the over-capitalized railroads and
coal mines While the rates for other
products have fallen, anthracite coal
rates have been advanced by the rail-
roads until they are nearly twice as
great as cotton or wheat They limit
the supply in order to rorce strong
demand and a high market price. AS
shown by sworn testimony up
on trials and investigation, more than
200,000,000 in excess of fair market
price has been exacted from the con-
sumers.
This coal trust bears harder upon
the unfortunate, helpless laborer that
mines it's products at the wage level Of
generation ago than the consumer
who, In these days, must purchase hat
in hand. Its attitude of Indifference to
the appeal of the press and pulpit sug-
gests an utter contempt for public opin-
ion. This is typical Of the oppression
try unless the federal government is
empowered to strip these combinations
of their unlawful power.
Power Of the Railroads.
"The plan developed and consum-
mated in building up the anthracite
coal trust is Indicative of the power OF
the railroads in combination. AS the
magnitude of the question is presented,
is understood, it becomes manifest that
no power outside the supreme power
of the land can control the situation.
These great combinations of wealth,
owning most of the material products
of the earth. controlling what they do
not own, and combining with railroads.
are forgetful in their greedy strife for
more that all men are born free and
equal and with certain inalienable rights.
These trusts, clothed with corporate
power availing themselves of every
advantage of law, yet growing in great
ness and power in violation of 1t, con-
stitute a national and interstate prob
lem that must be dealt with fearless
ly and effectively.
I'VE believe with the president that
these great monopolies constitute the
foremost national questions. We up
hold his hands in his efforts to curb
tneSe lTuSlS Dy tne enforcement OF the
laws now upon the statute books.
There is probably not an important
trust in the United States which does
not have the assistance of the railroads
in destroying it's competitors. The linn
itation and control Of these public ser
vice corporations in their legitimate
field as common carriers is an impor-
tant element in the practical solution
Of the problem with which we have
now to deal. Who will not agree with
Mr. Roosevelt that all possible control
should be exercised and all possible re-
lief afforded the people; that the laws
upon the statute books looking to this
end should be enforced, and should be
amended, strengthened and made eff
fective to the constitutional limit
1.-The day Chief Justice Ryan of Wis
consin prophesied would come is here.
The issue which he said would arise Is
pending:
(Which shall rule-wealth or man;
which shall lead-money or intellect;
who shall fill public stations-educated
and patriotic free men or feudal serf7
of corporate power?'"