The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1904-03-06
PERSONAL LETTERS
Continued From Seventh Page.)

upon the conventions of all political par
ties. that they nominate only men for
legislative offices and for the position
Of railroad commissioners, as shall hon
estly and irnpartially represent the great
interests above-named. and Industries
whose very existence. so essential to the
welfare and prosperity of all the people
Of this state, absolutely depend upon fair
and equitable railroad rates. which can
only be secured by good laws governing
the same and then by the election of
honest and competent men, wholly inde-
pendent of corporate influence, TO en-
force them.
Republicans, Your state convention
at this time is confronted with greater
responsibility than any that has convened
in many Years In addition to the nom
ination of the usual state officers. new
duty is imposed upon you-the Iiomina-
tion Of candidates for the most important
Offices Of our state governrnent-that OF
railroad commissioners. In their bearing
upon the general welfare of the people,
there IS no doubt these nominations are
the most weighty and important husi-
ness that viii come before your conven-
ton, recurring a greater degree of firm
ness and Judgment than any other duty
you viii be called upon to perform.
Having secured the election of rail-
road commissioners by direct vote of the
people, We trust the fruits of that VIC
tory may not be lost by the nomination
of men either incompetent, or known 10
be, or even suspected of being. subserv-
lent TO railroad influences. While we
hope your convention will recommend to
the next Legislature changes which will
greatly strengthen the present. OF the
enactment of an entirely new law, still
with an intelligent. independent and hon
est board OF commissioners, much can
be accomplished even with the present
law. While it is conceded that the pres
ent low is in general what is known as
advisory as distinguished from a regu-
lative law. we must not lose sight Of
the fact that even with an advisory law
with commissioners thoroughly competent
and capable of handling their offices,
may accomplish a great deal of kood in
harmoniZing rates and otherwose regu-
lating railroad business.
The efficiency of all control and regu- !
lation through commissions must ulti- |
mately rest upon the mon. 1t is the /
power that lies behind the throne, whicf /
vitalizes the machine. With the nomina-
ion by your convention Of property quail
fed men for these offices, there is a strong
proba bility this power may he secured |
n the interest of the people. otherwise
not. Experience has demonstrated in all
states, that the efficiency of this office
of rairoad commissioners has varied
greatly with the incumbency of different
ypes Of men.
Our association after mature delibera- |
ion, has seen fit to recommend to the re-
;pectful consideration or your convention
'or the offices of railroad commissioners
he following and favorabiy known gen.
lemen: Hon. s. s. Ashbaugh Of Wichita;
I. 8. George. of Hutchinson; j. w Robin
on, of FL Dorado; J. T. White. of Otta-
va county, and w. \. Thompson. OF Hol-
on. These gentlemen we think are pe-
uliarly qualified by experience in trans
problems and general knowledge
or these offices. They are. in addition to
'eing large shippers. men of the highest
character and also lifelong Republicans
While commissioners will Re elected by
he people, we feel It our duty to draw
'our attention to the notoriouhs and well
1nown fact, that the railroads are maxi
ng desperate effort to control these
nominations, as they always have in the
oast their appointments
The people Of Kansas irrespective of
)arty are expecting you to nominate only
nen for railroad commissioners who are
absolutely superior TO any suspicion OF
corporate innuence-men of honor. who
viii at all times have the courage Of
heir convictions and will perform their
luties with strict justice and impartiality
o all parties concerned.
Finally. gentlemen. you have a wonder
'ul opportunity in selecting candidates
'or these most important Offices to be
If great and far-reachng service and
benefit to all citizens of this common
wealth. Yours truly,
HARh1 M'MILLIN, President.
II. L. RESING, Secretary.