Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1904-11-17
M1<,1AAz@
LARRAREE ON FREIGHT RATES.

1gptNiS WV AheVio SOUDuGtCS AS'"''
Convention at the worlds fair Oct 20.
ex- Governor Larrabee spoke Of the
freight rate question as follows:
Is there u good reason for this con-
tant advance OF rates? II there Is,
no one should object to 1t. But Is IT
reasonable that this transportation tax
should be increased from year to year
without those who pay 1t having any
choice whatever In determining what 1t
should be? Banks are restricted as to
the rates of interest that they may
charge. Rates Of toll arc fixed for
public ferries, bridges and turnpikes.
Postal rates are fixed by law for car
rying mail matter including merchan-
disc. When 1t is considered that this
tax is levied upon every article that Is
produced or consumed in the United
States at the command Of perhaps less
than n score of individuals, who are
self appointed for terms without any
limit as to time, and are not under
bonds. and even not under oath to OBJ
serve the laws Of the state and ma
ton. and that this tax amounted last
year to the enormous sum OF $780,
150.679. or nearly three times the total
amount of revenue received by the
United States government from all
sources for the same period Of time;
and when we consider how thoroughly
other public charges are hedged about
by careful restrictions and limitations.
and with what elaboration the amount
to be collected Is fixed after thorough
public discussion by agents of the peo-
pie selected by them to serve only for
short periods, and that those who COL
lect and dlsburse the funds are under
oath and bonds for the faithful per-
Torrance OF their duties. Is 1t not as
tonishing that the congress of the
United States should permit this con-
dition of things to exist?
Is there any remedy for the evil?
The congress OF the United States has
supreme control of Interstate COM
MERGE Congressman can afford relief
or not. as they please. The railroads
of the country are controlled by few
persons and are thoroughly organized.
They can easily agree upon measures
tending to increase their incomes.
They endeavor continuously to control
municipal, state and national govern
ments. They have their agents, at
torneys and henchmen, employed In ev-
cry county in the United States, and
would interpolate here the fact that a
great portion of these attorneys are
more often selected on account of their
political influence than on account OF
their legal ability. This force is all
ways at work. 1t is like the force OF
gravity, always active and the pressure
kept up in all directions.
They make extravagapt contributions
to campaign funds IL necessary to pro-
tect those who serve them. frequently
amounting to $4,000, $4,000 or even
$4,000 In a single congress district,
and much larger sum to control SEN
atorlal elections. They make 1t n rule
to elect and protect their political
friends, and to defeat candidates for
public offices who will not be sub
servient to them. They give tips to
public officers in various ways The
railroad pass and other devices for
free transportation are used literally.
They have no use for the Judge or
other public officer who will not ac-
cept their brides.
There are honorable railroad man.
ayers who deplore this condition. and
who will welcome legislation that will
afford relief. They know we'll that
without strict governmental control
1t is impossible for the conscientious
manager to get and retain the busi-
ness that his road is actually entitled
TO-