The independent. [volume] (Lincoln, Neb.) 1902-1907, 1904-09-29
A PASS is A BRIDE!


So, in reply to a rather pointed let
ter from Judge w. H. England, Gov
ernor Mickey admits that he has been
accepting "courtesies." as he terms
them, but what all honest people know
are brides, from the railroads in the
form OF passes. 1t is due him to add,
however, that he promises the people,
it reelected to the office of governor,
that he will accept no more, II the
people do not like it, and that ne will
sign a bill forbidding the use OF passes
by the railroads to public officials, "if'
but and provided" These Ifs, butts
and proysos are dangerous things to
handle. Better let them alone and
elect an honest man to the governor
ship who is pledged to stamp out this
iniquity, without any ifs, butts or pro-
yisOs.
A railroad pass is bride. 1t is in
tended as such by the railroads. A lit
tie thought upon the subject will con-
vince anyone that such is the case.
Under what obligation, honestly speak
ing. is a public franchise corporation
to any public official2 Why should it
be under any such obligation? II
public official does his exact duty to
the public and to the different financial
interests of the state. it is nothing
more more than is expected OF MIN
and what he is paid for. When he ac-
cepts any special favors from any par
ticular interest. it is bound to lnflu-
ence him little more in favor OF that
interest than toward others. That is
the deliberate intent of the interest
granting the favor. 1t is intended to
protect that interest from hostile
legislation and from the execution OF
that legislation by the executive.
Railroads and all public service cor
porations are entitled to justice at
the sfanis or All pubic oiiiciAss.s x1ey
buy that justice when they pay their
share OF taxes and perform Otner' law
full acts. II, therefore, they are en-
titled to that justice. they should not
have to buy it. with passes, any more
than a grocer should have to donate
provisions to the governor to secure
his share of justice.
1t would probably be incorrect to
say that the governor OF this great
state ever allowed pass from rail-
road company to influence him. or
course, he has not But the stubborn
fact remains. however. that as MEM
Der of the state board of equalization
he has refused to allow the franchises
of railroads to be taxed. Why has he
SO refused? Does he believe that 1t is
wrong to tax these franchisesy Sup
pose he does think SO, what right has
he to decide such a question when the
constitution of this state makes it
mandatory upon the state to tax these
franchises? The constitution is the
voice of the people. They have said
taxed, and until the people revoke
their former decree, the governor and
all other state officials are under oath
to execute that decree Why do they
not do so? OF course. it is not be-
cause they have accepted these little
"courtesies." Who would say so?
Even this revenue law that so many
are condemning provides that the state
board of equalization "may"tax these
franchises. It's only defect here is,
that it.. doesz not provide that the board
shall tax them. why ulu Il MT So
provide? was it because the committee
that reported it to the house hao been
accepting these little "courtiesies?''
Now it must not be forgotten that
the franchise of a railroad company
is really its most valuable asset. Take
from any public service corporation
the franchise that it controls, anG that
corporation would have to discontinue
business. The franchise is secured
from the people. 1t is the granting to
the private corporation the exclusive
right to use the public highway ard
TO build highway wherever it sees
fit. In order to do this 1t posse sses the
right of eminent domain so that ii
may not only use the public highway,
but that 1t may condemn and take pri-