The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-03-26
LETTERS TO EDITOR
The Railroad commIssIonershIp.

To the Editor of The Age Herald:
 Are we to have fair play on the oues- ton Of who shall be president of the rail- road commission of Alabama and in the matter of dealing with questions coming before that commission?
 It is pretty well understood throughout Alabama that the candidacy of MT. Co., mer has the earnest support of a major ity of the wholesale merchants of the state; that they are making an aggres- sive campaign with the avowed purpose of putting Into force and effect the radi. cal ideas advanced by him with reference to the railroads of the state. It is well understood that they are contributors to one Of the largest campaign funds ever brought into the politics of this state On the other hand, 1t is fully agreed that the railroads of this state have been forced into politics aggressively, for the first time, in the history of the state, as mater of protection to their rights and their property. Now, with these prop ositions bearing on the issue already joined:
 Is 1t not a fact that under the rates of freight in force in Alabama for many years that the wholesale merchants of Alabama have prospered more uniformly continuously, than in any other branch Of business in the state. Have not the wholesale produce dealers of Mobile Montgomery, Selma, Birmingham, Annis- ton and many other points prospered more in proportion to their capital than any other branch of business in the state, and this too, under conditions which they declare unbearable? Have not more fortunes been acquired in Ala bama with the distinctive minimum of capital and failures, among those who TOW cry out against the existing condi- tions-the railroad freights, than in any, or all other lines of business. would be very much pleased if any gentleman who wishes to discuss the question will answer just how this has occurred. If progress and prosperity have had the life blood, sucked out of them by the rail- roads freight rates, how did these men thrive so abundantly?
 If we are to have extreme radicalism placed in charge of the greatest business interest In the state, will there be any hopes of equity in the matter what ever? For instance If a railroad hauls bale of cotton worth 7c pound between local points for s1 per bale, will they, in a spirit of fairness, be allowed to charge s2 bale when cotton is 15c pound, and in relative proportion thereto? Will the farmer, If MT. Conner is elected, be will ing to see fair play, for this is just ex- actly what I am suggesting.
 Do we understand that an adjustment of the local freight rates on the basis of either Georgia or North Carolina or any neghboring states local freight rates, that the railroads will be allowed to equalize on the local rate on coal? If so, the additional cost to the homes and industries of Alabama will be seriously and heavily felt in the cost of fuel. This is a fact that I defy any man to contro- vert. and of which have personal knowl- edge in two states, not including Ala hama.
 Are we to understand those of us who desire fair play and to give old prosperity fair showing, that there is to be legislation limiting the liability of railroads for the loss of live stock, property and human life necessarily incl dent to railroad operation and increased In proportion as the development of the state progresses, the railroads necessarily being greatest factor therein.
 And in spirit of fairness and justice, will the property valuations of the rail- road of the state be adjusted upon an equitable basis, If reducing their revenue shall reduce their income below a point of fair profit. and this without reduc- tion of wages? Although this is the last suggestion, 1t Is altogether the most im- portant.
 It is to be regretted at this time of general peace and prosperity In this state that man of Mir. Comer's' ideals and temperament, should be found menac- ing this favorable condition; that he should be standing with the red lantern of the revolutonist Tagging the double track. progress and prosperity.
 PERCY CLARK. rLr NLIt n uynNnEp nIIcv