The independent. [volume] (Lincoln, Neb.) 1902-1907, 1904-11-24

But how is 1t possible for this con-
dition to exist in a free country where
every man has a voice in the running
OF his government; where every man
has right 70 make his influence felt?
How is it possible in Nebraska, an ag-
rlcultural state, for such an intolerabIe
condition to exist? Why is it that in
Nebraska the influence of the rail-
roads extend from the county assessor
to the governor, from the publisher OF
the small cross-road paper to the edi-
torial staff of our large city dailies :?
Why is it that railroad influence can
be felt in every caucus and in every
nominating convention? Why is 1t
that the influence of the railroads can
decide elections? Why is it that Ne
braska, although freight rates are
higher today than they have ever been,
that our legislatures will not pass
Dill reducing freight rates? Why is
1t that in Nebraska, although freight
rates border on robbery. that COVER
nors will net recommend to legisla-
lures the passage Of law looking to
a reduction of freight rates? How is
1t possible for railroad influence to
dominate and control our legislatures?
How is it possible for railroads to elect
United States senator's? Through what
influence do railroads suppress and
stif1e the ambitions Of worthy men,
who aspire to public trust and honor?
Why is it that although men are cry
ing for relief everywhere that our state
administrations turn deaf ears? What
magic charm is the fundamentally
used by the railroads to give them this
tremendous power and influence?
You may say it is one thing. Others
may say 1T is something else. | say
it is the free pass. This little pink
slip looks innocent and harmless. Some
may call it a courtesy. but the influ-
ence of the free pass is so insid;ous
that were it's power and influence APP
people understand the deadly weapon
that it is. they would repel it. and
wage war agai lst it as they would
against vast armies and fleets, which
would come to conquer us and make
us their slaves. But this nation need
never fear an outward foe. Our weak
ness lies within. If this nation will
cause of moral decadence; it will be be-
cause of corruption and bribery; it will
be because the people are sold out and
betrayed; it will be through just such
corrupting influences as the free pass.
In the state of Nebraska am re-
liably Informed that nearly all public
officials have free transportation. This
bers of the legislature, judges of our
courts, mayors of our cities, members
of our councils, members of congress,
United States senators, and nearly all
others in public life. Influential men
not in public life are not overlooked.
Most lawyers ride on free transporta-
ton. Our ministers receive favors
from the railroads. Most newspaper
men ride on free transportation. Some
body tell me why all this is so. l will |
not say that every man, who has ever
a. free pass, that he has been |
bribed thereby. but I do say that the I
effect of this discriminating distribu-
ton of the free pass means silence on I
the part of the recipients thereof, and
with the free pass railroads purchase
from attack from all these
men.
Let me put it another way. If you
can find me a man on q newspaper,
who honestly, fearlessly and courage
)usly points out railroad discrimina-
ion and actual railroad abuses, l will
show you man from whom the free
)ass is withheld. Show me a man in
politics, who says railroad abuses shall
stop and that freight rates shall be
'educed and t.lct there shall be no lis
and l will show you
nan in politics from whom the free
PASS is withheld. Show me a man in
he legal profession who will persist
n taking cases against railroads and
them vigorously to final
and / will show you a man
Who does not have a pass. Show me
wen prominent clergyman, who will
lenounce railroad interference in pol
tics and who will insist that the rail-
Dads shall be the servants of the peo-