The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-03-16
THE STATE AND THE RAIL.
ROADS

Here is a good editorial on the rail-
road situation in Kansas as dominating
state politics. It is from the Hutchin-
son News, a strongly partisan Republic
can paper:
Zone of the great evils in Kansas pol
iticS is the predominating element
known as railroad influence In the
Wichita state convention this influence
was notorious, admitted, almost shame
less. 1t elected on the board of rail-
road commissioners a man who could
not carry his own county. who was
expressly and strongly opposed by the
commercial interests of the state, and
who was chosen by the votes of dele
gates who hated to cast their ballots
for him. It defeated a man for rail-
road commissioner because he was be-
lieved too we'll fitted for the place.
This same railroad influence con-
trolled the Populist caucuses which
passed the court of visitation bill so
framed that it would be declared I'M
constitutional. It took the strong fea-
ture out of the present law in the Re-
publican caucus. It has dominated all
political parties. It smiled when it saw
the assessment of the farmer and bust
ness man raised while the assessment
of the railroad property was lowered.
1.-THE News is not prejudiced against
railroads or railroad attorneys, but 1t
regards a continuance of this influence
in control of Kansas politics as one of
the things that should not be ignored.
There should be no disposition to make
the railroads pay more than their share
OF taxes or submit to unjust laws or
regulations. But they should pay their
share and they should be made to con-
form to the law and to fairness. More
than that, the railroad law of the state
should be so strengthened that Inc
quality in freight rates, unequal treat
ment of shippers and favoritism or op-
preston in charges and methods can be
promptly and Summarily stopped.
This railroad influence which con-
trolled the Republican state conven-
ton will control the Democratic con-
vention- In Populist days 1t controlled
the Populist conventions. 1t is not con-
fined to any party, for the railroads
know no politics but their own inter-
ests. On this question the people
should also know no politics but their
interests, which is fair play. Every
nominee for the legislature, senator or
representative ought to be instructed
by his party that he must aid in enact
ing a strong railroad law. More than
that it should be the care of every
party to nominate men whose charac-
ter and ability are such that they eau
not be buncoed or persuaded by passes
or other considerations to forget or
trifie with the demand of the people for
strong but fair railroad legislation.
I'VE believe that such law AMI
such regulations and a board that
would enforce them would in the end
be the best for the railroads. We know
they would be the best for the people.
Make this question an issue in every
legislative and senatorial district and
there will be no doubt of the eventual
result For this object we believe nh
factions should be united, for it is an
issue that affects directly or indirectly
every citizen of the state. We believe
that the next governor of Kansas, T..
w Hoch, is right on this question. But
a governor cannot enact laws and it is
up to the people of Kansas to see that
the next legislature is made up of men
who will"