The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-08-21

Deadwood, S. D., Aug. 1s.-Hon. J. V. Smith of Alabama made the following address, today before the National As- sociation of Railway Commissioners:
 MT. President and Gentlemen of the
 National Association of Railway
 Commissioners:
 The discussion of the question of gov- ernmental regulation of freight rates has unquestionably done much 10 en- tighten the American people upon this all-important subject. That the result will in the end prove helpful and beT1e- ficial, both to the people and the rail- ways, can hardly be gainsaid by any ght-thinking or fair-minded man. That there is. or was some Just cause for the universal discussion and agi- tation of this question is evideeced by the large and enthusiastic following which the leaders of this movement have been enabled to command: for. while the American people are full or sentiment and are emotional to cer- tain extent. no large number has ever been known to pursue an ignus faeuus' or to follow long in the wake of cause not founded upon just principles. this republic should always be beard and no political party. corporate body or individual, can safely engage in any serious effort to stife public discus sion, or escape the lime light of public scrutiny and examination. And so 1t came about that the American people, determined to probe to the bottom of this matter and find out for themselves where the evil lay. and, finding 1t, to root it out. Under the leadership of the fearless, somewhat strenuous, in- corruptibIe and able young patriot who stands at the head of national affairs. 1t was determined to place thus subject under the x-ray of public examination. 1t was highly essential to the welfare of the country that the public should know how much of this complaint was founded upon just cause, and how much was due to the efforts of those agita- tors whose only interest and design was to stir up the people and ride into poe litical power upon their passions. pre- judices, and supposed ignorance of pub lie affairs There are two classes of agttators who have figured prominently in this matter. One thlrsting for po- litical power. Snd the other. while de- claiming against "frenSied finance" and public corruption. have not ceased, by questionable methods, to rake the dol- lars from the public till. While the great body of the American people, who likewise have taken. and are st!n taking, a deep interest in this subject, are actuated only by a patriotic desire to see that justice Is done both to the people and the common carriers as well. The evils complained of were known to spring from either one of two causes first, extortionate freight rates; or, sec ond, rebates and unjust discriminations. Now, let us calmly, dispassionately and fearlessly inquire what the result of this investigation has shown, and for ourselves. determine what is right and let the people know the result of our finding. I shal state briefly what, to my mind, has been dem conelusively by this investi- gation, and my conclusions drawn thereffom.
 First-It has been clearly shown, and proven by statistics. which have never heard questioned. that the average freight rates upon our American rail- ways are, by actual comparison. lower than any other country in the world, and lower than ever before in this country.
 Second-rhat the average pay of the on our railways are higher than any other country in the world; and at the risk of being somewhat te-