The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-01-18
AN ANTI PASS BILL.
One Makes Appearance in the House
Today.


An opportunity is now offered to the
members Of the Kansas legislature to
show whether it is willing to adopt the
"Stubbs idea and reject railroad
passes.
]. T. Pringle of Usage county this
morning offered a bill in the house of
representatives absolutely prohibiting
the granting of free passes under any
and all conditions.
1t also provides for a general reduc-
ton in railway fare for passengers
from cents to cents a mile.
Mr.. Pringle's bill is too good to be
passed even by reform legislature.
The bill in full follows:
Whereas, There is a widespread de-
mand for advanced railroad legisla-
ton both in regard to state and inter
state traffic, and,
Whereas. There is a general belief
that the use of railroad passes by
public officers is an evil tending to i'm
pair such officers acts and usefulness,
and,
Whereas, 1t is generally believed
that nearly one-third of all passen-
gers on railroads ride free, or at spe-
cial rates, and,
Whereas, The Republican national
committees text book submitted to
the American people previous to the
last election contained a statement
which was not questioned by the rail-
roads that the average passenger rare
per mile is two and three one-hun-
dredthS of a cent, indicating that If
all railroad passengers paid the same
fare, the price could be reduced to
two cents per mile without loss to the
railroads. therefore:
Be it enacted by the Legislature Of the
State of Kansas.
Section THAT it shall be unlawful for
any railroad company organized under the
laws of this state, or doing business in
this state, or any officer or agent thereof
to issue or deliver any railroad pass. free
ticket or mileage book which enables or
is intended to enable the holder thereof to
ride on the cars of any railroad company
pensation required to be paid by the pub
lie in general: Provided, this section shall
ployes of any railroad company, or be
construed to prohibit the issuance of ex-
the use of their respective officers, agents
and employees.
Sec. Iii shall be unlawful for any per-
son to accept or use any railroad pass,
free ticket or mileage book, for which the
holder thereof has not paid the regular
and usual price paid by the public in gen
eral for a similar service performed by
such railroad companies and any railroad
pass, free ticket or mileage book which
does not show on its face the considera-
ton for which the same was issued shall
be prima facie evidence that the same
was issued and accepted in violation OF
the provisions of this act: Provided, this
section shall not apply to officers, agents
pany, or the officers, agents or employees
of any railroad company using exchange
or mileage book shall state in what ca
pacity the holder of the same is employed
and on what account such transportation
was issued.
Sec. SIT shall be unlawful for any
person holding any office of trust or profit
under the laws of the state of Kansas, or
of the United States, when such person
is resident of the state of Kansas, or
any delegate to any state or district con-
V6nt1On to accent. a L.
road pass or other free transportation or
any kind of ticket or mileage hook for
which full compensation has not been
paid as required by the public in general.
Sec. 4. If any railroad company or
ganized under the laws of this state.
or doing business in this state, shall
violate any of the provisions of this
act, such company shall forfeit and pay
for each offense the sum of two hun
dred dollars, which may be recovered
in the name of the state in any court Of
competent jurisdiction and the suit to
recover the same shall be prosecuted
by the attorney general, or the county
attorney in the county where the Of
tense was committed and the amount
received shall be paid into the school
fund.
Sec. 5. Any person holding any Of
fee of profit or trust under the laws of
this state, or of the United States, |
where such person is a resident of this
state, or any delegate to any state or
district convention, who shall accept, |
use or travel on any railroad pass, free
ticket or mileage book, for which he |
has not paid the usual compensation |
required to be paid by the public in |
general. or who shall violate any of the
provisions of this act, shall be guilty of
q miSd emeanor and upon conviction /
shall be fined any sum not less. than |
$50 nor more than $500, or by imprison- |
nent, not exceeding six months, and /
tlpon conviction thereof such person /
shall forfeit his Office, and in the abb
sence of any other provision of law for |
the removal of such officer, the district /
court of this state may declare such Of 4
fce vacant
Sec. s. No railroad company shall |