New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-05-07
J STREETS OF STOCKHOLM.

reasonable between localities not acuuiesced in
two cases per annum out of the almost innu-
merable rates in effect, the number and COM
plexity Of which are indicated by the fact that
an average of 10000 tariffs per annum have
been filed with the commission by the carriers
during that period. Out of the average of less
Than two cases a year, or thirty-five cases in
eighteen years, the Judgment of the commission
has been reversed by the courts in all cases but
two
The Townsend bill provided that a rate once
fixed by the commission should continue in
force indefinitely. unless changed by the COM
mission or the court. Under such law all rates
would in time become commissions rates. and
the functions of railway managers in adjusting
rates TO meet commercial conditions and in ex-
tending the sphere of usefulness of the trans
portGton system OF the country would, step by
step, come to end.
Sow, but steady paralysis would creep into
the Industrial arteries through which the blood
of commerce flows, and the transportation sys-
TEN would gradually become numb and rigid.
The present activities of railway managers
would be eliminated agency in the intelli-
gent development of the resources of the coun-
try. Rates would soon be machine-made only,
and commercial and industrial centres now
acknowledging no bounds for the ultimate dis
trbution Of their products, would find them
selves operating in narrower and narrower zones.
finally circumscribed by governmental edicts as
to where their wares should go.
Tbe simple, direct equitable and effective
method of dealing with the grave questions now
at issue seems to me to be this:
u further legislation be necessary-and 1 do
not say that it IS not-let it have the direction
II.
and along logical not experimental. lines for the
remedying of those evils
Draw the distinction broadly and unmistaka-
bly, between punishment for crime or misde-
meanor on the one hand and unnecessary and
unwise governmental parental interference
with legitimate and legal exercise OF Individual
endeavor on the other.
Separate widely the functions Of government
which detect and arratgn and prosecute from
those which sit in judgment upon complaints
and offences against the law.
strengthen the laws in condemnation of re-
bates secret devices and unjust determinations
TO any extent that may he found possible, and
provide, il such further provision still be deemed
necessary for the prompt arraignment and pros
ecution OF all offenders in the duly constituted
courts of the country, and for the unsparing
punishment Of those who are found to be guilty.
If there are such offenders in the railway fra
ternlty. their offences should be exposed and
punished, but 1t is un-American and unfair not
TO say outrageous, because il is alleged that
there are SUCH that every manager and every
president and director, shall be subject to indis-
criminate public condemnation and that the in
noeent investors shall have their property
JeopardlZed and their rights infringed because
those to whom the prosecution Of the law Is in
trusted fail to find the offender and TO punish
him.
Bring under the provisions of the Interstat 70
Commerce act and the Jurisdiction of the COM
mission those water lines which are engaged in
junction with the railways: place such restric-
uons upon the Interstate traffic passing partly
through foreign countries as will compel COM
pliance with all the laws and regulations which
apply to- that moving solely within the United
States boundaries; spread the mantle of the law
and Of the commission over the fast freight and
private car lines doing interstate commerce. and
institute Il need be regulations In respect TO in
dustria tracks and phantom railways which
shall prevent such allowances 10 them as may
breed insidious evasions OF the law
In word stop illegal abuses drastically but
avoid action which win affect savings put into
railways in good faith; avoid legislation which
might impair service and efficiency and reduce
the wages OF our 100000 employees. for to the
wage earners alone among that number now go
over half of the gross expenses OF the American
railways. SAMUEL SPENCER