The Saint Paul globe., 1905-04-08

large measure OF success but its pos
sibilities for good have not only not been
exhausted, but have scarcely been entered
upon.
1t is charged that rates are extortionate
and must be lowered. and yet the rates
In this country are only from one-half to
ne-third OF those IN countries with which
the producers OF the United States must
compete In the markets of the world and
wages OF railway employees are 80 per
cent higher than the highest elsewhere.
ana In eighteen years the interstate COM
merce commission has not succeeded in
establishing in the courts single case of
rates unreasonable in themselves.
The True Remedy
The simple. direct. equitable and effec-
tive method Of dealing with the question
seems to me 10 be tinis:
IL further Legislation be necessary and
do not say that il Is not. let IL be given
calling for correction and along logical.
not experimental, lines for the remedying
OF those evils. Draw the distinction
broadly and Enthusiastically between punish
ment for crime or misdemeanor. on the
one hand, and the unnecessary and unwise
governmental or paternal interference
with legitimate and legal exercise Of in
dividUal endeavor. on the other Sepa-
rate widely the functions of government
which detect, and arraign and prosecute,
from those which sit in judgment upon
complaints and offenses against the law.
Strengthen the laws in condemnation
OF rebates. secret devices and unjust dis
criminations to any extent that may be
found possible. and provide, II such further
provision Stiil be necessary. for the prompt
arraignment and prosecution OF all of
tenders of the law in the duly constituted
courts OF the country. and for the un-
sparing punishment Of those who are found
TO be guilty.
Extend Commissions Jurisdiction
Bring under the provisions of the inter
state commerce act, and the Jurisdiction of
the commission those water lines which
are engaged in Interstate commerce in
competition or In conjunction with the
Ia!iwaysi pace SUCH restrictions upon the
interstate traffic passing partly through
foreign countries as will compel COM
pliance with all the laws and regulations
winch apply to that moving solely within
United States boundaries; spread the man
tie OF the law and Of the commission
over the fast freight and private car lines
doing interstate commerce. and institute
II needs be. such regulations in respect
10 industrial tracks and phantom railways
as shall prevent such allowances to them
law.
In word-stop illegal abuses drastical-
ly. but avoid action which viii affect
savings put into railroads in good faith:
avoid legislation which might impair serv-
Ice 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 railroads. at-
1 have every confidence that when the
Eeat. complex and far reaching question
which Is now being agitated shall be
thoroughly understood In ali its bear
ings-the experience Of the past its possi-
pillties and its dangers for the future
that the verdict of that great jury (pub-
lie opinfon). when made up. will be Just
and fair. and under II the Industries OF
this country will continue to flourish, and
the interests Of the public and the in
terests Of the carriers will be equitabIy
protected.