Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1905-01-18

corporation more plainly shown. Many Of
the principal shippers of the state responded
to the summons Of the railroads and joined
In the lobby In opposition to the proposed
law
The rate commission bill of 1903 was de-
feated by the combination. But no just
cause can fail. The evidence which had
been produced before the Legislature had
become Of absorbing interest to the people,
and everywhere throughout the state, in
the shops and places of business, and by
the fresides, figures were scanned, evidence
Weighed, the truth was being wrought out.
Publlc sentiment became crystallized and
found expression
before many months had passed it appar-
entity became clear to the Representatives of
the raliroads, and those in sympathy with
them politically, that these high schedules
or rates could not be maintained in WiScOn-
sin pending the election of another Legis-
azure 1 ana, notwithstanding the strong. pro-
of 1903 that no reduction in Wisconsin rates
could be made by the railroads, in the midst
OF campaign in which the establishment
OF state commission with power to reduce
rates in Wisconsin was the leading issue,
the railroads put forward from time to time
such reductions in rates as would best meet
Tue eAisencleS of the campaign. While the
amount of their reductions as a whole is
but traction Of that justly due, it is a
CONFESSION com sn that their rates were high two
years ago. and is important as bearing upol.
the value to be attached to Representations
when may be made to you at this session
WIN the purpose of influencing your delb-
eratlons ana your Judgment
Even II the reduction so made had been
eAtenued 10 every schedule and commodity
bringing every rate down to fair and just
basis, still such changes would be of no
SUBSTANTIAL benefit to the people Of Wiscon-
sin. they are subject to the arbitrary will
or Runway managers, and made for reasons
"hicH cohid give no possible assurance Of
any StaOll ty whatever. Remove from the
railway officers the fear of legislation regu-
latlnS rates and railway services in this
state, ana the former charges would be
quickly restored and such advances made
from tune to time the traffic would bear
Whatever temporary reductions may have
DeGn maze Tor political reasons, a study OF
railway tarlfs in force in Wisconsin at the
present time discloses the following facts
Whcn take this occasion to present for
your considerations
1. Wisconsin rates are still higher than
the rates charged under substantially SINH
lar conditions on state traffic in the neigh
norlng states Of Illinois and Iowa. where
tnese rates are regulated by law.
Z. Inc interstate rates in Wisconsin are
generally higher than the rates in Iowa ana
Illinois.
). The rates charged on traffic in Wiscon-
sin, Oh the whole yield q gross income to
the railroads considerably above the
amounts required for all operating expenses,
for the maintenance of property, and for a
fair interest or profit on the cost Of the
roads.
4. The railway companies are guilty Of
gross determinations in favor of certain
shippers, and their discrimination as be-
tween favored shippers are likewise rankly
nopoly, controlling production and markets
alike