Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1905-01-18

ana scientific rate-making is in the
abstract, as pTacticed by the raif
roads, there is little Of scientific ap
plication and less justice As evr
dence OF this, let me quote some CON
PARSONS in railrQi rate-making, in
shipping articles o. e same weight
exactly the same distance:
Box Of stationery, 100 lbs. ...... So
Box of wrapping paper, 100,bs. :. AZ
Box Of brass hinges, 100 lbs. 80. 81
Box Oh iron hinges, 100 lbs. 500. Al
Box of clock springs, 100 lbs. ., 81
Box OF iron castings, 100 lbs. 49,. -
Box OF granite iron ware, 100 lbs. 81
Box of iron shllets tnested), 100
lbs go. .......... ...... AZ
However great the technical and ex-
pert knowledge of the traffic depart
ment Of the railway company, it does
not require a very extended investiga-
ton of the question to convince one
that rate-making is often managed,
and always controlled by those having
a greater familiarity with stock
markets, than with the economies OF
proportional rates, terminal tariffs,
and the whole range of classifications
and schedules.
There is another phase of this
branch OF the subject which is worth
your careful consideration. The
thought must ever be kept in mind,
In law creating a railroad COM
mission with power to regulate serv>
ices and rates, the most important
problem to be dealt with is the char
acter and ability of the men who will
be entrusted with this great re,
sponsibility. The work of the com
mission in fixing rates will stand or
fall, as it meets the severe tests ap-
piled in a review of its proceedings by
the courts.
Rates established, either upon the
initiative Of the commission or upon
complaints filed with it, cannot be sus-
tanned BY the courts except such rat es
are fair not only to the public. but
just and reasonable to the railroads as
well. To determine this latter Ques>
ton requires a technical and exper;
knowledge of taffic conditions, and #
the cost of railway constructiCn n.
maintenance and transportation. in
detail. In order that any rate es~
tablshed may be sustained, the com
mission must be able to meet and an
swer the ablest traffic experts in the
employ of the great railway com
panies. They should be able to meet
them. in SO far as possible, upon equal
terms. Railway traffic managers are,
because Of their ability and fitness.
among the highest paid Of all the rai,-
way company officials. A contest he
tween political parties where partisan
feeling run high and personal friend
ships and popular elements il char
acter count in the determination of
the result, do not afford the best IN
ditions for judging Of those pJ1ylv
technical qualifications, and Of that
mental endowment and experience
which specially fits for work of the
character required of such a commits
sion. On the other hand, if the Office
is made appointive, there will be
every opportunity for the appointing
power to make selection from the
widest possible field, having ample
time for investigation of the candidate
with respect to his antecedents. to the
elements in his character, and to his
ability, experience. and expert knowl
edge. The selection would be made
full in tie eye of the public, the an.
pointing power having responsibility
for his acts, and knowing with a Ger
tainty that such appointment would
not be confirmed unless it met the ap-
proving judgment Of the legislature.
Nominations by Direct Vote.
l congratulate you, and through YOU. !
the people of Wisconsin upon the adop- +.
ton of law for the nomination Of all
for office by direct vote /
The demand of the voters of this state
Tor such law had been made many /
times in a clear and explicit manner.
Its defeat, against the will of the !
majority, was the clearest impeacl- |
nent of the caucus and convention sys-
EN- which made it possible for a ma
ority to control When after years
If delay the people of Wisconsin
we're granted the opportunity finally
o determine the question, they
wrought the law uopn the statutes of
Wisconsin by more than $4,000 ma
GRITTY.
Transfer of Land Titles.
A simplifcation Of our system of
transferring land titles would seem to
De very desirable. At present the cost
If abstracts Of title, the delay in com
letting sales after being negotiated.
ne possible defects in titles not ap-
)earing of record, the accumulation of
looks and indexes in the registers Of
ice, all operate as a constant burden
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