The Topeka state journal., 1905-02-25

qualified sense, as contended by the
railroad advocates of non-interference,
that they are interested in the develop
ment of the resources of the state in
order to increase their business, it is
likewise a fact that their interests are
far from identical with those of the
state. It is of the highest Importance
to the state for example, that there
should be many thrifty towns and cit
les of moderate size well distributed
over it. 1t best serves the interests OF
the railway company that the products
Of the state should be carried by the
long haul to remote markets.
And it should always be remember
/ ed that the railways make artificial and
arbitrary regulations with respect to
where trade and commerce shall center,
and that such regulations are made, not
with a view to the best development of
every part of the state upon the broad
est social and economic grounds, but
with a view to making the best imam
cial showing to place before the board
of directors at the end of the year The
same reasons which may be urged for
the better protection of domestic inter-
ests in other respects through state
government hold good for the state con-
troll of railway transportation. 1nde-
pendent of the large field of local work
for state commissions, their estapllsh-
ment might well be urged as one or the
best expedients for securing early, de-
finite and satisfactory action on the
part of congress for proper control OF
interstate commerce.
a reasona bIv good service is quite as
important as reasonable cost of ser
vice. 1 believe a commission should be
invested with power to enforce adequate
and efficient service for the patrons OF
railroads, always taking into cons1dera-
ton the circumstances and conditions
with respect to the towns, cities and
sections of the state concerned. In fur
therance of this provision, the commls-
sion should have authority to require,
in the interests of the travelling public,
whenever the action of the corporation
makes it necessary, proper stal ION ac-
commodations, adequate train service,
and reasonable connections with other
lines. They should be empowered to
require the furnishing of cars for the
reasonable accommodation of shippers,
to the end that they may not suffer un-
necessary delay and loss in reaching
market The commission should have
power to require reasonable tac1Htles
for ascertaining the weight or loaded
cars, thus preventing overcharge and
DELAYS in settlement of claims Tney |
should, in short, be able in all import |
ant matters to insure protection to the /
public from tyranny and abuse otpoWer
on the part of the transportation COM /
pany.
Estate commissions should have full /
authority to establish rates and issue /
orders carrying them into immediate
effect If the commission has power to
fix maximum rates only the railway /
coYnpanies can still unjustly discrim-
mate between shippers by making spe-
cial rates below the maximum rate A /
slight variation is sufficient ultimately /
to consolidate business in the hands OF
the favored shippers
eff the rate made by the commission
does not go into effect at once upon
the order Of the commission, the rail-
road company can destroy the value OF
the rate-naking power by litigation
which would indefinitely postpone the
asta bIishnent of a rate once made
sfVVhile the commission should doubt
less be empowered to promulgate entire
schedules of rates, they should have
discretion in the exercise Of this right,
thus enabling the commission to afford
relief where it is most urgently needed,
and to proceed with greater conserVa-
tisn and caution than would De the
case if thew were required within
defniteIv prescribed time to establish
rates. covering all classifcations ana all
schedules. Some latitude in the exer-
else of this power will enable the COM
r,7issinn to make such rates as will be
noaintained by the courts, should appeal
he prosecuted by the railway companies
to test the same
snrbe commission should be clothed
with power to enforce publicity in re-
snect to all matters pertaining to the
public interests. Invested with TINS
4Do9,id posid much less frequently arise
FlI1 knowledge on the part of the
Commission respecting the earnings
ana expenses in the operation of rail-
roads is essential as a basis OF rate
ma king No rates established Dy the
commission can be maintained IN the
courts. If attacked, unless such rates