The independent. [volume] (Lincoln, Neb.) 1902-1907, 1905-11-30
TO ABOLISH PASSES
GOVERNOR DENEEN OF ILLINOIS
FAvORS THE REFORM
Makes Public. His Determination to
Secure Law That Will Prevent Civ
ing of Free Transportation Except
to Railway Employees

plOyes OF railroad companies. A prob
hibitory act to this effect is to be part
OF Governor Deneen's program of pro.
posed railroad legislation, which is to
play an important part in the next
session of the Illinois general assem-
bly,.
Although thirteen months intervene
before another legislature will be in
session, the governor is allowing part
of his program to become known that
he may get public sentiment behind
him.
Without this it might be forlorn
hope for him to undertake to secure
the passage of remedial legislation
which would hit the legislators them
selves.
Deneen is in position to advocate
this and other railroad bills and to do
SO consistently. He mas refused to
use passes himself and was paying his
railroad fare before the hue and cry
against the use of free transportation
by public officials was raised.
Railroads May Favor Project
Railroad officials have been in
formed of the governors proposals
along this line and have declared that
on this proposition, at least, they are
with him. 1t has been expected that
he would undertake the regulation of
railroads so far as 1t is possible in
state jurisdiction, but the announce
ment Of his intentions regarding anti
pass legislation is the first definite
step to be taken.
Attempts at such legislation when
made by radical members of the legis-
lature in the past have served no 9TH |
er purpose than to amuse the other
solons. The only time the legislature
took such matters seriously was when
the Chicago & Alton showed a dis-l
position to make legislative passes
good only on the special legislative
train-the hog train" as it wasI
known during it's brief existence.
The legislative seriousness in this
episode took such form as to produce
the almost instantaneous withdrawal
both OF the obnoxious train and the
restriction on the passes.
1t is believed, however, that the
governor would not allow his purpose
to be known IL he were not confident
that he had good chance to push
the measure through.
Makes His Plans Public
That he intends to put the PROPOSE
ton to the people first is indicated
by the fact that he announced It tol
the contention OF Odd Fellows in
Springfield, at which General Passen-
ger Agent George J. Charlton of the
Chicago and Alton road was present.
Mr. Charlton and the governor were
presented on the platfor mtogether.
In the spirit Of brotherhood" said
the governor. Il might tell Mr.. Charl-
ton that we intend to try and help his
business. Wen try TO get more peo-
pie to pay cashf ares. At the nextl
session of the legislature we shall en-
deavor TO get the house and the SEN
ate TO agree on bin which viii pre-
vent the use of railroad passes by any
persons except railroad employees"
THAT will be good thing" shout.
ed Mr.. Charlton. shaking hands with
Deneen. I'VE are with you on that"
fourteen hundred Odd Fellows who .
were In the convention hall stood up
and shouted.
First step 20 Come December 8
The first actual step In railroad
regulation by the STATE probably will +.