The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-02-06
CRY FOR REFORM.
It Is Heard the Length and
Breadth of the Land.
Proclamation Heralded From
Every State Capital.
PRESIDENTS POLICY
In Relation to Railroad Rates
Is Strongly Sustained.
WashingtOn's Birthday Iss Set
Apart for United Effort.

ca thls morning from the capital in each
state signed by Herbert Myrick, editor
OF the American Agriculturist and
Orange Judd Farmer Bryant Brooks,
governor Of Wyoming; Myron T. Her
rick, governor of Ohio; Samuel H Ell
rod, governor of South Dakota, who
excludes parcels post from his ap-
proyal; Aaron Jones, Indiana, Master
National Grange, patrons of husbandry;
C. w. Post, Michigan, by chief execu-
tive officer of same; national and many
state labor and agricultural organfza-
tlons. Many other equally representa-
tive endorsements are being received
hourly.
Governor Blanchard of Louisiana tele-
graphs: President Roosevelt's policy
on control and regulation of railway
rates is sustained by public opinion in
Louisiana and my hope Is that the
Democratic vote in the house and SEN
law TIC 7''iiAe iii'o
Governor Terrell of Georgia tele-
graphs; Warmly favor all the pur-
poses of the proclamation
Governor Beckham of Kentucky tele-
graphs: Il heartily endorse bill to en-
large power of interstate commerce
commission
The proclamation sets forth that "The
farm is the corner stone of the republic
the Factory comes next in Importance
FARMERS and factory workers constitute
the great producing masses Labor
upon the soil, labor in distribution of
products of farm and factOry-Such are
sources of this country's Wealth-our
vast producing and consuming power
upon the prosperity of which depends
the national welfare.
Behind and above all is that most
wonderful of human institutions-th
American home. Conditions within the
home and influence upon it from with
out, should be such as to make each and
every home circle a nursery of all that
is highest in personal character con-
slant inspiration to honest endeavor in
private life on the part of both young
and DID,
The proclamation therefore proclaims
Washingtor's birthday February p, to
be observed as farm, home and factory
! day. 1t advises that upon this day the
American people concentrate their
/ thoughts and deeds upon betterment of
conditions affecting farm, home, fac
tory and all that therein is.
How can each of US make home
more precious, school more useful, farm
and factory more interesting and pros
porous, improve our government, pro-
mote religion, make life more joyous
and more worth living for ourselves
and for those who are to come after
US? On this day such questions NAV
prayerfully and acted upon wisely. Let
us stamp our graft-in business. in pol
itics, in government Let us stand like
a rock for good Old-faShiOned honesty.
in all our acts and relations. Let US
insist upon complete devotion to the
peoples welfare in all public officials
from highest to lowest, that private pelf
shall not influence public acts and re-
lations Let US insist upon complete
devotion to the peoples welfare in all
public officials, from the highest to
the lowest. that private pelf shall not
influence public acts Among other es-
sential reforms those below named are
just now of paramount Importance, and
are within our grasp.
'-First-Administrati of transporta-
ton and communication with absolute
fairness to all. but with special privi-
leges to none.
Therefore:
Second authority over
railroads sufficient to promptly abolish
unjust rates, to speedily wipe out every
vestige of discrimination that now
breeds monopoly, and to insure that
railroads be conducted with such abili-
ty, economy and honesty as to serve
the public we'll at equitable rates which
will pay a just return upon capital act
ually invested, provided every dollar
earned goes into railroad treasures for
security holders benefit
'sThird-A parcels post, so that pack
ages up to eleven pounds weight may
be collected, transported by mail and
delivered at one-half present extortion-
ate rates of postage, together with a To-
cal parcels post at still lower rates.
sFOurth-POSt check currency, where
by 81 s. and IS bills also certificates
for fractional parts of dollar, may for
postal and mailing purposes be convert
ed at will into checks payable only TO
the party whose name is written on the
face thereof: When not so used, bills 20
be payable to bearer and to pass cur
rent as at present. These reforms will
profoundly cheaper and simplify trans
portation of persons, products and in
teIIfgence These reforms will Strangle
that mother of sts-transportation
discrimination in whatever guise. These
reforms will facilitate the exchange of
farm and factory products, promote the
general welfare without injustice to any
interest, bring the amenities of life to
distant rural family and insure fair
return upon any dollar Iegitimately in
vested in transportation and allied in
dustries.
Measures to carry out all of these re-
forms are now pending in congress.
letter by the president, by certain sena-
TORS and representatives regardless of
party. by state legislatures, public Off
Gals agricultural and labor organiza-
tions. commercial bodies, and by the
nIll1Iic generally, but some, If. not all
II these reforms may be defeated or
ernasculated at the behest. of railway
1oanagers. express companies and mon
onolisfic trusts that fatten upon the
evil system which now saps the indus
trial life blood of the people,
1.-The proclamation, tnereIore urges
gressnaen and senators at washington
in behalf of the reforms named II these
are NOT secured before congress ad-
io15rns. The president is respectfully
requested to convene congress in spec
iaI session until it completes these re-