The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1905-09-24
RAILROAD FIGHT
AGAINST TAXATION
Western Roads Not WOr-
ried Over Rates.
HAVE OTHER FISH TO FRY
Companies Strengthening Themselves
Politically in Various States to
Meet the Many Issues.

A former Iowa man. now Washing
ton official. who has recently been on an
extended trip through the West, extend
ing as far as the Pacific coast brought
back to Washington some interesting
observations about the political condi-
tions beyond the Ailegnenies.
He declared in the first place that the
tariff. which Is considered In the East q
stronger issue than the railroad rate
regulations. interests the West far less.
The West is thoroughly aroused ever
rate legislation. but Its attitude is not
altogether understood. In fact. this Of
fetal puts a new phase on the matter.
and one which is decidedly interesting.
The people out West have no partic-
ular knowledge of the rate question per
Sc" he declares. whether particular
rates are too high. they do not know.
They have not interested themselves
much in the question until very recently.
Taxation the Problem.
The question which really is at bottom
OF Western dissatisfaction with the rail-
roads is taxation. The roads are in pol-
itics IN every State; they insist that it
Is necessary in order to protect them
selves from excessive taxation At any
rate. there is feeling all over the West
that the railroads pay altogether too
little taxes. and that in order to keep
their proportion low they have entered
into politics. with the view to controlling
the taxing boards of the States.
Incidentally, they, of course. want
TO keep their finger on the pulse of the
railroad commissions of the States. But
the point at which public opinion has
most confiicted with railroad policies is
taxation.
with good deal of sentiment
aroused against them because of the
taxation issue, the railroads suddenly
found themselves confronted with the
demand for rate regulation. They have
ever since been strengthening them
selves politically. organizing. lining mp
politicians. business interests. ETC., and
getting ready for the contest. This ac-
tivity has aroused the people, who real
ize that the fight is long one. but are
the more disposed to press il. as they
see the real power of the roads Illus
trated In the organizations they are ef-
fecIing.
Brought Upon Themselves.
In short, 1 think that by reason of
their past activity in keeping their
taxes low the railroads have brought
upon themselves the HSEI WHICH now
involves both rates and taxes. II they
get their taxes raised and their rates
reduced. it Will indeed be severe blow
at them; yet the question OF taxation
seems TO be almost as prominent in
most of the Western States as Is that of
rates.
Everywhere i seemed to discover a
general feeling of dissatisfaction with
the disposition to centralize political
authority at Washington. Just as the
Federal Government and the Federal
courts draw new powers and preroga-
tives and jurisdictions to themselves, so
the national politicians have grown into
larger powers. overshadowing local con-
Germs and bringing the people at home
10 feel that Washington wants to domi-
nate state affairs TO undue extent
These different elements / found
much in evidence In the feelings OF
people In Colorado there is going TO
be a complete reorganization of the
party. and new men are coming to-
the front. with newer and higher ideals.
Colorado is fast GETTING ready for some
thing on a Statewide scale. very like
that whics. Philadelphia is experiencing.
Nebraska's Republican party is getting
SO radical that il isn't always easy TO
tell whether IL is Republican or
Pcpul.st.
"Hard Times" His Hope.
THE Dakotas are working up big
contests. and Minnesota has already
elected Democratic governor on just
this set of issues. Illinois has & La
Toilette sort OF contest ahead and Wis
ccnsin hardly needs be mentioned The
Pacific West has the same influences
at work
II sec nothing ahead but a period OF
agitation that Will probably accomplish
no substantial political results until
hard times come in sight. Then IL may
bring results that will reach the entire
Atnkx0A'