The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1906-02-08
enue.


cation of the relations between the
Baltimore and Ohio and the Wash
ington Branch. and learn author
itavely whether the latter has
been unjustly dealt with in the
matter of the Washington terminal.
The Senate Finance Committee
received a letter from Attorney
General Bryan in reference to the
documents relating to the States
case against the Baltimore and
Ohio Railroad in regard to deferred
dividends on the Washington
Branch stock. Members of the
committee are dissatisfied with the
manner in which their questions
were answered, and intimate that
Mr.. Bryan is trihing with a serious
matter.
1t is.claimed that Governor War
field had no authority to appoint
Mr.. F. V. Rhodes as a special at.
torney to look into the Washing
ton Branch matter, and it is likely
that the point that his appoint,
ment is illegal will be made.
The campaign against the Bal
timare and Ohio will, it is stated,
be pressed with vigor, and action
taken to make that road make
proper payment for the benefits it
has received from the State.
A bill creating a State railroad
commission similar to that of Texas
was introduced.
The bill provides for the appoint
ment by the Governor of three per
sons to act as commissioners to
hold office for two years. Two of
these are to be from the two lead
ing political parties in the State
and the third to be selected by the
Governor without regard to politi-
cal affiliations. No person holding
any official relation or having any
financial business relations with
any railroad corporation or who
owns any stock of such corpora
ton shall be eligible for such place
The boards is given power to ad-
minister oaths in all matters re-
lating to their duties and shall
have general supervision of all rail-
roads and railways, and shall ex-
anime the same and keep them
selves informed as to their condi-
ton and the manner in which they
are operated. Part of their duty
is to investigate the causes OF ac-
Cidents and all other matters with
reference to the security and ac-
commodation of the public, and
the compliance of the several cor
poratiOns with the provisions of
their charter and the laws of the
state.
The several superintendent or
managers of all railroads in the
State are required to Immediately
inform the board of every accident
that occurs in which there is loss
of life or damage to property.
Power is given to examine at
any time the books and affairs of
any railroad and to compel the
production of copies Of books and
papers, subpoena witnesses, ad-
minister oaths and compel atten-
dance and testimony of all officials.
Subpoenas are to be served by any
sheriff or deputy sheriff of the
state, and are to have the same
weight as if issued by the courts.
Section 4 of the bill ia tie s:
"Whenever in the judgment of the
Board of Railroad Commissioners
it shall appear that any such cor
poration has violated any constitu-
tional pr ovision or law, or neglects
in any respect or particular to COM
ply with the terms of the act by
which it was created or uniustly
discriminates in its charges for
services, or which usurps any au-
thority not by its act Of incorpo-
ration granted, or refuses to COM
ply with the provisions Of any Of
the laws or with the recommended
lions of said board, they shall give
notice thereof in writing to said
corporation, and the board may
forthwith present the facts to the