Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1906-10-24
REDUCTION e'5 in il the: existing merchandise

rates." S>s'1 s. ~ .*4'>*s4~ @@ ~ s''%"
This resolution was approved by me
April IL, 1906. :,
/ Acting under this \ resolution. The
Board of: Railroad and Warehouse
iCommissi oners&b egan #theswork: ofTap-S
"pratsing the railroad properties Of the
state with q, view Of REIMBURSEMENT Of
railroad rates upon a fair and rea-
sonable basis. They also instituted an
inquiry and hearing with a view of a
general reduction of merchandise rates.
AS result of said inquiry, the rail-
roads voluntarily proposed a reduction
on grain rates Of transportation. Upon
my suggestion, the Board Of Railroad
and Warehouse Commissioners issued
an order citing railroads to appear and
show cause why there should not be a
general reduction Of commodity rates.
The railroads, as a result, made an i'm
mediate reduction upon rates for the
transportation of grain. The hearing
for the proposed general reduction Of
the commodity rates is still pending. AS
a result of the hearing and inquiry in
the matter of merchandise rates, the
commission upon the evidence submit
ted to them, has made an order provid-
ing for fixing a rate which secures a
materia! reduction ana a general equal
ization of rates throughout the state.
! It is not possible to conceive that any
public official would willingly do that
which would bring hardship or incon-
venience to the people Of the state Of
Minnesota. I. am convinced, however,
that one great element, viz: the pro-
Queer Of. the state, has been at a seri-
| GUS disadvantage by reason of un-
equal and unfair rates of transporta-
ton, anil that the stats desires that
the greatest good should come to the
greatest number, AMI that the class of
people who have borne an unjust bur-
den should be relieved so far as posi-
bic from this undesirable and unneces-
| sary situation. a. -
1t is a we'll known fact that the rates
| of transportation in our state have
been. too high, and feeling that the
present proposed reforms along this
line are Of great value to the whole
| people, I can not conscientiously COM
| ply with your request that join in any
movement looking toward the annul-
| ment of the good which has been ac-
| complished thus far by the Board Of
Railroad and Warehouse Commission
| ers In their recent action.
! I am satisfied in my own mind that
what has been accomplished thus far
will not 'embarrass the best interests
| Of the state of Minnesota and I can
not conceive that the reduction of rates
of transportation to the benefit and in
terest of the masses Of the people will
in any wise affect the prosperity of any
commercial institution within our state.
In order, however, that the request Of
the petitioners may have full 'consid-
GRAFTON, beg to advise you that have
submitted the same to the Board of
Railroad and Warehouse Commission
ers with q copy Of this letter.
| Very respectfully yours,
| JOHN A. JOHNSON,
| (Copy.) Governor.
This is in brief part of the record
! of Gov. Johnson on rate reform. His
recommendations have been so reason
able and explicit that in every case the
legislature and railway and warehouse
commission could not find an excuse fol-
Noncompliance; his Influence in FORM
| ing public sentiment and awakening
! public interest has been incalculable
He has proved a tower Of strength to a
righteous. cause, and we repeat without
! fear Of successful contradiction that
he is as fully entitled to complete credit
| for results achieved in Minnesota dur
ing his administration, as is President
! Roosevelt for rate reform in the ma
| tional field.