The Washington herald., 1906-11-30

gestion late trains. and other annoyances
inseparable 10 such conditions But the
people did not blame President Spencer
personally. They were impressed with the
idea that he was doing everything in his
power TO get matters on a basis satisfac-
tory 10 al concerned.
Mr.. Spencer took a keen interest in
everything affecting railways and
railway problems generally. Fre-
quencly he made speeches on
topics Of great public interest, which
almost invariably cleared the atmosphere
and brought about a better understand
ing between the railway interests and the
public Particularly close attention was
given TO the question Of railway rate
legislation by him. He took the position
that if the public was given an OppOr-
tunity 10 understand the various rami-
fications of transportation problems
there would be no possibility of the en-
actment OF a law which would work in
justice TO either side.
Whenever he disagreed with a legisla-
tive proposal affecting railways, how
ever, he expressed himself in no uncertain
terms. When the hastily framed Esch-
Townsend bill was passed by the House
Just before the close Of the Fifty-eighth
Congress. lir. Spencer said, in comment
ing on the apparent desire Of some mem
bers Of Congress 10 deny the railways
their day in court, that the enactment
of a statute based on such desire would
be nothing short of commercial lynch
law" That phrase became famous.
His Views on Rebates.
a year or so ago MIR. Spencer discussed
railroad rates and rebates before the
Traffic Club. Of Pittsburg.
He said he believed that the great rail-
way questions of the day could be set
tied IN accordance with equity and law
and the fundamental principles OF the
government, provided a tribunal could be
organized or methods found which would
perfect reasonable regulation In the
phraseology Of a philosopher or expert
economist, ne stated thai the simple,
equitable, and effective method Of dealing
with the question at issue was, first, II
there was legislation, that it should be
along lines that were logical and had In
view the correction Of the alleged evils;
that there should be Strengthening Of
laws that condemn rebates and unjust
discrimination. and that there should be
provision for prompt prosecution of Of
the unsparing punishment of those found
guilty.
Furthermore that there should be
brought under the provisions Of the tri-
bunal such water lines as are engaged in
interstate commerce; that interstate traf-
fc that passes through foreign countries
should be SO regulated as TO compel COM
pIiance with the laws Of the United
States, and that the powers Of the tribu-
nails should be extended over fast freight
and private car lines that do an inter
state commerce. and especially that there
should be thorough regulation with re
spect TO industrial tracks and phantom
railroads such as would prevent them
from practicing insidious evasiOns Of the
law.
Practfced WhHt Hc Preached.
II was characteristic Of the dead man
that he practiced what he preached Au-
thorities generally agree that his con
duct Of the Southern was such as 20 re-
duce to 4 minimum the abuses Of which
the public generally has complained.
one of Mr.. Spencer's last speeches was
delivered before the Alabama AgricuI-
tural Association at Montgomery last
month In this address he improved the
appreheusions as 10 the relations exist
ing between the railroads and the public,
and touched Incidentally on the wonder
full commercial development Of the South.
The railroads were not getting their just
share OF the prevalent prosperity, he
pointed out. They had had 10 increase
their outlay for wages and were being
compelled to pay higher prices than ever
before for supplies ard material Of all
kinds, and there had been no proportion
ate increase in their earnings. A signIf-
cart paragraph in his speech was as fol-
lows:
with an Increase in the price Of every
thing the carrier must buy-with an IN
crease in the cost Of labor. of materials.
in the verdicts OF juries in damage suits,
IN taxes. &c.-and with decreasing rates.
a point must be ultimately reached where
the carriers capacity to meet the public
demand for increased facilities must be
substantially impaired, If not destroyed.
It must be apparent that II there is q
continual increase IN the units Of ex-
pense. with a continual decrease in the
units Of revenue, the financial strength Of
the enterprise cannot survive indefinitely.
II the process is carried far enough, mere
increase in volume of traffic. which has
sustained the carrier thus far. will not
suffice, and without financial strength
and credit the carrier cannot adequately
meet the proper requirements Of the pub
lie"
Mr.. Spencer was hfty-nine years of age,
having been born at Columbus, Ca,
March 2, lS47. He was the only child OF
Lambert and Verona (ditcheI0 Spencer,
and a descendant Of James Spencer, who
emigrated from England TO Talbot
County. Nd, in 1870. He was educated
in the public schools Of Columbus, and,
in 1853. when but sixteen years of age, he