Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1906-04-17

mdoS " lt--anQ that ODJeCtlUH was
made by Mr.. Berryhill-was that it
was unconstitutional in that it did not
provide specifically for an appeal to
the courts; and you have in this cam
paign suggested by insinuation, that I
knew 1t was unconstitutional and so
framed it in order that it might be
overturned by the courts.
The objection of unconstitutional
ity is exactly the same objection that
is now being urged against the Hep
burn bill Mr. Berryhill used the
same argument that is being empha-
sized by Elkins, Foraker, Knox and
the other enemies of the Presidents
policy in Washington. | contended
then, just as Senator Dolliver is con-
tending now, that it was not only UNI
wise but unfair to provide specifically
for an appeal to the courts, that moth
ing could interfere with their jurisdic.
ton to protect the railways in their
constitutional privileges, and that
what we wanted was sharp, effect
i've remedy, administered through such
tribunal as the railroad commission
ers, and not administered in the tedi-
GUS and hearbreaking processes of a
technical law suit.
John w. Luke, to whom have al
ready referred, attempted to gather up
the legislation of the various states, to-
gether with the bill that introduced,
and to formulate measure. He did
SO. An essential part of my bill was
incorporated in the measure so framed
helped to do it. / eo-operated with
him in every way that it was possible
for Ar 10 10 wifi oYnfh-
er, and from that cooperation came
the house bill. 1t passed the house Of
representatives. not only voted for
it, but spoke for it. and, with very
slight changes made in a conference
committee, it has been the law of the
state for eighteen years, and is the law
of the state today. The senate made
some amendments, and to adjust the
differences between the two bodies, a
conference committee was appointed.
was member of that committee, and
the man who says that in the commit
tee room I attempted to make the law
less effective, or less rigorous, simply
duplicates the crime of Annanias and
Saphira, even if he does not suffer the
penalty imposed upon them.
The Larabee Letter.
II have now given you the record,
and whatever else you do, in your re-
ply to me, I ask these people to hold
you to answer But have something
more than the contemporary record.
You have attempted to make the men
Of this state believe that was not in
sympathy with Governor Larrabee.
You have attempted to create tht i'm
preston that while was opposed to
him then, am now seeking the shelter
of his great name; and you claim to
be the only genuine friend of the dis
tinguished governor in his long but sue
cessful fight against the railroads. 1t
happens that have in my hand a let
ter from Governor Larabee. 1t is dated
April 10, 1906. A glance at it will
show you that it comes from his own
hand and I take the liberty of quoting
to you and to these people what he
says upon this subject. | read with
pleasure, and you may hear with profit,
these words, which I take from the
letter:
"I want to congratulate you on the
enactment Of the anti-pass law. 1t
curtails the power Of railroad mana
gers and takes away from them most
insidious power, used by them for
bribing purposes.
"T have much pride in our law Of
1883, which you helped much to frame,
especially in putting on the finishing
touch concerning the long and short
haul clause. This, especially, have
looked upon as the best legislation on
the subject I have seen. Perhaps I
should not have written to you upon
this subject, but feel deeply the nee
essity Of curtailing corporation powers
and influences, as l know you do, and
YOU have the battle in charge.
""rhe Kossuth county convention
indicates what appears to me to be the
general situation. Had you a few
more friends to help as Senator Elkins
did, your walkover would be easy.
Eternal vigilance, however, is the
price Of liberty, and it is about the
same in political contest.
"'I know you are stralning every
nerve to free our state from corpora
ton domination. You should have the
support of all our people in your con-
test
what now have you to say concern
ing my part in the railway legislation
Of 1888, and what have you to say con-
corning your part in traducing and
maligning me before the people of this
state? This audience will expect you
to answer, and I await your explana-
ton with the keenest interest.
Compares Records.
"May ask you what you did in 1888
toward the solution of the problem
which you say in your editorials was
then the issue? Lest your memory
fails you, I will read an editorial
which appeared in your paper upon
the subject at that time"
(Here an editorial was read, caution.
ing the legislature to go Slow.
81 leave your record and mine upon
this phase of the controversy.
"You have constantly tried to be-
little my work for the railway rate
! legislation now pending in congress
I do not claim much for it. but at Least
| it will compare favorably with yours
For years, in every speech that have
made upon the subject I have stood
| for an increase Of power to the in
terstate commerce commission