The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-11-18

the line having the higher rate secure any
traffic?
If it secured no traffic, what would be-
come of the arbitrary dictam that IL
should earn the interest on its cost or
value?
Again, the question of skill and pru-
dence in management must be considered.
If rates, which between competitors
must always be equal, are TO be arbitra-
rily adjusted SO as to afford a fair inter-
est upon the value of poorly-managed
properties, then the same rates will yield
to the well-managed property a higher
rate of interest
The power which arbitrarily fixes rates
upon such basis whether 1t be The gov
eminent or any other, must then under
take to decide which is the well managed
and which the poorly managed property.
This is a single and very simple illus
tration as to three lines from Montgomery
to Savannah, assuming that no otner lines
existed anywhere in the United States.
From this it Is easy to form some con-
ception of the complexity o. the problem
of applying such a method of rate ad-
justment to all the network of lines in
the country, or even In your own state.
south's Progress.
But When the story Oh the south prog
ress and prosperity Is considered. and the
place OF commercial supremacy she is rap
idly attaining is contemplated, justice, I
think, requires the admission that on the
whole the work of the railroads has been
well and efficiently done. It Is said that
railroads have the power to make or mar
the fortunes ana oestlnles OF localltles
ana sectlons IL thls De true, what is
the lesson to be drawn from the great
ana unprecedented prosperity OF the
southern states? primarily due TO the en-
ergy, INDUSTRY ana intelligence OF the peo-
pie, 1t must be admitted thai 1t has not
been prevented. ana, In view OF us amaz-
ing proportions whlcn are exciting the
wonder OF the world, 1t cannot justly be
Claimed that II mas been tesarIcd by IN
adequate or lnefnclent transportation IA
cnltles. history Is the Vlndicatlon OF all
the forces, including the transportation
companies, winch nave bean at work TO
create the new life and prosperity OF the
south. appeal from the narrow spirit
which condemns because Of few indi-
Viuuai grievances ana exceptlohal dehcien-
cles' 10 the larger spirit OF justice or the
people Whlch VIII recognize thar the true
standard OF enlightened Judgment must
pe the ndellty ana efhcieney With which
the service as whole has been rendered
90 not rear the verdict OF calm and
dlspassionate public sentiment
Inc interests of the railroad and OF its
patrons are Identical. One cannot prosper
without the other. The railroads must
40 justice TO the people Ine people
should do Justice to the abroad. Their
cordial cooperation in the great field OF
human industry is essential to he lublc
welfare. They must work together in
spirit of forbearance and mutual consid-
Grafton and trust. If they are to accom-
plish the results for which both dre striv-
ing, and which are within their grasp il
they work together. The man who would
sow dissension between them and embar-
rass their cooperation by ni'sunderstand-
ings, friction and antagonisn is a public
enemy. While the railroads may be in a
sense at his mercy, he should not be toll
Grated by the people, for the oppression
he seeks to bring upon the railroads must
reflect itself upon the fortunes of the peo-