The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-02-02

more far reaching in Its benefits to sea-
coast States like Virginia than to inland
States.
coast States like Virginia than to inland
States.
There is scarcely city or section of
our State the freight of which cannot be
shipped to our splendid harbors on the
coast and from there distributed to all
the markets OF the world, upon railroads
entirely within Virginia, the rates OF
which are controlled by her authority.
Thus, Virginia is favorably located, and
has the power to provide reasonable
freight charges upon n large portion of
her varied products in reaching the
worlds markets. This power should be
exercised fairly and justice dispensed
alike to shipper and railroad. n trans
portation company should be treated as
Al partnership, of which the public con-
stitutes one partner and the stockholders
the other, each entitled TO full and fair
consideration. The arrogant claim of
some that railroads are private property.
and that they have a right to exact what
they can and please for their service, is
as vicious as the cry of the thoughtless
demagogues who would confscate all in
vestment on these properties. The rail-
roads have been potential factors in the
development of Virginia, and we need
and desire the building of others in many
sections OF our State. Our policy should
be such as to give assurance to those
who have and will invest in such pro-
perties that they may expect reasonable
returns, and will receive from us honest,
fair and just treatment. But. we should
have 1t distinctly understood that so far
US we have power to prohibit that there
shall he rah, onr To,
any shippers; no discrimination against
individuals. sections or cities; no COM
bination or pooling to destroy competi-
ton and Increase rates. no eXorbitant
local rates destructive of industries and
retardng development; no local rates in
excess of through rates, thus permitting
us to be undersold in the markets of our
own State.
The enforcement of these just policies
must result to the advantage or the
farmer, merchant manufacturer and
miner. Capital will come to Virginia
for Investment in our varied enterprises
made for sale shall have not by favor.
but by law, reasonable freight rate,
and thus, fair opportunity in the worlds
morkets. The prosperity engendercd
will be shared by the railroads. Under
our new Constitution. this power pos
sessed by Virginia has been conferred
upon Corporation Commission. This
Commission should be sustained and
literally supported in order that it may
successfully exercise its functions and
achieve tho purposes of it's creation
Invite Outside Capital.
Another question deserving of consider
alton and effort is the Introduction of
capital and the procurement of good
and desirable immigration. We should
invite capital to come to Virginia and
make profitable investment and to aid
IN developing our resources, and when
1t comes we should make it safe and
secure. treat it Justly and fairly. We
should let capital know it will receive
Il cordial welcome from us. it's presence.
be esteemed a blessing, not a curse,
and that it need apprehend no enmity
at our hands. Ny efforts shall be espec-
Tally directed to multiply and diversity
the industries of Virginia and II, during
my lncumbency. any success shall be
accomplished In this direction l will be
pleased beyond measure.
Immigration has wisely been made n
part of the Agricultural department of
this state. This department with the
means at It's disposal has managed this
feature intelligently and with success
1T has been instrumental in bringing to
this State several thousands of splendid
immigrants from the Northwest who
have purchased homes and now consti-
tute u part OF our best citizens and
most prosperous farmers, The prospect
of more settlers from this section in
crcases each year and their coming
i should be encouraged in every possible
way. Virginia cannot afford TO he in
different to immigration, There is /,
great scarcity of farm labor in this
state which must be supplied Not much
more than half OF our lana is under
cultivation. Progress and prosperity de-
mand that this uncultivated half should
be converted into fertile and Yielding
farms. The cheapness ana fertility OF
our lands the superbness OF our climate,
the nenness and accessibility OF nGr
inprkcts' the great demand for labor