Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1906-10-24
Governor johnson Insists That FARM
ers and Shippers Shait Be
Profecfed

The producers Of the state were
given additional evidence last week
that Governor Johnson could sbe de-
pended on to care for their interests,
even if in so doing he antagonized
powerful influences. He received a.
lengthy petition, signed by practically
all the big jobbers of Duluth, protest.
ing against the recent order Of the
railway commission for a reduction Of
merchandise freight rates. The bill
Of particulars alleged against the pro-
posed reduction was strong one from
the standpoint of the wholesaler. That
business interests had been built up
and adjusted to the present system Of
freight rates. That a readjustment Of
rates on a mileage basis would dis
arrange business, retard state develop
ment and work general hardship. The
petitioners recognized Gov. Johnson's
rate reductions, and appealed to him
In the following languages:
you can do much for us in this
matter and we look to you and beseech
you to aid us in securing a. rehearing
before the railway and warehouse
commission. In conclusion, we trust
this matter Of such vital interest will
receive your very early consideration"
This document was signed by firms
representing millions Of dollars who
prayed him to intervene, but he did
not waver for an instant. He refused
to use his influence as requested, Civ
ing as his reasons that, in reforms Of
this kind the object should be to Sc
cure the greatest good to the greatest
number. He would not favor the
wholesaler and big shipper as against
the farmer and retail merchant. In
part he said:
ut is not possible to conceive that
any public official would willingly do
that which would bring hardship or
inconvenience to the people Of the
state Of Minnesota. I am convinced,
however, that one great element, viz!
the producer of the state, has been at
a serious disadvantage by reason Of
unequal and unfair rates Of trans
portation, and the state desires that
the greatest good should come to the
greatest number, and that the class
Of people who have borne an unjust
burden should be relieved so far as
possible from this undesirable and un-
necessary situation.
1T is 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 cannot conscientiously COM
ply with your request that I join in
any movement looking toward the an
nullment of the good which has been
accomplished thus far by the board Of
railroad and warehouse commissioners
in their recent action.
Il 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 for the benefit and
interest of the masses Of the people
will in any wise effect the prosperity
of any commercial institution without
out state" -
The first native born Minnesotan to
occupy the exalted position of gov
ernor of, the commonwealth, he has
justified the faith Of his friends by his
administration of the high Office to
which he was called by the people of
the state in the fall campaign off 1904.
That Mr., u Johnson is a candidate for
reelection Is no secret and he will
unquestiQnablyb be the nominee Of his
party. later IN the summer: