The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1906-07-27
But Cannot See His Way Clear
to Act at Present.
IT'S on THE EVE Of AN ELECTION.
Fears That People Might Regard His
Efforts As Simply Grand
Stand Play.
IFRoM ST. PAUL DIsPATCH1


1T is the opinion of The Dispatch
that the so-called merger roads are now
being managed and operated i'll defiance
of the decisions of the courts and con-
trary to the rights and interests of the
people of Minnesota"
Governor johnson admits The Dis
patch's opinion is correct, but declares
that he cannot Sc his way clear to act
on the eve of campaign, which might
be taken for spectacular purposes only.
Further he says the country is now
in possession of new federal rate con-
troll bill, with additional relief in the
shape of an investigation by the Mime
sofa railway and warehouse commission
looking toward cut in freight rates
Aside, he says, the laws do not clothe
him with any authority which might
permit the bringing of any action but it
does clothe him with the right of re-
moval and it will be exercised if any
official or board is derelict in the en-
forcing of the statutes of the state.
Today Governor johnson gave The
Dispatch the following interview COW
ering his views on the merger situation
and the general knowledge that such is
still in existence as far as it concerns
the Great Northern and Northern Pacific
roads:
"As member of the legislature L
cheerfully voted to appropriate $4,000
to employ counsel to assist in the prose-
cution of the cases against the Northern
Securities company, the existence of
which was declared to be in direct VIC
lation of the state laws. Under like cir
cumstances l should do so again.
AS every one knows, that litigation
was fought through the federal courts
to a successful termination. The North
ern Securities company was dissolved by
decree of the United States supreme
court and passed out of existence.
''The statement that a combination
between the two roads involved in that
litigation continues to exist, may be
true. Indeed, there are MANY circum-
stances connected with the management
of the roads which indicate that it is
true. This may be true and the state
have no remedy.
The federal supreme court, having
already held that the stockholders of
one company could lawfully acquire by
individual purchase majority, or even
the whole stock, of the other company.
and thus legally obtain its ultimate con-
troll. Under this decision the remedy ap-
pears to lie in the administration of
laws for the regulation of rates of
transportation, and authority is given
to both the state board of railway and
warehouse commissioners and the inter
state commerce commission to regulate
and control rates of transportation on
these and other systems.
''In view of the recent enactment of a
national rate law, and in view of the
fact that the state board of railway and
warehouse commissioners have begun the
work of regulation, it does not appear
to ME proper, on the eve of a political
to do some spectacular thing
which might not bring desired results.
l am in hearty accord with any move
ment looking to betterment of the sit
uation, and while governor will endeavor
not only to secure the enforcement of
the laws of this state, but to secure
their enforcement in such manner as
will procure the most lasting and per-
manent benefit to all our people.
Il am convinced that the great body
of the shippers of our state are not re-
celvIng the rates of transportation to
which they are entitled.
Il am officially informed that the
board of railway and warehouse con-
missioners have undertaken an exhaus
tive and comprehensive investigation of
this question, with view of general
reduction and equalization of transpor-
tation rates. This board of executive
officers, chosen by the people of the
state, are entitled to every opportun-
lty to carry their work to a success
full conclusion. If it shall be found that
they have been negligent of duty or
inefficient, it will then be the duty of
the governor to take proper action in