The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1907-08-10
Text of Formal Proposition
Made by Southern to
Governor Conner.
RAILROAD STATEMENT OF THE
VIEWPOINTS FROM WHICH 1T
ORIGINALLY ACTED AND OF
REASONS ACTUATING THEIR DE-
CISlON TO COMPROMISE.

The compromise settlement of the
controversy between the Southern
Railway and the state of Alabama was
not reached without concessions being
made by both sides, but in the main it
is a victory for the state
Effect in Brief.
The two laws in question will not be
put into effect permanently. The
agreement specifically declares that
their operations beginning September
1 are only subject to the final decisiO
as to their cOnstitutionality and their
reasonablenesS, when a decision on
these questions is finally rendered by
the court of last resort Meanwhile
the other laws enacted by the legisla-
ture at its winter session remain in
force. The railroad representatives
agreed that they would appear before
Judge Jones and ask him for an order
modifying the restraining order issued
by the United States court two months
ago, to permit of the immediate oper-
alton, subject to the final decision OF
the courts, of the two acts in queS-
ton.
Penalty Cancelled.
OF the railroad representatives to per-
NIT OF the immediate operation of
these two laws, the one affecting the
passenger traffic and the other the
freight, it was agreed by Governor
Conner that the revocation of the
license of the Southern in Alabama
should be cancelled and the company
will be permitted to do business
without hinderance by the state
The compromise affects only the
one railroad system, the Southern.
The other railroads of the state were
not parties to the conference.
Governor Conner expressed his CON-
plete satisfaction with the adjustment
and counsel for the railway gave out
a statement that they did not yield
as a matter of principle, but rather
an the interest of the patrons of the
railroad who would suffer if the con-
troversy was continued.
Revocation withdrawn.
The revocation of the Southern rail-
ways license was formally withdra WI
at once by Secretary of State Julian,
following the conference between
Governor Conner and the railroad Of
fcials.
Mr.. Julian said that he took this
action upon the written opinion OF
the attorney general.
Governor Conner seemed much
pleased with the result of the confer
ence. Late last night he said that the
compromise would result in great
good to the railroads and to the state,
The Governors Statement
The demands of the state were
nothing but just and right" declared
the governor, and l am satisfied the |
matter will be settled to the satisfac- |
ton of all interests concerned.
The settlement emphasizes the |
fact that the state is dominant in
those matters which concern her own |
laws, and touch most closely her own |
affairs
The state has asked, at no time, |
anything that was improper or unjust. |
and the wisdom of the railroads in |
seeing this fact rebounds to its |
credit"
The governor was asked if he
thought other railroads of the state
would follow the example of the |
Southern and put into effect the re-
duced passenger and freight rate.
Il can see no reason why they /
should not" he rephel. The posi- |
ton taken by the state has been moth
ing but right and cannot understand |
why any of the railroads should not
be willing to accede to the plans.
The state, of course, expects to en-
force its laws, both criminal and civil. |
1t seems to me that it is better |
for all of the railroads to agree to !
some such plan as has the Southern. |
Judge Humphreys Talks.
Judge Humphrey, one of the coun-
sci for the Southern Railway. said to-
night that the representative of the |
company had agreed to the compro- |
mise, not from necessity, but from n /
sense Of duty to the patrons of the |
This company has reduced |
its rates, in some other states he |
said, land the people of Alabama are |
entitled to similar reductions
The representatives of the South
ern have felt it would be an injustice |
to the patrons of the road to tie I'D /
the system in interminable litigation |
which world result in unnecessary /
to the patrons For |
this reason the Southern Railway has !
never entertained the suggestion of !
it's interstate business in Ala
bama."