The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-05-23
GOV. HUGHES VICTORY.

The great and compelling force of an able and
honest executive in republican form of govern
ment has been well demonstrated in the brilliant
success of Gov. Hughes of New York with his legis
lative program. Yesterday the New York assem-
bly, passed the public utilities measure. 1t is
agreed all hands that this bill is one of the most
important that has been enacted in years. Those
who opposed it, whether from honest question
able motives claimed it was departure from con-
stitutional principles OF government.
AS the charge proved groundess it was easy
to show that government is progressive insttu-
ton and law and principles must change to meet
different conditions, the laws, instead Of being
protecting shields for the good citizen, become
weapons of oppression simply. Gov. Hughes, when
he proposed this important measure, which is to
root out some of the abuses of corporation domina-
ton and mitigate other evils, was met with storm
of indignation fomented by interests that prey upon
the community. All of these sent hurry calls for
help and for time it seemed as if on this measure,
as in the retention of Kelsey insurance superin-
tendent, the governor would meet defeat
The newspapers took up the governors cause,
and keeping before the people constantly the thor
ough familiarity of th executive with corporation
and stock manipulating methods, owing to his work
in the gas investigation and insurance inquiry,
created so strong public sentiment that smooth
talking lobbyists found their words fell upon deaf
ears at Albany. OF course, Gov Hughes, if he
chief executive in state which denied its gov
ernor the veto power and could make appoint
ments, would be able to accomplish little but being
an executive under fair constitution he had ample
opportunities to advocate and successfully carry
forward many measures of which the public utili-
ties bill is the most important.
In New York the masters report in the gas rate
suit brought conspicuousy forward the need of
corporation regulation. Those opposing Gov.
Hughes bill objected to the prohibition against
capitalizng franchises and the restrictions of cap
italizaton. Nevertheless the report referred TO
showed that the states negligent policy in the past,
permitting the issuance of stock without restric-
ton has operated to increase the charges for public
service.
There was nothing particularly in this
suggestion save the official recognition of what
every intelligent person had privately accepted long
ago as truism. 1t did provide the friends of the
governors measure opportunity to contrast the
laws of Massachusetts in regards TO corporations
with the laws of New York dealing with similar
concerns. Massachusetts, has not permitted gas
companies to capitalize their franchises, such
values are excluded from calculations in making
rates Neither has the Bay state permitted the cap
italization of unearned increment, that such
increment cannot be used TO contest public order.
Massachusetts, is by means a radical state,
and public utility corporations do not refuse to do
business there. even though deprived of such prerog
atives like creatures have enjoyed in New York.
Gov. Hughes seems to have been the first in his
state who had the ability discover the great evils
of the punderbund policy and TO provide remedy
therefor
OF course, the two subjects considered are but
part OF the great measure which has passed the
New York legislature. The bill is carefully drawn
and provides for about every improvement that in
tegcnce and experience could suggest for the con-
troll of corporations that have secured great advan
tages and have heretofore used them to plunder the
people