Custer County Republican. (Broken Bow, Neb.) 1882-1921, 1907-01-10

lal. clever men who, by their ~ s.stent
and able efforts. are able to accomplish
much for the interests they represent.
The fact that during all Of the previous
history of this state no law has been
passed which has regulated freight rates
In any particular bears witness to the
effective work and influence of a strongly
organized railroad lobby. II is expected
that this legislature will pass such meas
ures as will forever put an end to ring
rule In Nebraska. 1t Is to be hoped, there
fore, that there will be passed not only an
anti-pass law. and primary election
law. but that there Will also be passed
a law that will prohibit professional lob
bying
The use of the telephone as means OF
communication is becoming general in
Nebraska. There are complaints in many
parts of the state of unreasonably high
rates and poor service. II is, therefore,
recommended that the railroad commits
sion, in addition to control of railroads,
be also authorized by law to control tele-
phone companies and regulate the rates
thereof
In regard to the railroad legislation that
you are about to enact, permit me to
offer these suggestions:
First-It is recommended that a law be
passed prohibiting any rlilroad company
from charging In the future any more
between points within this state than
were the charges on the first day of jan
uary. 1907; compelling them also, to furn,
ish to the railroad commissioners all
AOhNN
date.
Second-Tnasmuch us the constitutional
amendment providing for the railroad
commission does not definitely define the
powers and duties of that commission,
Il law should be passed Immediately that
will clearly, simply. and Enthusiastically de-
fine its powers and duties. Besides de-
timing the duties of the commission. there
should be conferred upon it the power to
prohibit rebates, special rates, and dis
ordinations of every sort to any par
How
or locality; and power to change. or alter,
any or all schedules. cassihcations or
tariffs that are in force on any railroad
In this state at any time, so that the
rates, fares and charges shall be reason
able lust. and equitable. Let this law
be written so plainly that it can not be
misunderstood. and with such deliberation
that it can not be set aside by the courts.
THRIFT ia recommended that you de-
privC the railroads of the right to cnjoin
the enforcement of a rate made by the
commission pending an appeal to the state
courts.
Fourth-It is further recommended that
YOU pass joint resolution memoralizng
congress to pass law that will deprive
common carriers from cnjoining the en-
forcemcnt of rates made by a state COM
mission between points within IA state
pending an appeal to the feredal courts.
| sincerely believe that It will be for
the best interests of the state that you
give your immediate attention to the en-
actmcnt of laws that will do away with
professional lobbying. that will abolish
the free pass nuisance. and that will de-
fine the powers and duties of the railroad
commission so that the commission can
get to work at once. There is great need
and passenger rates. The people need
the relief The commission will natur-
ally await the action OF the legislature.
For these reasons it is essential that
this work be done as quickly as care
full consideration of the subject will per-
nit.
The people of Nebraska are to be con-
graduated upon the fact that they have
become awakened and are determined to
govern themselves. We have been elect
ed TO carry out Il definite program. 1t
is to be hoped that the new deal will be
just one, Let us work together in har-
mony. 1t is suggested that all members
of the republican party keep before them
the platform that was adopted ut the
last republican state convention. Let us
not forget to fulfill our promises and our
pledges.
l realize somewhat the grave RESPONSE
bilities that are about to be placed upon
me. and appreciate the Importance of the
work that lies before me. Having been
elected without obligations, except the
trust | owe the people of this state as
their public servant, | shall endeavor in
state to be guided by what seems to be
for the best interest of Nebraska and for
the general welfare of her people. 1 bear
no malice toward anyone. not even to
the great corporations that have so
strenuously opposed. and which probably
will continue to oppose, the establishment
of common justice in this state. Their
rights must be protected, but when they
abuse their privileges as they have done
in the past they must be held to strict
account The welfare of our state de-
mands that they must not be put out of
business, but that they must be put out
of Nebraska politics.
] realize fully that this reform move
ment not a crusade against wealth, but
rather n movement against graft and
greed and abuse of power. 1t has for
its object the establishment in this state.
from one end to the other. of government
nv the people and for the general welfare
of the state. Legitimate interests must
be protected Conspirators against the
common good and violators of the law
must be prosecuted. The law of the land
must prevail.
hope and trust that I shall have the
loyal support and the wise counsel of the
good citizens of this state with the light
of their intelligence, and with the wishes
that God may grant me, l hope and trust
my administration may meet the eXpeCta-
ton of the people of this state who have
elected me.
GEORGE l.. SHELDON. .