The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-01-16

 are now throtued by the railroads They are intended by the large expendi- lures made on them by the govern. ment and intended by nature to be ol the greatest use to the State; the regu- lation of the intra-state traffic depends in the largest measure upon their use and it Is akin to criminality to allow them to be held in such utter useless ness as at present; being neither freish' carriers nor freight rate makers.
 l recommend the enactment of laws requiring that all railroads operated m this State shall give sad port ana waterways the recognition thelr lm- portance deserves. and that they may be made passing points for fixing rates into and through the State; and that you authorize the railroad commission to incur any needed expense to carry out this requirement.. and that you en- particular.
 watered stock.
 Railroads and other public service corporations have at their violation in- creased or watered their capital stock and securities without regard to the true value of their properties. Under the law they claim the right to assess the people taxes to cover interest on securities whether stocks or bonds. The State owes it to its citizens to inter- vene protection against these specious securities. Therefore, I suggest Jaw that in the re- organization or any road or public service corporation, or Tn the building or erecting of any new roau or public service corporation, that inc amount of securities that may be 1s- sued against it's properties must De submitted to a commission with the proper authority to cause a survey or the property or properties, with refer encc to the proposed valuation, and that such valuation be limited to the result of that survey or reporf, and no securities shall be issued against those properties without the authorization ef that commission.
 l recommend laws prohibiting the increase of capital stock or securities by railroads and other public service corporations doing business in this State unless the proposed increase of said stock or securities be first sub- mitted to the railroad commission of the State, or other proper authority. and approved by said commission of said authority.
 One Freight Tariff.
 The practice in this State for one railroad company, owning two or more lines within the State. to use freight tariffs as if all of these lines were in dividual or separate roads. is very much to the disadvantage and cost of the shippers. l therefore suggest that any railroad which owns and operates any other railroad in the State, shall be re- quired to have one general freight tar if, and the cost and charge of the freight shall be based on a mileage as one continuous line and1not as the sum of two locals.
 And I further suggest a statue re- ouiring that, where one railroad owns the majority of the stock of any other in the State, the business of the two shall be conducted so far as freight tariffs are concerned, as one railroad.
 Car Service and Demurrage.
 The car service and demurrage rules established by the railroads, imposing a charge against the shipper or con- signee for the detention of cars, or de- lay in taking the freight from the de- pots, are correct in the principle that no one has a right to use or retain the of another without paying for same. But these rules are entirely one sided: they are made by the rail- and penalties upon the shipper alone and when on account of their own neg ligence and delays the shipper suffers like loss for their failure to deliver or move his goods promptly, or within a reasonable time, there is no corre- spending charge to reimburse him. This is manifestly unjust, and I rec ommend laws that car service and de- murrage rules be enforced by the Rail- road Commission, treating both parties alike in the matter of forfeitures or pay for unreasonable detention and service.
 Rebates.
 I recommend laws prohibiting the giving of rebates by common carriers in this State and prohibiting the &C., ceptance of same by shippers.
 DlscriminattOns.
 I recommend a law preventing dis in the price of freight to the shippers of the State, establishing that any shipper of carload lots shall have the same rate as any other ship per of carload lots--the same rule of equity to apply to any shipper in less than carload lots, and prevent discrim- ination of every kind or character by any public service corporation. It is not to the interest of our State that there should be discrimination against any industry, any business or any man.
 l recommend the enactment of laws, requiring common carriers to supply shippers without discrimination with adequate facilities for the prompt mov- ing of their freight and the imposition of such penaltie on said carriers aS will force them to supply such means of transportation and prevent discr!m- nation.
 Inspection of Books.
 I recommend the enactment of laws, requiring common carriers in this State to submit their books, papers and rec ords to the inspection of the Railroad Commission or other proper authority, and also to submit their agents to an examination under oath by said Rail- road Commission, or other proper au- thority, for the purpose of determining the actual amount of capital invested in their properties in this State as well as their earnings and expenses In ope- rating their lines within our borders. I further recommend that the Railroad Commission of Alabama, or other au- thority. charged with this investiga- tion, shall be supplied with ample means out of the revenues of this State for making such inspection and exam ination.
 Claims.
 The method of the payment of claims for lost or damaged freight and Stock killed by the roads. and for loss for the non performance of their duties and contracts, is very irregular While some of these claims are settled promptly. the settlement or a very great many are delayed for months. even years, and many of them lost en- tirelY. The carriers themselves recog- nizing the importance of the prompt settlement of such claims when due them, enforce the rule that they will deliver no more freight until their claims are settled. Tn other words. es- tablishing a law unto themselves for quick and memorable settlement and without cost to them of a suit. I rec ommend a statute requiring the prompt adjusting of these claims, and wher correct, the prompt payment of them and some method of collecting such claims that will also be without loss to the party to whom they are due This Is made necessary by the policy oi many of the roads to carry these claims from court to court. evidently for the purpose of wearing out claimants anC making too costly an appeal to tn courts by the party suffering.
 Equalization of Values.
 The railroads maintain three sets oi of their stock, bond and security issues another to the State Auditor for tn,