The Athena press. [volume] (Athena, Umatilla County, Or.) 18??-1942, 1907-02-01
RAILROADS AND THE STATES.

No fewer than IA states already
have boards of railroad commits
sioners with varying powers and with
equally varying inclinations to ex-
ercise them. The railroad commits
sioners of Texas AID of Ohio not only
have much the same scope within
their respective states, as the Inter
state Commerce Commission, but have
shown a lively readiness to enforce the
law. California's board and that OF
Georgia have ample authority, but ap-
pear seldom to have exercisd it. New
York Massachusetts,, Illinois, Wiscon-
sin and Minnesota have commissioners
with considerable scope, but without
the power to inflict penalties for non
compliance with their rulings. Wash
ington's board has only limited jur-
isdiotion, Conneeticut's has none, ex-
cept in few minor matters, and
Nebraska. in creating its board two
years ago, failed to define its func-
tions Michigan has single railroad
commissioner and state railroad
board of three member as we'll.
Neither is vested with any important
duties, and, with responsibility thus
divided, little is ever accomplished.
OF the 18 state Legislatures in which
control OF public service corporations
will be agitated during the presnet
year, five-those of New Jersey. Colo
RADIO Oregon, Idaho and Utah-will
consider bills introduced to establish
boards of railroad commissioners. In
Colorado the sentiment appears to be
that the board will certainly be Gre
ated, the only question being the ex-
tent of powers that are likely to be
granted to it. In five states-New
York, Illinois, Wisconsin, Washing
ton and Nebraska--efforts, will be
! made to give additional powers to the
boards of railroad commissioners al
ready existing. In the three safes first
named the law establishing the Inter
state Commerce Commission will be
taken as modle for the proposed leg
islation.
In eight Western states-California,
Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Wyom-
ing, Nevada, Minnesota and Michigan
the solution of the car shortage
problem will be sought through legis-
| lative action, in most cases Ey puttlg
| the matter into the hands of the rail
road commissioners, with power. In
| three of the states Minnesota, Wash
| ington and Idaho-the proposition to
correct the evil by means of recipro-
cal demurrage charge on the railroads
will be fought for.
Illinois an anti-pass law will be
urged; in Minnesota fiat 2-cent-a-
mile rate for passengers will be de
manded, while both of these measures
will come up for action in Pennsyl-
vania, Nebraska. North Dakota and
South Dakota. In the Missouri Legls
lature move will be made to give the
railroad commissioners power to fix
freight rates, and in Nebraska there is
strong desire manifested to give the
! commissioners complete power III
both these matters. Pennsylvania
already has on its statutes law
against Determinations by common car
riers. and resolution has been intro
duced in the state Senate by Senator
John. J. Murphy. of Philadelphia. fo'
| the appointment of joint committee
of both houses "tc Investigate alleged
violations of the constitution and laws
of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania
by railroad companies and their
officers, agents or employees.
Pressure will be brought to bear in
Illinois and Wisconsin to place the
trolley lines of those states under the
control of their respective boards OF
railroad commissioners. Kansas ex'
poets to enact law to provide for the
assessment of railroad property fol
purposes of taxation on the same basis
as other property. In Idaho the fight
against the railroad lobby will be car
ried on under the leadership of Cover
nor Gooding. In Washington tht
railroad CON missioners are themselves
asking for permission to deal with the
car shortage question. New York
| Tribune