The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-11-02
A CONFERENCE OF GOVERNORS RaiHoad Passenger Rate
 Was Subject. NOTHING DEFINITE GIVEN OUT The Chief Executives Met Behind
 Closed Doors. Just What Concrete PIan Was Decided Upon the Governors Refuse to
 state-Cenferenee Was satsifactory.

Atlanta, Ga., Nov. 1.-Thorough CO., operation In methods to be pursued in the enforcement of jaws regulating railroad passenger fares in the Stat q of Georgia, Alabama and North Caro- lima, was agreed upon today at a con ference held in this city between the Governors of those States. After a dis cussion which began at s:3e o'clock this morning. and which lasted until late this afternoon, with but a brief inter- val for luncheon the three chief exec utives reached an agreement and the meeting was adjourned.
 In statement given to the Asso- ciated Press tonight, signed by the three Governors. 1t Is said that not only had they arranged to '.co-operate in the investigation of facts and law connected with the duty of our States to the public and to transportation companies" but that they would also ~co-operate with other States which have the same problems
 We regard the complete recognition of the right of the States to regulate the intrastate business of transporta- ton companies as absolutely neces- sary," the statement continues.
 Today's conference. which was held at the Suggestion of Governor Conner of Alabama, and was participafed in by Governors R. B. Glenn, of North Car olina, B. B. Conner. of Alabama, and Hoke Smith, of Georgia; W. D. Nesbitt a member of the Railroad Commission of Alabama: Judge S. D. weakley and H. c. Selheimer, special counsel for Alabama in the pending rate litigation in that State; Attorney General John c. Hart, and Special Counsel J. K. Hines and Hooper Alexander, of Georgia.
 The declared object of the meeting was to reach an agreement, if possible in methods to be pursued in enforcing the rate laws of the States interested and also decide on some rate that would apply to the railroads of those States. the rate at present being wide. ly divergent.
 Plnn Is Kept Secret.
 Just what concrete plkn was decided upon, the Governors refused to state nor would they give out any of the details of the conference heyond&4hs statement that t was most satisfac. tory.
 The signed statement of the chiei executives is as follows:
 "our conferences has been most sat isfactory. We discussed conditions fin our respective States and we arranged to cooperate in the Investigation of facts and law connected with the duty of our States to the public and to transportation companies. We will also cooperate with other States which have the same problems. We regard the complete recognition of the right of the States to regulate the intra- state business of transportation com panies as absolutely necessary.
 "No injury has been done to any corporation in either of our States by the exercise of the power of regulation. Increased business as Q consequence of reduced rates required by, our State au- tn horities, has in every case, where fair ly tried, compensated the corporations.
 we deplore the fact that railroad corporations have in some instances been damaged by the efforts of their officers to disregard the action of our States. This has happened in every case where they have made allegations in the courts of sensational claims of injury contrary to the facts.
 Advice to Railroads.
 When the railroad companies cease their false cry of confiscation and sub init to the duly constituted authorities upon which alone rests the right to de- termine questions of public policy, the companies may expect a rapid return of public confidence and a res- toration of normal credits. The au- thorities of our States are at all times ready to hear from the railroad com panies fully and to accord to them treatment not only just, but liberal.
 "The details of our conference we do not consider 1t desirable to make public at this time.
 B. B. Conner.
 "Governor of Alabama.
 "R. B. Glenn,
 Governor of North Carolina.
 "Hoke Smith,
 "Goyernor of Georgia"