The Mena weekly star., 1907-10-03
KANSAS CHS CHEAP FARE
All Railroads in State Will Put Two-Cent Rate in Opera
 tion October 5.
STATEMENT ISSUED BY TIE GOVERNOR
After Expressing His Qualification Over Action Of Railroads, Gov. Hoch Says That Movement is Under Way to Reduce Excessive Charges in Freight Rates.

ment was filed with the Kansas rail- way commissioners Tuesday after noon signed by the general counsel
 for ali the roads in the state, stating that the tWo-eeut fare will be put in operation and that suits will he filed. The statement from the roads follow:
 'sThe undersigned railway com panies announce that they propose to put into effect under protest on the 5th day of October. 1907. and main tain the same pending litigation, the twoeent fare passenger rate as re- gently ordered by you. and prior to putting the same into effect to file suits in the courts challenging the said rate"
 After filing the formal acceptance Mir. Loomis announced that as far as the railroads were concerned the anti pass law. which the legislature enact cd last winter and which goes into ef- feet the first Of the year. will become effective October B. That day the conductors of all trains will be in structed to take up all passes, except those issued to employees, and those not reported immediately afterward will be called in by the different com panies. The clergy permits orders for charity rates and all excursion rates will be cancelled after that date and the orders to this effect will be issued at once. When Gov Hoch was shown a copy of tho formal notice Of accept. ance he dictated the following state ment:
 am gratiied. of course, over the fact that the railroads have finally de- cided to put in a 2-cent passenger fare in this state and thus place the peo- pie of Kansas on travelling equality with the people of Nebraska, Missouri, Iowa and other states. The demand for this was go reasonable and right that it is still difficult for me to un- dcrstand why 1t was ever questioned by anyone But if the companies car ry out tho decision they have finally reached in this matter, properly signed copy of which has just been shown me it will be my pleasure to accord them an the credit they de- serve for this wise action and then as have repeatedly said. if they wish to contest in the court the question whether this rate Is remuneratiye or conilscatory and contest 1t upon its merits and not upon any technicality, we'll and good Their right to a day in court on the merits of this or any other question must be conceded by everyone who believes in square deal But all technical bubbles should be eliminated from the court inquiry As governor of the state I would not feel that my duty was done in case this order of the board should be over ruled upon some mere technicality. believe the 2-cent rate IS reasonable and will be found to be so after thorough investigation by the hoard or by court
 The people will be gratifed with this solution Of the passenger rate prob. lem and will also be graufea to know that the inequalities, discriminations, and excessive charges in freight rates are receiving careful attention The board of railroad commissioners has been for some time carefully and thor oughly Investigating these things and have in praparation a new schedule Of freight rates which win. as far as possible, remedy these wrongs. The superficial critics, who have found oc casion to find fault with the demand for q 2-cent passenger rate on the grounds that the passenger rate was not 60 important as the freight rate. have not properly stated the situation. ! am in perfect symnathw with the contention that the matter Of freight rates is oi paramount importance. but it is always wise Co settle one question Qt g lime When th.s new schedule Is ordered Into effect " the board. every power which ] have Win be used to 500 that it i nut into operation and relief giveu the people along these lines When this work of the board is fnishod and in operation in con nection with this reduction og passen. ger faro. che railroad situation in this state VIII be in 8 most satisfactory condition
 Burned sy Gas n a Sewer.
 Charleston " Na Sept 25 Wbilo