The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1907-11-07
GOVERNORS CONFER
North Carolina, Georgia md
Alabama Executives NEED


Atlanta, Ga, Spsxi1-Tarea<h
cooperation In methods to be pursued
II tie enforcement OF Laws raxulsi-
ing railroad passenger fares In the
States OF Georgia, Alabama and
North Carolina vas agreed upon Fri-
aay at conference held in this city,
between the Governor of these
States. After a discussion which be-
gan at $50 Friday morning, and
which lasted until late In the after
noon. with but a brief interval for
luncheon the three Chief Executives
reached an agreement and the meet.
ing was adjourned.
In statement giveu 10 the Asso.
eiated Press signed hy the three gov
ernors, II is said iaat not only had
they arranged 10 cooperate in the
investigation Of facts and Law con-
neeted with the duty of our States
10 thc nnbhc as 10 transportation
companies" but that they would al
so cooperate with other States which
nave iut same problems.
"We regard the complete reeongni
ton of the right of the States to reg
ulate the intra-State business Of
transportation companies as absolute
lv necessary" the statement con-
tinues.
Fridays conference, which was
held at the suggestion of Governor
Conner, of Alabama. was participated
IN hy Governors r. r. Glenn. OF
North Carolina; B. B. Conner. of
Alabama, and Hoke Smith, of Geor-
gia: ". d. Nesb;t, member OF the
railroad commission Of Alabama !:
Judge L. D. Wearkley and Col. H. &.
Selheimer, special counsel fo>' Ala
bama In the pending rate litigation
IN that State; Attorney General John
c. Hart, and Special Counsel ]. X.
Hines and Hooper Alexander, Of
Georgia.
The declared object of the meeting
was to reach an agreement If pos
slble In methods to be pursued in en-
forcing the rate laws OF the States in
terested and also decide on some rate
that would apply TO the railroads of
those States, the rates at present be-
ing widely divergent.
| Just what concrete plan was dec;d
ed upon the Governors refused to
state, nor would they give out any
OF the details of the conference. be.
yond the statement that ii was most
satisfactory.
The signed statement of the chiai
executives is as follows:
"Our conference has been most sat
isfactory. We discussed conditions
in our respective States and we az
ranged to cooperate in the investi-
CATION Of facts and law connected
with duty of our States to the Com
nanies. We will also cooperate with
other States which have the same
problems. We regard the eonplets
recognition Of the right OF the States
to regulate the intrra-state business
of transportation companies as abso
lutelv necessary.
"No injury has been do.lc to any
corporation in either of our States
bv the exercise Of the power Of reg.
ulation. Increased business as a con
sequence Of reduced rates required
by our State authorities has in ev.
cry case where fairly tried compen.
sated the corporations.
"We deplore the fact that the rail.
road corporations have in some in.
stances been damaged by the effect:
Of their officers to disregard the ac
ton Of our States. This has hap
pened in every case where they have
made allegations in the "a. rts Of sen
sational claims of iniu rary q
the facts.
"When the railroad cornpanie,
cease their false cry Of confseatior
and submit to the duly constituted
authorities, upon which alone rests
the right to determine questions ol
public policy, the railroad companie
may expect a rapid return of publi'
NAL credits. The authorities of on
States are at all times ready 10 beal
from the railroad companies full
and to accord to them treatment no
alone Just, bat liberal.
| "The details of our conference W
do not consider ii desirable to max
public at this time"
z. B. CONFER,
Governor of Alabama
r. B. GLENN,
Governor OF North Carolina
HOKE SMITH,
Covernor of GeoreIa