The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1907-01-24
RAILWAY COMMISSION.

his annual message 10 the legislator
is meeting with most determine
opposition from the railroad intel
ests in Idaho. They have secure
control of the Southern Idah
League of Commercial Clubs an
have sent out circular letters claim
ing the League is opposed to such
commission.
At Weiser a few days ago, tn
Commercial Club adopted strong
resolutions favoring railway com
mission. The ink was scarcely dr.
before Heigho, Plaisted and a few
other railroad officials succeeded by
methods not explained in having the
Club reverse itself and denouncC
such law.
Al Boise, General Manager Ban
croft has been especially active. He
has succeed in being interviewed,
and has stated that Boise will be
placed on the main line, IF it is
possible to do So and on that
account opposition to the measure is
strong in that city. A special effort
has been made, also, to keep Boise
well supplied with coal and train
loads are being rushed to that point.
Passes have been plentifully distri-
buted to influence legislation.
Similar methods are being employ
ed to defeat the law at other points.
The Short Line railroad has the peo-
pie by the threats and it does not
want to let go. A railroad commits
sion is badly needed to protect the
people from the extortionate rates
and inefiicieny of service.
The old cry is being raised that |
the enactment of railway commits
sion law will keep oat other rail
roads. Such talk is all bosh. Wash
ington has such law and no state
in the West is so active in railroad
building.
Another argument brought forth
against the law is that the expense
of such commission would be
greater than the benefits derived
The statement has not the semblance I
of logic to support it. 1t is estimat-
ed the commission will cost $4,000
n year a mere bagatelle in COM
parsion with the benefits that would /
accrue. That amount alone would
be more than saved to stock shippers t
by the section Of the law compelling !,
railroad companies to furnish cars =
for shipment of stock or pay stipu h
ated sum for each days delay b
Kansas has had a railway commission il
many years. As an example of how :
he Law works there, read the fol-
owing diNpatch:
Following q conference here yes 81
arday between freight traffic man n
gers OF the Union Pacific, Missouri 81
'acifc. RoLk Island and Santa Fee OF
ailroads and the state railroad com II
Mission. ali suits now pending in the CO
aderal court to test the validity of a
ne statute creating a state railroad in
commission. will be dismissed and m
Immediately the railroads will com 90
w with the orders of the commits do
on. The reductions will mean the hi
wing Of million and half annual CT,
to the shippers Of Kansas. TIE bu
ggest reductions will be on the be
lipments Of coal D." ba
The Index is in favor Of treating wi
e railroads fairly We want them es'
receive fair return for the va
oney invested. At the same time La
e people who pay the freight are cid
titled to consideration. No one a \
N deny that gross inequalities, dis ha!
limitation and eXtortionate rates on
list. Under the present system ~
e railroads have either not been
le or have not tried 10 remedy out
csc wrongs. If they cannot ricI
nedy the wrongs then they ought ma
t to object TO letting the state ''o
try its hand at the e.