The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-10-14
ENDORSE MATHER
A Number of Railroad Presi-
dents Approve the Speech
Made by Robert Mather, Head of
the Rock Island.
TOO MANY MASTERS.
Mr.. Ripley Says a Central Con-
troll Would Be Better.
Declares the Railroads Have
Been Nearly Ruined Already.
TOO MANY MASTERS.

utives generally approved of the plan
for government control and regulation
of the transportation lines of the ma
ton. as advocated by Robert Mather,
president of the Rock Island company,
in his speech to the Chicago Association
OF Commerce was strongly indicated
when various officials went on record to
that effect.
Mr.. Mather's address was called adj
mirable in every way, and none of the
railroad officials interviewed disagreed
with him as to the desirability of cen
tralized authority in preference to what
they called the varied and inconsistent
system Of the laws passed by state leg
islatures.
1t was granted too, that Mr. Mather
had done we'll to talk openly of rebat-
ing. After complimenting Mr.. Mather
of the Santa Fe, said he thought the
principal points urged by the Rock Is
Land official well taken
What the railroads are opposed to-"
he said, lis this varied assortment of
rules. regulations and laws under which
at the present they must operate. For
instance, the Santa Fe runs through IA
states and territories, and what is le-
gal in one state may be unlawful in
another and vice versa. In other words,
We have too many masters. Would it
not be much better for US If We had a
single, central source or regulation than
SO many? 1 believe that is the posi-
ton taken by Mr.. Mather and most
railroad officials
The outcry against the railroads has
done them much damage" continued
means thing of the past, as it exists
today and is deep seated The censure
and attacks of the press and the I'M
just structures from other sources have
lr1 1t
railroads have been nearly ruined. They
are now worrying along as best they
can. They can not do anything, but
serve the public even If the public is
attacking them"
Mr.. Ripley denied that the roads
would back any programme before the
next congress.
Other Endorsements.
"A great address, a very sensible and
convincing speech" said J. T. Harahan,
president of the Illinois Central railway,
taken as whole, and not Analysing
each and every section. Mr.. Mather's
statement in my opinion pretty well
expressed the feeling of railroad apresi-
dents and managers The Trouble is
and has been that the states have var
ious laws which conflict with the inter-
state laws This leads to embarrass-
ment and needs correction. 1t is true
that several states have statutes which
do not agree. This leads to trouble.
II do not know what there is intended
to be done. If they have agreed upon
any program of~legislation I have not
heard of it,
What do you think of his reference
to rebates?" Mr. Harahan was asked.
"Oh, it was all right / guess it was
true, every word of 1t. They used to
give and take rebates, 1 suppose, but
they do not any more. No one wants
to-
w. H Mcdowell. president of the
Monon, approved of Mr.. Mather's senti-
ments.
S. NJ. FELTON,, president of the Alton
said Mr.. Mather's presentation
of the case was admirable
Il can not speak too highly of Mr. |
Mather's address," said Mr.. FELTON,. 1T
was clean cut, Intelligent, frank and
fair"
DO you think that nearly all railway
executives agree with Mr. Mather that
federal control is desira ble?"
IT feel that they do replied Mr.. Eel
ton ''I believe that Mr.. Mather's opin- |
ions are very largely shared
was his address inspired by the rail- |
roads in general?"
mo, not at ALL" rejoined the railroad |
president 1T was Mr.. Mather's adj |
dress his individual opinion"
"Will the railroads agree upon con- |
gressional program"
1T have not heard that any such |
movement is contemplated, and I would
hazard the statement that the roads |
will do nothing of the sort, but will |
merely continue to try to dc business as |
best they can"
Plea for New Deal.
A plea for a new as we'll as a |
square deal in the regulation of rail- |
roads by the government was uttered |
by Robert Mather, president of the |
Rock Island company. at the dinner |
of the Chicago Association of Com |
merce at the Auditorium. His de- |