New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-01-21
THE STATE LEGISLATURES AND THE RAILROADS
HOW THE PROBLEM PRESENTED TO NEW YORK By
GOVERNOR HUGHES rs BEING WORKED OUT IN
OTHER COlIMONWEALTHS.

The issue presented by Governor Hughes IN
his recommendation that the present Board Of
Railroad Commissioners be abolished. and a new
board with greater powers. created. is one not
confined to New York
The regulation OF railroads is one OF the most
insistent matters demanding legislative action
in at least eighteen states. Special conditions
such as those brought about by the car shortage
IN the West have IN certain localities undoubt-
soly served 10 emphasize the need Of more care
ful supervision Of corporations working under
public franchises. and to arouse the people 70
seek from their representatives the passage of
appropriate acts. Yet a study OF the present
situation IN the states referred TO inevitably
forces the conclusion that the excellent example
set BY Congress. IN carrying out the suggestions
OF the President, Is largely responsible for the
Widespread movement TO apply in the cases Of
The separate states TO local trafc the principles
spphec 20 the country at large through the
Interstate Commerce Commission Indications
are that in most cases where railroad legisla-
ton is initiated definite action VIII be taken and
that much OF &c viii be OF a very drastic char
scter
THE CASE OF NEW YORK
u New York the railroads are under the SUI
pervision Of a board OF FIVE railroad commission
ers. each drawing salary Of $4,000. The scope
H.
lie pertaining 20 the organization, nanagement
and control OF the railroads and trolley lines Of
me state that does not fall within its purview
All applications for charters must receive the
approval OF the board: its consent must be ob-
tanned before corporation can issue additional
mortgage bonds or other evidences Of indebted
ness beyond the purchase money MORTGAGE The
commissioners must investigate the facilities OF
the railroads for serving the public in all mat.
tiers. Including the location Of stations and ter
ANIMALS, the arrangement OF schedules, the in
sfaliation OF block systems and other safety
appliances. and can order the substitution OF sp-
proved devices which in their judgment will
better conduce to the safety Of passengers and
employees. They must investigate the causes of
accidents. and report all violations OF the laws
governing the railroads 20 the Attorney General
They prescribe the forms OF the reports made
by the railroad and trolley corporations
BOARD LACKS POWER AND INFLUENCE.
The board has, however. no inherent power 20
penaIize the companies in cases where they fail
80 obey its orders In cases OF such refusal the
Supreme Court OF the state may. In it's discre-
tion, compel compliance by mandamus The
power which the board exercises is. accordingly,
ssve in the organization Of new companies.
largely a moral one the force OF which is meas
ured by the character, ability and determination
OF tts members The fact that appointment 10
the board has too often been regarded e re-
ward for political service and the provision that
the salaries and all expenses OF the commission
srs must be borne by the railroad companies
have always initiated against its influence and
efficiency.
Governor Hughes was quick 20 recognize
the necessity OF change from so unsatisfactory
q system and the problem that he has placed
before the New York Legislature In his sugges-
tons OF reform makes 1t especially interesting
90 observe the conditions prevailing IN other
states and 20 trace the lines along which they
ere working in their efforts to deal with the
same question.
WHAT OTHER STATES ARE DOING.
No fewer than fourteen states already nave
boards OF railroad commissioners with varying
v,ouers ana with equally varying inclinatiOns to