davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-01-21
NEBRASKA HALTED.
Po5cers of Railroad Loard Held Up
by am ancient Injunction.
[Ry Telegraph q vac Trieuns. D

Omaha, Jan 2O-This state has State Railway
Commission Of three members. but yet the board
has powers at all
The commission was elected under constitu-
tional amendment passed two years ago. The pow
ers the commission will WELD must be given 1t by
the Legislature now in session. A bill has now
been introduced 20 give the commission general
powers rates, both passenger and freight. and
over classihcations of freight. Another bill pend
ing gives the commission power TO prohibit unfair
discrimination in prices between localities and to
inspect all books and papers of railroads doing
business in Nebrask a. A third bill, which is the
result of a Republican caucus. includes anti
pass bill, freight rate bill and measure detn-
ing the powers o. the state railway commission
From the prevailing sentiment against railroads IN
this state. legislation will undoubtedly be passed
giving the commissioner drastic powers.
throw the Railroad Commission act, and 70
determine this point is now before the Supreme
Court A decision is expected before the adjourn
ment Of the present Legislature, and IL the law
under which the commission Is established Is de-
clared unconstitutional a law will unQues-
that tho state constitution in giving the Legts-
lature the power to fix the rates. did not at the
same time authorize the Legislature to delegate
that power to another body, and the opinion OF
Nebraska lawyers Is that the commission cannot
fix rates at all.
state passed a maximum freight rate bill which
cured an injunction against putting the rates in
effect. claiming that they were so low to In
vove virtual cOnisoation and this Injunction Is stl
IA effect
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-01-21
SAFETY" EXPOSITION NEXT WEEK
Governor Hughes 70 Speak at Dinner Pre-
eeding Its Opening.

The Exposition Of Safety Devices and Industrial
Hygiene. which will open at the American Museum
OF Natural History Tuesday. January q. Is TO
bs preceded the evening beLOre by dinner at the
Waldorf. at which Governor Hughes has promised
to speak
The object OF the exposition Is the foundation IN
New York OF a permanent museum OF safety de-
gices-a museum OF security such as nearly al
the Continental countries have.
Great interest IL being shown IN this exhibition.
and the heads OF many Of the largest plants In the
country arranging TO have their toremen and
bodies OF their most Intelligent workman present
at the exposition. 1t will continue for two weeks
least. and will be opened days and evenings from
70 a. m. TO 10 D. m, admission being tree
A feature OF note In connection with The eXposi-
ton Is the large number OF women who are taking
an active part in the work. A strong woTnen's COM
u1ittee has been formed. comprising Mrs Douglas
Robinson, honorary chairman; AIRS. ". Bayard
Cutting. Mrs Charles E. Hughes. Mrs. Seth Low.
gan, Mrs. Levi P Morton. Mrs William jay
Sohiehelin. Mrs. LOrillard Spencer Mrs. n
Phelps Stokes and Mrs. Joseph H. Choate. -Four
teen women were invited to serve on this conlrtse
and eleven accepted
Besides Governor Hughes. the speakers at the
dinner are TO be Carroll d. Wright, president of
Clark University. formerly United States Commits
soner OF Labor. especially delegated by President
des Planches. Italian Ambassador. and Charles
Stewart smith. ex-president OF the New York
Chamber OF Commerce.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-01-21
TEXAS SATISFIED.
It's Railroad Board Has Poorer and
Exercises 1t.
ny Telegraph TO The Trlbuns. ]


Austin. Tex, Jan. 2-The Texas State Railroad
Commission created fourteen years ago. II con-
sists OF three members who ers elected by the
people. Their term OF office Is six years. and the
salary Is $4,000 The commission has authority
under the Law to fix freight rates. and II 10 con-
stantly exercising its authority II Ia also en-
powered to DO many other things which II Is very
active In doing, such requiring railroads TO i'm
their station buildings and erect new ones
to run their passenger trains time. TO increase
their passenger service when conditions demand t.
to install rail connections with other lines at JUNG
ton points. to install safety devices az crossings OF
other lines. to build switches private Industrial
concerns and to fix charges for switching
No reduced passenger rates reciprocal excursion
rates can be adopted by road until the approval
OF the commission has been obtained No t-ac-
can be Strengthened station Abandoned unless
the change has first bean approved by the Commits
roads, and the commission strictly enforcss this
law. No parallel and competing line can be pur-
chased by railroad The commission must an
prove 81! car service rules and must hx the free
time and demurrage chargea The characfer ~
crossing to be established at junction points when
sion. No railroad built In the state can he bon5s5
IN excess OF its value fxed by the counnissIon.
a.! FallToad bonds must first be submitted 10 the
registered In the ONCE Of the Secretary OF State
before they valid.
The commission fixes the rates FOR refriserator
oars II recently assumed Jurisdiction over slaep-
ing cars and ordered a reduction OF 20 per cent IN
eAlsung pullman rates. in effect February All
trackage contracts between railrOada es u-siI "a
leases. first be approved bv the co-, ~Js, -
before they can become operative. The comnIssion
ecIs rs arbitrator In case OF controversy between
E6IIoaoS Ia the matter OF rate division
The only legislation which the comrnissioy vvC1
Secommend during the present session Of the -gts
auIS IS tne passage OF law requiring a railroad
line. - connecting
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-01-21
WISCONSIN PLEASED.
Railroads and People Both Happy
OUer It's Ne1C La1U.
IBy Telegraph to The Tribune. J

Milwaukee. Jan. 9O.-Wisconsin "a believed to =.
nearly az the completion OF its legislation regarding
railroad and trolley corporations. Although the
state gained name for radicalisn during the
regime of Governor, now Senator, La Toilette Its
plans Of corporation regulation as finally worked
out are less radical than propositions lately made
In number OF other states.
TWO years ago. when Governor La Folletts a.
manded OF the Legislature In his message law
creating railroad commission with power to
supervise the operation OF the roads in the stats
II was assured that such q law would bs passad
The railroads. wearied OF lighting la FoIletts ana
recognizing the popular demand for soma l.xts
laton on the subject. merely sought to secur, ths
passage OF fair law. Tho Republican ana Demo-
cratic Senator's radicals and conservatives alike
worked over the present bill with the help OF the
IN the measure. actually eliminated certain para
had they been Incorporated In IT.
ns result was asa law providing for railroad
each each 70 serve for SIX years the commission 20
nave pTscueany supreme power IN fixing rates In
specifying when railroads should establish nav w
thOIty 70 order the building Of side track. D shsG.
s,an is Demanded: Il may order the roads TO
sSen 70 sRs sOP pS more This extends
The commission. has power. e so wishes. 20
mile, the present rate. 10 cents. and II has al
ready heard ,, q mass OF testimony bearing on ths
has yet been issued % this effect and II Is SssSsd
prOtably grant such at rats The 1 sp Ssa
PROVIDED Is 20 one or the circuit courts OF the state
wnicn can review and oyerrule the comrnission's
actions II they are found be unjust 10 the road
OF to the shipper.
In effect. The law has worked admirably. In
some Instances rates have been raised In sey.rnl
cases better shipping facilities have been provided
and In no case has there been an appeal 10 ina
courts The next measure relating to the railroads
that may De expected 70 be passed at the present
session OF the Legislature Is one en- towering ina
commission 70 prevent stock watering This act
Will II Is believed. give the state a completa sf
receive set or railroad laws which not too bur-
dsnsome TO the roads and which st.ll provide rsof
70 tns shlppsr who can prove that he V not fniriv
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-01-21

No ActiUe Demand for Railroad
Legislation.
rBy Telegraph to The Tribune.l

TELEGRAPH
Boston Jan. 2l-Massachusetts has board Of
three railroad commissioners. who are appointed by
the Governor and vested with considerable au-
thority over the common carrier corporations Of
the state The board exercises general supervision
over the granting Of locations, the fixing OF rates
OF fare and the Issue Of stocks and bonds. Its
acts are than merely advisory, as its authori-
~ Is backed by state laws In matters OF location
and construction a railroad corporation must frst
submit 10 the board sworn cost Of the proposed
construction. prepared by its engineer. together
with surveys and plans TIE railroad commits
sicners must also be satisfied that amount OF
the capital stock Of the corporation equal TO at
least 20 per of the estimated cost has actually
been subscribed by responsible parties without any
condition that invalidates the subscription. To the
county commissioners is given the power 10 decide
on the manner IN which railroad may the
highways In other respects the control Of railroad
routes lies largely with the railroad commissioners
In Massachusetts railroad may issue only such
amounts OF stocks and bonds, coupon notes and
similar evidences Of Indebtedness as the railroad
commissioners may from tins TO time detsrni ne
20 be reasonably necessary FOR the n,,rnoss for
which the issue of such stock mas been authorized
plcaton within thirty days after the final hear
ing. IL is not. however. necessary for railroad
20 obtain the approval Of this board 70 secure the
Issue OF capital stock bonds the proceeds which
which are TO pay for Borrowed money expended in
another state or country. The rate fixing power
tablish such rates as may be decided upon by its
directors out these rates are subject to revision
and alteration by the general court
The railroad commissioners can appoint in
spectors OF the railroads and experts to examine
the reports OF their officers They arc Obliged TO
keep themselves informed as to the condition OF
the railroads and the manner In which they are
operated. with reference 20 the security and ac-
eommodstion OF the public In OF violations OF
the law. neglect 70 comply with the terms OF the
act by which 10 created. with the provisions
OF the laws OF the commonwealth, the commis-
stoners must give notice 20 the offending corpora
ton and II the violations neglect continues the
board shall present the facts 90 the Attorney Gem
eral. The chairman OF the board receives a salary
ceiVes $4,000
The people OF the state appear 20 be generally
well satisfied with the operation Of the present
railroad law. and there is active demand FOR
Us amendments or for increasing the powers Of
the commissioners -
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-01-21
NEW JERSEY STIRRING.
LEGISLATURE Likely to Limit the
Poacer of the Railroads.
UBy 1slssraph to The Tribune,

TBy Telegraph 70 The TTibunel
Nswsrlz IAN 2O-New Jersey has nc state feii-
road commission or commissioner. The Legislature
makes any changes IN the general railroad act
which has been on the statute books almost in IT'S
present condition for thirty years. Amendments to
the general act have been quite numerous. but not
important. Special commissions have been appoint
90 ct various times. consisting OF members OF the
I<gislature, to investigate some particular charge
but the commission has expired at the close OF the
sessson OF at the termination Of the investigation
erd.red. The Governor has also occasionally asked
Tor a commission 70 revise and to codify some laws
relating to ali corporations including railroads. and
70 report at the beginning eof the next legislative
session. These requests have sometimes been actes
upon ana sometimes disregarded.
The fact that nothing be done in the way OF
The regulation OF the roads or their passenger or
freight rates except by act OF the Legislature and
subject 20 the whims OF political leaders. led sew
eral years ago 20 the demand for the establishment
OF a state railroad commission individual
state railroad commissioner. This demand attained
Considerable strength last year This year some
srllscsd measures win certainly be introduced
One hiu VIII probably come from the Democratic
Eouse and Senator Colby may be expected to In
troduce another on behalf OF the Reform League
OF which he IS the leader. II IS also quite likely
that there viii be a third measure introduced by
South Jersey Senator ana drafted IN the interests
OF the railroads.
There may be a compromise effected. but II there
b any legislation the subject Il win be along
the lines OF the laws IN other states, where the
supervision and regulation OF the roads is left in
the HANDS OF a commission. consisting Of probably
three Members and possibly Ave. 20 be appointed
ey the Governor. and OF which the Chief Magis-
trste shall be ex oficio member. The purpose.
g expressed oy the promoters. e 20 give the com
granting OF permits and the scrutiny OF securities.
a plumber OF changes VIII be necessary IN the pro-
Visions of the general railroad act The scheme
however promises 20 meet with popular approval.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-01-21
railroads can water their stock as much as they

railroads water their stock much as they
please.
The commission was also given the power 70
enforce the erection of passenger and freight build
lngs. 70 FIX fair freight and passenger tariffs. TO
prevent all Determinations, to make reasonable
Joint rates for connecting roads, to examine the
books and buildings Of railroads. to enforce pen
Rlties, suit, to inspect tracks. and TO
force the prompt receiving and delivery Of freight
The commission has hitherto been appointed by
the Governor but at the recent Legislature OF 1905
It decided to elect the commissioners by direct
vote of the people.
separate cars for whites and blacks. force COM
panies 10 provide proper water and lights make
conductors policemen force the posting OF bull
lstins to train arrivals require roads to convey
freight without unreasonable delays, and establish
other customary regulations.
Recently the Railroad Commission decided TO
lower the freight OF the Southern, Central
and one other road between certain points about
70 per cent. A fight I'm the United States courts
followed; but in the case Of the Southern road
Judge Newman lately announced a decision which,
while ending the case still practically terni-
mates the fight In HIS court in favor Of the COM
mission.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-01-21
CONNECTICUT SUPINE.
Content zCith Railroad Board Thai
Has No P01cers.
IBy telegraph to The rrIbuns.r

New Haven, Jan. 20-COnnecticut has q ..at.
railroad commission. but that body has no pows-
TO fix rates-either passenger or freight-to grant
permits for routes or to supervise the issue OF s
curities by railroad companies Il cannot snforo.
Its orders, except in unimpOrtant details and acts
largely If at ALL In advisory capacity 20 thu
railroads There Is not. however, at this TINA
any movement foot to give the commission
more power to secure improvement OF conhs.
lions.
The commission consists Of three members VII,
must be. by law. respectively. a lawyer bust
ness man and civil engineer. They serve terms
ana expenses These are paid by the railroad COM
sessments being figured by the STATE co5fToI ss
The commission s. therefore. no expense II 4 4.
also no use. to the state The commission has no
appellate power that is. disgrunted citizen can
appeal to It; 1t cannot fix trolley or steam road
routes nor determine right Of purchase by roads
Of Of private property "A property owner whose land
the e0urts IN answer 10 emns spS apd Snsn @
ings by the road, IN which the Commission dos.
the commsson's 'poweTs IN This STATE IS sbs q
a trolley company must have a certificate from
that its roadbed Is secure N
The duties Of the Connecticut commissioners arr,
not arduous. On complaint OF five stockholders or
creditors of the road they are obliged to "examlns
me equipInfent end r9adoed Of the company. COM
trips they are supposed, by law. to proceed over
six miles an hour. to observe all the cuIverts ana
rails and TO report TO Ihe company on the same
This has never been done In the history OF the COM
mission. far Is known. The cornmissio1 Ia.
the rsEt however, to order certain widths for sta
ton platforms and the location OF Outbuidings.
They can also prescribe the time for ticket OfCes
70 be open The law provides that they shall order
the company % provide Comfortable seats" But
there Is provision for inhlcting a penaItv on a
company In case or It's failure TO obey -
The commission may, however. regulate the sussa
Of trains at grade crossings. and there Is a psn-
atty here OF $50 a day for neglect on the part or
the road to comply. The commission NAV also
order hagmen 70 be stationed at danger points
and suitable signs OF warning TO be erected and
here also there is a fine Of $50 day for neglect.
II the Connecticut railroad commission had
he W0r n,
for IL TO do. In this state the railroad stock
issues are bounded only by their charter rights or
by special amendment or special charter, the COM
mission having no powers in the matter OF hnanc-
ing the roads.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-01-21
GEORGIA FOR Low RATES.
Hoke Smith, Elected on Railroad
Plank, Promises Reforms.
rBy Telegraph TO Tie Tribune. ]

Atlanta, Jan. 2o.-Hoks Smith. who was elected
governor largely on two strong planks In his plat
form-one. opposition 20 alleged railroad ring,
the other, determination TO secure bett.r freight
rates for the state-said at recent banquet az the
Atlanta Freight Bursaui Thank God before sha
fan we shall have q railroad commission which will
90 something more than write cards. draw no
salaFtesf'
This sentiment expresses the feeling of largo
number OF Georgians. who believe that the com
mission, which established In 1873 ana given
very large powers has not done its iullV dlT, IN
the reduction or freight rates. AS consequeDee
or the recent campaign IL is believed that tie
commission VIII be active in the filtura and
that the railroads viii be forced lower the pres
ent high rates. 49, F~
The commission has the absolute power 10 FIX
Just and reasonable rates. but has been given no
power 70 grant routes 20 supervise the Issuance
OF securities The only Georgia law IN respect 10
permits for routes states that railroad must not
be built parallel 10 existing railroad within ten
miles CT X 30 fsr es securities concArnsd- the
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-01-21
MINNESOTA Il MODEL.
Other States Said To BE Copying
It's Effective Lao.
[Ry Telerraph . vac TrIhuns.1

St. Paul. Jan a.-Mlnnesota has a very effective
railway commission law. and It's provisions are be-
ing taken as models by several state legislatures
this winter. The commission Is composed OF three
members. appointed by the Governor. one everv
two years, TO hold office for six years II has gan
eTal supervision OF all railroads. express companies
and public warehouses In the state as well as over
all produce grain and packing commission houses.
and may grant and revoke licenses at pleasure I'M
der certain rules.
The commission can bring an action fol the reg
uiation Of freight and passenger tariffs Of its evn
Nohuon' and frequently does so. and 1t can fix and
establish tariff schedules. Il has often done II
equalizes rates and determines distance tariffs and
there has been little complaint aRainst tho COM,
mission by either railroads or the shinpers To
quote TIE words OF the statute: Whenever In thu
Judgment OF the commission. any common carrier
rails In any respect to comply with the laws or any
repairs are necessary upon its railroad or any ran
sonabe addition to or change of It's stations sta
ton houses. or transfer facilities or change IN the
mode OF operating its road conducting it's bust
ness win promote the security or convenience Of
oe served as a summons In civil cases shall rs
CURE compliance with such law the making OF
~ en- reEalrs. additions or change In case of ais
obedience OF such order the commission NAV caIse
Tn shor eet"n to be commenced for the
Proeeedings against railroads are begun as IN
the district court by complaint and cases are heard
and determined as In a court OF Justice Appeal
y hsd 70 the district court and from there to the
In defining what the railroads may not do and
OF the public These matters the onI GoaVenisnes
investigate and regulate OF It's own Initiative
schedules and traio agreements as thew are 1s a
as well as their annual reports OF EARNINGS ana
expenses in detail "s' hAe
The commission has the power 20 inauir, into oil,
stock Issues OF roads Incorporated IN die staf a1
TO approve or 70 reject them Such case h. no ,u
pendbt1s IN which Shs Great Norihern road IS
STOCK recenty sSthoraed BY a ss o.
several years past the Great Northern has ISSUED
stock at It's own pleasure, and the cornn1fS-
sion has neglected 10 step IN and 10 exercIsa iso
powers; but In the present case when the road has
surplus or s25,0ooOoo, the commission decided 10
interfere ana 20 Inquire as TO the proposed dis
position on THIS stock and to ask why the Iars,.
surplus should not be distributed ~ i"Ase
Railroad measures likely to be considered bv ,hs
present Legislature viii be those providing for =
cent fare the abolition OF the pass and the asta
ushmsnt Of the ssciprooal dsmurrsSs plan,
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-01-21
MICHIGAN WINS Il POINT
School Fund to Gain s75, 900. 900
from I'D VaIorem Railroad Tar.
10y TelezraDh % The Trihu-. E,


Detroit' jan 0.-Whie Michigan has beam am,
oFoiied In an all but continuous struRzIs IN tbs
courts with the railroads since the DAYS OF
Pinsres' IL has absolutely no statutes that dAsI
Win the control OF the roads IN the matter OF
or security Issues. The state has 20 ba arr.
railroad commissioner but hts authority Is llr1Ited
TO the matter Of passing upon the desire OF a raiI
road 20 cross street highway or another road
and II has also state railroad board with duties
and powers limited within similar lines
There Is no law upon the statute books thar will
govern road In selecting Its route, providing n
can get the consent OF majority Of the property
owners along its proposed line necessary for it's
franchise and right OF way. There is no statute IN
any degree affecting the Issue OF securities ana
inc only law affecting the regulation ~ "a Tee Is
one applying only to passenger rates ana GvID9 n
siding scale OF prices that may legally be charyei
BASED upon the earnings a mile for the wear STS-
ceuInsr ms statute permits the charging OF a
maximum OF cents mile In the lower DeninsrlS
grading down 10 pa cents cents and IL certs
as the volume OF gross earnings a mile InSraaaas
The courts have upheld this statute me car
ssnoFtase problem VIII also undoubtedly come up
Michigans fight against the roads. "a inaug,-
rated py Governor Ptngree in 1882 dealt with ire
matter OF taxation. and provided for an al vaIorem
!tather han specific tax. This has been fouEht
through tho courts In various actions and has rs-
centIy been upheld by The United States Sliprame
court Win the result that the primary schools ~
Jhe state. 10 which the railroad tax goes are bsn
me Oy an ea alton 70 their fund estimated at
Sf5.OOOOOO In the aggregate. There has never bean
any definite or serious effort or agitatip n in tbIs
STATE looking toward the regulation freight rares
or erecting the railroads In other matters than
that any step toward regulation VIII Be tsEsn
BY the present legislature. -