The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-11-02
Agreement Made By Executives. of Alabama, Gs0Tgia and
 North Carolina
BLAME FOR LITIGATION
 PLACED ON RAILR0ADSI
In Statement Issued at Close of At. lanta Conference Governors De. clare States Have Right To
 Regulate the Railroads.

Atlanta, November 1.-Thorough CO., operation in methods to be pursued in the Enforcement of laws regulating rairoudl passenger fares in the states of Georsia,i Alabama and North Carolina was agreed upon today at a conference held in this city between the governors of those states. After a discussion, which began att 9:3O o'clock this morning and which lasted until late this afternoon with but hriefl interval for luncheon, the three chief executives reached an agreement and the meeting was adjourned.
 In statement given to the Associated Press tonight, signed by the three gover- nors, it is said that not only had theyl arranged to "co-operate in the investiga- tion of law connected with the duty of our states to the public and to transpor- tation companies" but that they would also cooperate with other states which have the same problems
 We regard the complete recognition of the right of the states to regulate the intra-state business of transportation companies as absolutely necessary the9 statement continues.
 Today's conference, which was held at the suggestion of Governor Conner of Ala bama, was participated in by Governors R. E. Glenn of North Carolina, B. E. Conner of Alabama and Hoke Smith ofl Georgia; w. D. Nesbitt, member of the railroad commission of Alabama: Judge 5. D. Weakley and Col. II. q. Selheimer- special counsel for Alabama in the pend ing rate litigation i'll that state; Attorney General John c. Hart and Special Counsel I K. Hines and Hooper Alexander of Georgia.
 The declared object of the meeting was to reach an agreement if possible in methods to be pursued in inforcing the of ha gfu fnf also decide on some rate that would ap- ply to the railroads Of those states. the rates at present being widely divergent. Just what concrete plan was decided upon the governors refused 10 state. nor would they give out any of the details Of the conference beyond the statement that 1t was most satisfactory.
 The signed statement of the chief ex- ecutives Is as follows
 "Our conference has been most satisfac- tory. We discussed conditions in our respective states and we arranged to CO., operate in the investigation of facts and law connected with the duty of our state to the public and to transportation com panies Ne will also cooperate With other states which have the same proh- lems. We regard the complete recognition of the right of the state to regulate the intrastate business of transportation com panies as absolutely necessary.
 No injury has been done to any cor poration in any of our states by the ex- ercise of the power of regulation ln- creased business as consequence, of re- duced rates required by our state author- ites has in every case where fairly tried. compensated the corporations.
 We deplore the fact that railroad eor- poratfons have in some instances been damaged by the efforts of their officers to disregard the action of our states. Fms has happened in every case where thev have made allegation in the courts of sen satonal claims of injury contrary to the facts.
 "When tho railroad companies cease their eaise cry of confiscation and sub init to the duly constituted authorities. upon which alone rests the right to de- termine questions of subject policy, the railroad companies may expect a rapid re- turn of public confidence and restoration of normal credits The authorities of our states are at all times ready to hear from the railroad companies fully and to ac- cord to them treatment not only just but liberal
 ''The details of our conference we dos not consider it desirable to make public at this time
 'B. B. CoMER,
 Governor of Alabama
 'R. B. GLENN,
 "Governor of North Carolina.
 "HOKE SMITH.
 Governor of Georgia"