The Mena weekly star., 1907-09-12
ROADS F|GHT RATE ORDER
The Topeka Hearing Developed Strong Opposition to the Two
 Cent Fares.
SENATOR WAGGENER ATTACKS SOY. HOCH
Railroad Attorney Declared That De- mand for Cheaper Fares in Kansas Came from Politicians and Dema- gogues-Strone Array of Legal Tal- ent Present on Behalf of Roads.

ent Present on Behalf of Roads.
 Topeka. Sept. 5.--It was believed that the hearing before the board of railroad commissioners Tuesday af- ternoon to determine whether or not two-cent passenger rate should be ordered would De rather prosaic af- fair with it's evidence of statistics and figures. This was not so to be. There were scarcely any figures men toned Instead the afternoon was taken up with speeches by Gardiner Lathrop of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railway, B. P. Waggener of the Missouri Pacific railway, Frank Grattan, attorney for the board, John Madden of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas and N. H. Loomis of the Union Pacific.
 Tn his talk MT. Waggener attacked Gov. Hoch vigorously. MT. Madden although as earnest as Mir. Waggener regarding what he called the unjust ness of a two-cent rate, jumped to the defense of the governor. Much of the argument of the railroad attorneys was founded upon the theory that the demand for a two-cent fare in Kansas came from politicians and demago- gues who wished to ride into office with this as an issue. At five o'clock the hearing was postponed un- til nine o'clock Wednesday,
 According to the complaint filed by 4I,~ .lx, evidence that can be taken before the board Is whether or not an emergency for two-cent rate exists at this time and not whether two cent rate would be reasonable. The latter is for the courts to decide.
 Tt is asked of the board said MT. Grafton, that the railroads treat the passengers of Kansas as they are treated elsewhere"
 During Senator Waggener's censure of Gov. Hoch the governor sat a few feet behind him. In fact, he occu- pied the same chair during the entire afternoon, having asked that the hearing at the Hutchinson reforma- tory be continued that he might be at the commissioners meeting. When the hearing is ended the governor will be as conversant with the entire proceedings as the commissioners themselves, so that if the 2-cent rate is not ordered. he will have sufficient information upon which to decide whether a special session of the leg. islature is necessary or not
 Gardiner Lathrop was selected to make the opening arguments for the railroads. He said that he supposed he was selected because his line, the Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe, was the largest line in Kansas, the heavi- est taxpayer and was really the child of Kansas, being incorporated under Kansas laws. In general terms he referred to the creation of the rail. ties, and the treatment the railroads have received and given.
 Gov. Hoch's Statement.
 Topeka Sept. 5.-Gov. Hoch Tues. day night issued statement answer. ing the arguments of Gardiner Lath- rop and others railroad attorneys made before the railroad commission CTS Tuesday in the two-cent fare hear ing. Gov. Hoch cited MT, Lathrop's commendation of Gov. Hughes action in New York in yetoing two-cent fare bill and passing the decision on to the New York board and declared MT. Lathrop wants to give power to a New York board which he claims is Illegal to give to Kansas board. Gov Hoch also declared the adoption of two-cent fares in neighboring states since the last legislative session had changed conditions governing Kansas and made the two-cent fare rate here necessary.