davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Watson's weekly Jeffersonian., 1907-06-13

nothing; and this for merely sentimen-
tai reasons. Moreover, probably 80 per
cent of this vast sum would so into
the pockets of people who had been
active parties to, or benefciaries OF,
the wrongs so long endured. II the
roads could be purchased at their
real value-and the money paid to
those who are best entitled to it
there would be practically no opposi-
ton. But 1 repeat that this is inn
possible.
If one stops to think what a crush
ing burden such load OF debt
with nothing to show for it-would
be, he will realize that this is very,
very, grave matter Closet philoso-
piers and curbstone orators may ar
que that it would be better even to
pay such a price than to continue
present conditions-and that therefore,
it should be paid. But most unbiased
people, while asserting to- the first
clause, will reject the conclusion-be-
cause they believe there must be bet
ter way.
Discussion of this subject by the
people generally has really just begun,
and it seems clear that a majority of
them cannot be induced to commit
themselves next year to the policy Of
government ownership and operation
of railroads; and that they are not
likely to do so in 1912-unless rail-
road owners themselves unite to Gun
load onto the government" And, if
they do this, they will try hard to get
enough men of their own sort into the
leadership of the government owner
ship party to direct it's action. And
they would not be scrupulous as to
the means used.
Orators can convince and enthuse
some audiences, and a part of the
press can fill pages with unanswerable
facts and arguments, but railroad peo-
pie can use similar agencies on a
vastly greater scale. OF the billions,
and billions, and billions Of railroad
stocks and bonds representing only
water-and which bring in hundreds
OF millions every year-a part belong
to the banks, trusts, insurance, and
other powerful financial corporations;
and some blocks constitute a part of
the endowment of educational, charit-
able, and religious institutions, or of
the estates Of widows, orphans and
others. Consequently, scores of thou
sands Of influential people, living in
every community-whose neighbors
wonder why "such sensible and up
right persons always vote with the
railroads"-are strongly prejudiced by
their own interests in favor of such a
settlement as will save as much as
possible of their investments.
1t is well within bounds to say that
these deeply interested voters con-
troll, more or less completely, nine
tenths of the organs of thought and
news distribution; also, the principal
churches, and public institutions sus-
tanned by endOwments and contribu-
tions; and that some of them are in
touch with every CRATER and purchas-
able voter.
1t is no secret that some Of the larg-
est owners Of railroad securities are
not filled with alarm" at the rapid
spread Of the government ownership
idea-for the sufficient reason that
Watson's weekly Jeffersonian., 1907-06-13
PAGE FOURTEEN
A NEW SOLUTION OF THE RAIL
ROAD PROBLEM,
BY Albert Griffin, Topeka, Kansas.


greatly to their alarm-the railroads
problem is daily more and more in
sistent in demanding prompt and
permanent settlement. People who
have any ideas ON this subject consti-
tute three groups. The first consists
OF the benefciaries of special privi-
leges; those who practice letting
things alone attending to my own
business;" the laisser faire, conserva-
tive, fossilized elements-that expect
all wrongs to ultimately right them
selves, and the inherently lazy, who
never try to right wrongs, or end evils,
until galvanized into abnormal activ-
ity.
The second consists of those who,
apparently thinking that the law can
do everything, more or less earnestly
demand the passage and enforcement
of wise laws prohibiting railroads from
doing wrong, and requiring them to
do right" Although favoring private
ownership, they wish to end the evils
that grow out of it-but seldom get
beyond the demanding stage.
The third is made up Of those who
believe that these evils can be ended
only by abOlishing the special priv
ileges that make them possible, and,
therefore, insist upon public owner
ship and operation Of the roads.
The first group is large-but it's
members are usually so imperious to
argument that this article is addressed
only to the other two.
Just now, President Roosevelt is the
foremost advocate of effective rail-
road regulation" by national authority.
His ability, sincerity and resourceful-
ness, is admitted, and his following
is so large that he may be able to
induce the Republican party to en-
dorse this policy in it's national plat
form-in spite of the fact that the
majority of the railroad magnates call
themselves Republicans Many able
Democrats also favor this method of
dealing with the railrOad-but they
have no recognized leader. On the
"AOAN1 0S CA1AO WAAC1h3J ~ 4OOhS DIS
though both of the great parties will
commit themselves more or less
strongly in favor of stringent railroad
legislatiOn"-bu that the rank and file
for both will be irrevocably divided
upon it.
Railroad regulation" has been ad-
vocated for long time-but it is a
very vague term, and it's supporters
are wide apart as to it's scope-as
to exactly What shall be done? and
BY whom? Some insist that the set
tlement of this problem belongs to the
states, exclusively; some that the gen.
eral government must assume entire
control of it; and others that, while it
primarily belongs to the states, the
nation can, and should, do whatever is
necessary to promote justice-especial-
ly in the matter of interstate traf-
fic
This situation necessarily brings up
for renewed consideration the old
problem of Estate rights"-which
many suppose is buried with the bones
Of those who fought over one of it's
phases. Prior to Jackson's administra-
ton, the governmental trend was
strongly towards Capitalization; from
Watson's weekly Jeffersonian., 1907-06-13
wArsoN's WEEKLY JEFFERsoN1AN.

to agree on what is desirable, and to
go ahead and do it. But practical
thinkers know that this question of
Jurisdiction lies at the very base of
operations; that it is very difficult
one to decide-and is made many
times more SO by the fact that the
privileged class whose business is to
be regulated are bitterly hostile to
every effective plan, are very wealthy,
and, politically, is the second most
powerful guild in existence; and by
the further fact that the passions OF
the civil war, though dying out, are not
yet extinguished. But few Of the ad-
Vocates of railroad regulation have Sc
riously considered this preliminary
step toward the solution of the prob
lem, and those who have are divided
upon it. Indeed, their views are not
merely conflicting, but irreconcilably
antagonistic.
But suppose the centralizationists
triumph, and the nation assumes the
whole duty of regulating the railroads,
even more difficult questions will re-
main, viz: In What Way? and to What
Extent? shall railroad managers be re-
stricted. And how can their scores of
thousands of subordinates-Who neces-
sarily must exercise more or less dis
cretion-be compelled to obey the spir-
it of the laws? With most of the
wealth, and nearly all of the grafters,
more or less actively working to de-
feat them, how can the friends Of
effective regulation be not only united
at the polls when everything is at
white heat but also be kept watchful
and active year after year?
1t is much easier to find competent
and honest bookkeepers for any bus
ness than to procure those who can
and will-examine the books of a great
corporation and ascertain, not only
that they balance, but that the thou
sands Of entries in them are all exact
ly what they should be. It would be
much easier for the government to
find honest men to employ than to
convict the employees of law violating
corporations. Nine tenths of the diff
fculty now is, not in the lack of laws,
but in the inability Cor unwillingness)
Of the proper officials to enforce them.
Witnesses who know the facts can
easily be summoned, but it is often i'm
possible to either persuade or compel
them to tell the truth
In short, the success of the rail-
road regulation policy requires the
election Of a president of the Roose-
welt, LaFollette, Tom Johnson, or Gov.
Folk type, and a majority of senators
and congressman who are not merely
professed supporters of it, but who can
neither be corrupted, deceived, nor in-
timidated-and that this shall be done
for many consecutive terms.
Neither honesty nor dishonesty,
competency nor incompetency, courage
nor cowardice, is ever entirely on one
side of any problem. Thus far, the
opponents of most fundamental re-
forms have triumphed, or procured
long delays, by the help of men pledg-
ed to the reform cause-some of whom
were not dishonest. And it is because
Of such facts as the foregoing, that
nearly all thinkers with whom railroad
legislation is a paramount concern
111tipo ta1v haoopoo
Watson's weekly Jeffersonian., 1907-06-13
to permanently settle the railroad
problem on his line.

Ao1IAO AOelu COIpOIdJ1OuS ny law DIS w SC
cure just treatment to all, are array
ed those who hold that the roads must
be owned and operated by the people.
But these voters are scattered among
all of the parties-in none of which
this is a controlling issue; nor is
there any present indication that it's
supporters will soon concentrate. Mr..
Bryan advocates this policy, but does
not insist upon it's immediate endorse
ment by his party-which appears to
be as hopelessly divided on the gener-
al subject as is the Republican, though
on somewhat different lines.
Suppose, however, that a party COM
mitted to national ownership and oper-
alton of railroads should elect pres
ident and secure control of congress,
the next step must be to decide wheth-
er to build an entire new railroad sys-
tenn, or to confscate, or to purchase
the existing roads.
So far as 1 know, building and op-
Grating an entirely new system of
roads by the nation has had but few,
If any, advocates; and it has been
suggested only as an alternative-in
case satisfactory arrangement can
not be made with the companies.
Confiscation is advocated by few
who say, very truly, that the railroad
companies received from the people. in
subsidies and lands, much of the origi-
nal cost Of the roads; and that the
excessive charges since exacted by
them exceed, several times over, all
the money the original stockholders
actually put into them, or that was
subsequently properly used for their
improvement. And from these unde-
niable facts they draw the conclu-
sion that, in equity, the roads really
belong to the people, as a whole, rath-
er than to their stockholders.
But, of the many billions of dol
lars of railroad stocks and bonds in
existence, large part-Which cannot
be even approXimated-now belongs
to purchasers who had nothing to do
with building their roads, nor with the
wrong doings of their managers. That
these more or less innocent purchasers
have equities will not be denied, and,
without discussing the subject, it can
safely be assumed that the cOnfisca-
tion proposition will not be seriously
considered at the polls; and that any
successful government ownership par
ty will be practically unanimous
against it.
With confiscation eliminated, the
question will then arise, How much
shall be paid for the roads? Their
present capitalization is estimated at
about $4,000, 100000 truly enorm-
GUS sum-but the indications are that,
by the time transfer could be au-
thorized and effected, it will approx
innate twenty billions. Railroad build
ers say that the present system could
be duplicated for between one fourth
and one half its aggregate capitaliza-
tion. Part Of the present mileage is
unnecessary, or badly located; much
of the immense additions to capitali-
zation that have been, and are be-
ing, put onto the market, represent
little or no additional property; and
a considerable part of that which
would be transferred to the govern
ment would be really worn out. And
it is safe to assume that, when the
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-08-12
Strike at Atlanta.
Boston Delays Strike.
VETERANS OF ORIENT GATHER
Eighth Annual Reunion of Army Of
the Philippines Meets at
Kansas City.

KANSAS CITY Aug. n.-Delegates have
begun to arrive for the eighth annual re-
union of the National Society Army Of the
Philippines, which begins in Kansas City
Tuesday, next. To date six generals have
announced their intention of coming, and
an unusually large number OF delegates Is
expected. The reunion will extend
through Friday. General Arthur Mac
Arthur, 'commander-in-chief will deliver
the response to the address of welcome
Tuesday. The military parade, which
promises to be of especial interest this
year because of the large number Of vet
Grams Of the Army of the Philippines, as
well as members of the Twentieth Kansas
Volunteer Infantry association partlcipat-
ing, will take place Wednesday. Following
the parade there will be a public meeting,
addressed by numerous speakers OF ma
tionsl prominence. Thursday the annual
banquet will be held, and on Friday the
delegates will go on an excursion to Fort
Leavenworth, Kan, and to the National
Soldiers home and the federal peniten-
tiary at Leavenwortb. The reunion of the
famous Seventieth Kansas infantry will
be held Jointly with that OF the Philippine
veterans.
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-08-12
Au.tralian studying pry Farmins.

CHEYENNE. Wyo., Aug n-(special.)-
w. strawbridge, surveyor general OF the
state of South Australia, is in Cheyenne
collecting data relative to dry farming in
southern Laramie county. He states that
the fame Of Cheyenne as a dry farming
center has spread even to Australia and
that he considers the system followed here
the hest adapted for Australian dry land
reclamation. other dry farming investiga-
tors now in the city are w. II. Campbell
originator OF the Campbell system; d. Clem
pSayer, chief Of the colonist service Of
the Burlington, and J. E. Houtz, dry farm
ing expert of the Union Pacific.
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-08-12
suit Against Illegal Fencers.

CHEYENNE wyo.. Aug. 11.-(special)-
United States District attorney Timothy
F. Burke has instituted suit in the federal
district court against William A, James
c., and Henry c. Saul to compel the re-
moval of illegal fences surrounding H.4so
acres OF government land in the vicinity
of Estherbrook. Converse county. The
petition Of the federal attorney prays for
the destruction of the fences and the is
suance OF a perpetual Injunction against
their erection. A similar suit has been
nled against the Cottonwood Land and
Live Stock company which is alleged to
have under illegal fence 2,1so acres OF gov
ernment land in Big Horn country.
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-08-12

National Guard Encampment Feature
of the Week.
(From q stan Correspondent.l


(From a Stah Correspondent.)
LINCOLN, Aug. 11--(Speclsl)- Lin
coin will begin to fill up with soldiers
tomorrow arriving for the annual en-
campment of the National Guard, which
is scheduled to tawe place in three diff
ferent sections of the city. Hsadaunr-
ters has already been established at the
F street park, and Major d. l.. Howell
of the Eighteenth infantry, Fort Leaven-
worth, has arrived to act as inspector
and instructor. The governor Will Ie-
view the troops Friday or Saturday If
place can be found around here large
/ enough for the review grou,ds. In the
meantime Governor Sheldon has not yet
appointed his aides.
1t is not certain that e. b. Sherman
of Columbus viii accept the position Of
superintendent of the Kearney Indus
trial school whicn' has been tendcrcd him
by Governor Sheldon. Mr.. Sherman Is
under contract for the year to the Col
umbus School board and unless the board
unanimously releases him he will not
take the place.
There Is little likelihood of the State
Railway commission granting the de-
mand of the attorneys of the Central
creamery to compel the railroads to
bring their books before the commission
to show what II costs to haul cream in
Nebraska. In fact. two members of the
commission expressed the opinion that
they did not think 1t necessary to accede
to the demand merely to get information
regarding a rate on cream. In the moan
time II seems the commission has about
made up it's mind to increase the cream
rate at least some If this Is done thea
a real night will start between the rail-
roads and express companies and the
big creameries. The creameries wnl hght
TO have the sibIey law enforced. Should
this fight start II will relieve the COM
mission of the odium of obstructing the
operations of this act and put the work
OF enforcing the law onto the creameries.
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-08-12
NOTICE TO OUR READERS

The pending strike of the tele-
graph operstorf threatens to inter-
fere more or bss with The Bee's
news facilitiesi Under these con-
ditions the indulgence of our read
ers is asked until the disturbed
means OF transmitting our dis
patches become adjusted.
To Bee Correspondents: If un-
able to get wire connection, use
long-distance telephone for trans
mission of telegraphic matter.
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-08-12
New York Men Wait.

NEW YORK, Aug. 1.-THE New York
telesraphers will not strike before next
Friday. AT a meeting OF No. I6 Of the
Commercial Telegraphers' Union Of Amer
lea today a request was received from the
National Civic federation TO postpone action
for the present and stating that Ralph NJ
Easley. secretary Of the National Civic fed
GRAFTON, Samuel Gompersj president OF the
American Federation or Labor and Labor
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-08-12

Commissioner Neill would 90 to Chicago
to meet President s. j. Small OF the teleg-
raphers union upon his arrival there from
San Francisco. The request was acceded to
and 1t was decided to take no action until
next Friday.
Manager and chief on Duty.
CHARLESTON, S. c.. Aug. n.-An the
Western Union telegraphers walked out
here at 6 o'clock this afternoon. This ao-
ton practically closes both telegraph Of
fees here, as the Western Union has only
the manager and one chief on duty.
strike at Atlanta.
ATLANTA, Ga, Aug. 1.-THE telegraph
operators employed by the Western Union
and Postal telegraph companies here went
on strike this afternoon. over 15O men
are out.
boston Delays strike.
BOSTON, Aug. 1.-THE Boston local OF
the Commercial photographers Union or
America, at largely attended meeting to-
day. voted not to go out on strike at the
present time
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-08-12
new Division of NORTHWESTERN.

PIERRE. S. D., Aug. n-(special Tele-
Rram.)-To meet the needs fthe new
extension OF the Northwestern road, new
division has been created to extend from
this city to RAPID City and C. T. Dixie,
the engineer in charge of construction Cn
the new line. has been selected as super
intendent of the new division with head
quarters at Pierre.
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-08-12
Washington Makes Demands.

WASHINGTON, Aug n.-WAshington
local OF the Commercial Telegraphers' union
at a meeting this afternoon decided by
close vote to wait on the managers OF the
Western Union and Postal here and demand
the same concessions which have been
made at other points. 1t was also decided
that operators should refuse TO work non
union wires.
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-08-12
Operntor. FormuIate Demands.

KANSAS CITY, Mo-, Aug. n.-All the
striking telegraph operators OF both com
panies in this city held a joint meeting
today and decided upon a schedule OF de-
mands which will be presented to the local
managers OF the two companies tomorrow.
The demands to be presented to the two
companies are practically Identical. The
strikers demand of each company g Is
per cent increase in wages and an eight
hour day.
BY Unanimous vote II was decided that
the operators employed by news agencies
would not be asked to strike.
II was decided that operators would be
permitted to work at the union depot, the
boards of trade OF the two Kansas Cities
and at certain brokers Offices. subject to
certain conditions,
Manager Brownson OF the Western Union
once is reported to have announced that
he will refuse to consider the demands
when presented TO him tomorrow, as he
will not treat with the committee which
waits upon him as employees OF the com
pany.
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-08-12

development we have made in the shops
you remember what they we're when we
took charge Of the Union Pacific, and Won
all known what they are today. Yes. this
motor car manufacture is going right
ahead"
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-08-12
ARreement Not Ktpt.

Some time ago the companies agreed not
to discharge any operator for the technical
cause of belonging TO the union. Officials
OF the Commercial Telegraphers' union al
lege. however this agreement has not been
kept.
When the Associated Press wires opened
at p. m. every telegrapher was eager TO
hear what had happened in telegraph
circles throughout the country, as It was
known there would be a meeting OF teleg-
raphers in every city In the United States.
The statement OF National Secretary Wes-
ley Russell that the strike had gone be-
yond the local stage was accepted wtthoHt
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-08-12

CONTINUED on SECOND PaEal
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-08-12

icOntinusd on second PAs~l
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-08-12
Due solely 10 Monopoly.

In fact. even as between cities or states
most widely separated. only a small frac-
tion Of the difference In price, after de-
Quoting freight, can be explained by dif-
ferenees In cost either OF marketing or OF
refining. The rest is due TO a consistent
and wholly unjustinsble policy OF price
discrimination against nonoompetitive To-
ealitiss
Even In towns In the same state or same
vicinity these wide discrepancies occur.
In the east Texas and Louisiana division
OF the Waters-Pierce OIL company IN Aug
(contlnusd on SECOND Pszal
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-08-12
Purely a Vacation Trip.

Mr.. Hartman said this was purely a va
cation trip for him. He had a private train
and was occupying his own car Arden.
With him were. His two sons, their tutor;
Julius Kruttschnitt, director OF maintenance
and operation Of the Hartman system; J.
c. stubbs. traffic director; President Hara-
han OF the Illinois Central; Dr. Lyle. Mr.
Harriman's physician, and W. V. Hill. Mr..
Harriman's secretary, The party came in
from Chicago over the Illinois Central IN
the forenoon ana was met by Vice Presi-
dent Mohler. T. NJ Orr and w. r. Nc
Keen. superintendent Of motive power and
machinery OF the Union Pacific. Mr. Nc
Keen harnessed up his fsvorite motor car
and took the party TO Gilmore and back.
and Mr.. Hartman had an opportunity 10
La Junta tribune., 1907-11-02
News OF OTERO COUNTY
COMPILED By
GREAT FAn,LY Journal REPRESENTATIVES

his chair, which Shorty" promised
to do to the best of his ability, CON
siGering his length and breadth.
Steps iwere taken to inaugurate
an ash pit crusade. and compel
everybody to build ash pits on the
rear Of their premises. This is
something that should have the
hearty cooperation of everyone, as
it not only keeps the town clean,
but gives a place to burn old trash,
thus lessing the danger of fire. and
it is to be hoped that all will comply
with the order without any drastic
measures having to- be resorted to.
After allowing the usual grist of
bills. the meeting adjourned.