The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-01-27

makes it lawful for the railroads to
carry such passengers free.
Kirkland of Saline, explained that
in making its assessment it would be
impossible for. the commission to
waste its time waiting on regular
trains and that the railroads would
probably tender it special train.
Otherwise it would be an endless Job
to stop at all stations, cover all the
branch lines, and visit the shops, ETC.,
and after completing its work wait, it
might be from hours to a whole day,
to proceed to it's next stopping place.
Hendricks of Rawlins, was on his
feet In an instant with a motion to
strike out the enacting clause. The
state of Kansas is big enough, he said,
to pay the expenses Of the commits
sion in making this assessment, he
didn't care how long it took, and can
If necessary. The idea Of the rail-
roads proposing to -"cart the board
around in Pullman cars was exceed
ingly obnoxious to him-"This is a
fraud!, he declared. If the whole
state of Kansas is willing to put it in
the power Of the railroads to bride
our representatives, it is a backward
step for the state. The railroads must
be taken out of politics and placed
where they can't give any man SIS.
The commission can't accept the ten
der or special train without plac-
ing itself under obligations to the
railroads. If 1t didn't feel under OBJ
legations after being carted around
over the whole state in Pullman cars,
it would be deficient in the ordinary
appreciation of hospitality. A man
who would accept such a favor and
not feel that he ought to repay It in
some way would be beneath common
comprehension. The state can af-
ford to pay the bill. no matter how
big, better than it can afford to take
this backward step, which is intended
to be the opening wedge for still
further concessions to public Of
ficials."
The committee postponed further
action on the bill until 1t could be
printed. though motions to strike out
the enacting clause and to recon-
mend its passage were both made.
All trains carrying passengers. except
ing special or chartered trains, must
stop to receive and let off passengers
at the regular station in each town and
city in Labette and Stafford counties,
having population Of 1000 or more,
if Representative Lehman's bill should
become a law. Failure to comply with
this requirement will constitute a mis-
demeanor punishable by a fine Of 500
to $500. The original bill was for La
bette only; Stafford was taken on as
board is authorized and directed to see
that this act is enforced and 1t takes
effect on publication in the official state
paper. The motion adopted was that
the bill is recommended for passage as
amended and mot subject to amend
ment and debate"
A bill by White Of Ottawa, recon-
mended for passage, provides that all
orders Of the board Of railroad commits
passenger schedules, rates, tariffs, and
classidcations, or any part thereof,
shall take effect within such reasonable
time, not less than thirty days, as shall
be prescribed In the order of the board,
and shall continue in force, unless the
set aside by the board, Or be suspended
or set aside by a court of competent
jurisdiction. Every distinct violation
shall be separate offense, and in case
of continuing violation each day shall
be deemed a separate offense, punish
able by a fine of 500 to $500, the money
thus collected to go to the state school
fund.
A railroad bill along the same lines
by Stone of Shawnee provides that if a
railroad com pany contests case in the
courts and the order of the board is
finally upheld, the company is liable to
the penalty; if the order Is not upheld
the penalty shall not be collected. These
bills have in view the idea Of prevent
ing railroad companies from falling to
comply with orders Of the board, ap-
pealing cases, and defeating the pur-
pose of the order for two or three years
Some Of the railroads. it Is said, have
been doing this regularly in minor
cases.
A complete and accurate enrolment
Of soldiers of the civil war and Of the
Spanish American war by county or
township assessors, at the time of max
ing the annual assessment Of personal
property, is the object sought in a bill
by Jeffries of Sumner Such enrolment
shall contain the name of the soldier,
his age, present postoffice address.
name Of his company, number of regt-
ment, and county and state where en-
listed. The county clerk of each coun-
ty shall, upon application therefor by
the adjutant general of the state, fur
nAsh said adjutant general a copy of
such enrolment. Recommended for pas
sage.
A bill by Boggs of Smith. and
recomm ended for passage, auth orizes
any city Of the third class to fund
any Of its present outstanding float
ing indebtedness which has been
created since January L. 1905. for the
purpose of internal Improvements,
regardless Of all other limitations
upon municipal Indebtedness, by the
issue of funding bonds bearing not
more than 8 per cent interest, and
maturing in 20 years; provided, that
no bonds shall be valid under this act
unless issued before July 1. 1908. But
no bonds shall be Issued under this
act by the mayor and council of any
such city until the proposition to fund
such Indebtedness shall have re-
ceived a majority of the votes cast on
such proposition at a city election.
An inspection tax on concentrated
feeding stuffs is further provided for
in a bill, by Ham of Rocks. drawn by
the attorney general at the suggestion
of experts at the State Agricultural
college, and amending of sections 1,
5, and IL of chapter 407 of the
laws of Kansas. 1907. which is recon-
mended for passage. The tax SO col
lected, together with all registration
faaS 1roes into the general funds of the