Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1908-02-03


find II he looks into the matter that
many OF the trips he has taken In
past years over the railroads were
on reduced or excursion rates such
M those given 20 the seashore and
conventions. and that he has per-
hapa Travelled az cheaply as oie-half
cent per mile. A two-cent fare
would be fine thing for those whose
business or desire causes them TO
travel a great deal but would be ~
no benefit In the long run TO the poor
man. Excursion rates wonid be cut
out and two cents would be the mint
mum as well as the maximum fare.
The railroads would uso tho reduc-
tion as an excuse for cutting out the
colonist rates whirh we are 40 anxl-
Gus 20 have M this time In order TO
bring homesoekers to oregon. II
would be used as an excuse by the
railroads for reducing their service
and for not improving their depot
tnildIngs which are an eye sore 70
many cities In this state.
THE commission has been
the matter careful consideration and
am frmly Of tho opinion that there
are other matters that are OF far
more Importance 10 the people OF this
state than a two-cent passenger fare
We should demand;
Mr.. Vests List of Demands.
First-That railroad employees be
we'll paid and enjoy reasonable work
Ing hours. This ensures good men,
good service and fewer accidents
second--Good roadbeds and equip
ment. In order that passengers and
freight may be- carried with safety
and dispatch.
Thlrd-Neat and substantial depot
buildings. surrounded by attractive
grounds.
Fourth--Low freight rates In or
der that the consumer may buy his
goods cheaper and the producer re-
Celve bctter prices for his products
Flfth-Then. II their earnings viii
Justly u. a reduction o. passenger
fares.
believe that the passenger fares
are the last thing that should be
taken up. am speaking now OF
the fares on those roads charging but
three cents a mile There are some
roads charging more, and the COM
mission Is now investigating the mat
! ter. with yiow OF bringing about re.
ductiona
Coed Words for Colleagues.
In conclusion. Commissioner West
paid tribute 60 his colleagues,
Altchison and Campbell. and com
mended them 90 the voters OF tho
state. Ito said OF them;
"Messrs. Altohison and Campbell
I | have found both honest aud upright
and possessing an earnest desire 20
accomplish somo good for the peo-
pie through the positions which they
hold In justice 60 these gentlemen,
the people should look into their
records. and n they nud they have
been faithful aud honest In the per
formance OF their dsities they should
be Flycn an opportunity 60 complete
the work which they have mapped
oni for the future
To Forcc Pair Valuations.
Mr. Wcst suggested a plan Tor
I drlying the railroads into a position
where fair valuations. as a basis for
rate making. might be forced out 90
their necessities ils said
M seems 20 me it Is possible for
the Oregon commission "a ascertain
tha reasonable value 90 the roads In
this state without golng TO the eX.
pruse 90 witch other comm ssions
have gone rhls, 1 think. can be ac-
comnushed largely by the railroad
commission ana the county assessors
Working Ia harmony For tho pur-
Iposc of TAXATION the railroads place a
low valuation on thoir property FoF
Y rate makins purposes they place the
IriEht to ma'nlain rates which will
Itnsur. rttlfns unon this high Nalua.