New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1908-10-18

itself, and so there was an ever-broadenng OIL
securities, and the pyramid instead of resting
on its base, stood upon its apex, and OF course
1t tumbed over.
PROPOSE FAIR LAW.
Now we propose nothing but what is fair.
There is nothing in the law that interfereS with
honorable enterprise If il is desirable to trans
fer leases or franchises or to make trafnc ar
rangements. all that is necessary is 10 nave
them of such a character will stand public
scrutiny and receive the approval OF body
representing the people Of the state
If it is necessary to issue securities, al that
is needed is that they be issued fairly, upon d
proper basis, and in suehc way as can receive
the approval of body representing the state
If 1t is important that lines should be brought
together for efficient and economical SER
vice. all that is necessary Is that the agreement
should be fair and that will stand exam
nation I do not think the people of this state
are ever going to tolerate a repetition Of the
abuses that have existed.
Now we have this general denunciation Of
government by commission, made at a critical
time, made at a time when the law stands IN
the way and the commission STANDS In the way
of a freedom that seems to be desired. We have
this denunciation at time when it is obviously
inconsistent with the position that Is taken
with regard to national matters, for Congress
cannot Iegisate in the state, Congress cannot
empower the Interstate Commerce Commission
to deal with matters within the state any more
than the state legslate with regard to inter-
state commerce
THE CaANLER QUESTION.
If these things are to be attended to at all
they must be attended to by the state. So that
I have thought it well to have this matter
brought to a point and in entire good humor,
in order that we might know just what was
meant.
/ have asked my opponent certain questions.
They not captous questions. They were
not intended to enbarrass him with regard to
any matters Of policy which are not involved in
the issues of this campaign. Our record is
known; what stand for is understood. his
is something that is part of the administra-
ton that is attacked Here is general oPposi-
NJ ami 70 Lao,s in Gil
ness what the points of that opposition may be.
So that have asked my opponent asked him
teenth, and ! have asked him repeatedly since
these questions: First, Are you In favor of the
repeal of the Public Service commissions law?
Now, that is fair question. Do you desire to
have the powers of the Public Service Commits
sion transferred to some other officer of the
sire to take away any of the powers of the Pub
lie Service Commission? If so, specify the
powers of which you would deprive them.
have been NECESSARY to ask them: But we have
no answer. The only approach that we have to
an answer is that he does not propose to have
me lay down his line of march.
Well, have never had any idea Of trying to
lay down his march. have simply wanted to
know where he was marching to. have wanted
to know whether those who appeared to be
marching in his company knew where he was
going.
NO ARBITRARY LEGISLATION
Now, while vigorously insisting on proper
regulation by the state and upon the perform
ance of public duties absolutely opposed
to any arbitrary legislation regarding these
matters. That is one difficulty with the attempt
TO have direct regulation by the Legislature.
Here are hosts Of questions requiring study.
Different situations require different treatment
Different sets Of facts exist in different cases
The matters involved Of the first impor-
lance. We don't want service Impoverished.
We don't want arbitrary legislation made pre-
text for economies. We don't want working
men, thousands OF whom depend upon the eff
cheney of these enterprises, thrown. out Of en-
ployment. Every one Of us in our line of activ-
ity, whatever 1t may be, depends these arte-
ries of commerce for our actual business and
also for our comfort and convenience.
We want the elimination of grade crossings.
We want better stations the finest equipment,
the best service, the swift movement of freight
and the proper treatment of passengers, and
large opportunities of employment, and the great
enterprises essential for the public welfare TO
get at the highest point OF efficiency as long as
they are honestly conducted.