The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-16

build up oui state. believe the time is near when the agitation against legit- innate enterprises or institutions of our states or federal government will be dis continued; (except in cases where It IS necessary to prevent eXcesses In corpor- ate managementD The railroad managers of the country today are as much against improper methods as any other citizens of our country, and they stand willing and ready to cooperate in bringing around condition between the people and the transportation companies that <ill work to the mutual advantage Of both: with a view of giving fair treat ment to the people and receiving lar treatment from the people, and l would love to have it go out to the world that Texas was the first to set the example that unjust existing laws should be mod flied, and that future laws enacted, t any. should be- enacted after the most careful consideration in behalf of both the people and the railroads and that in the future Texas attitude would pc constructive and not destructive
 Slow and Careful.
 As I have said l am going slow and careful in future, and I do not intend to encourage new work where feel the laws are. unfair. will never undertake the construction of a single mile of rall- road in any country that l do not feel warranted in saying to others that the investments are safe and will be pro tected
 I sometimes wish I was in public life. Such men have every advantage over men in my line of business, as we can not come in contact with the pubic as we would like, to present our views ana our side of the important matters looking to the upbuiiding of the state; but there ;.. .fffa T would have. The only position for which I would surrender my present job would be that of governor of Texas. There is no position that would appeal to mo more than to stand with the ctlzens ol Texas and push the progress Of develop ment of the state in bringing out the untold resources and doubling the wealth of it's farmers and land owners, and bringing it up to the highest state of production by furnishing 1t with what 1t demands in the way of transportation and manufacturing industries. My slogan would be "Gridiron the state and 1 believe that every citizen of the state in every class of business would Joln enthusiastically in trying to bring around conditions that would mean greater profits and more happiness to all.
 of Were Governor"
 The greater portion of this could be ae- complished under a proper policy within four years, and if I made good governor for two years you would be sure to give me two more. Of course, l cannot hope for such an honor and distinction as 10 return to my native state and serve at the head of the government, as governors are not drawn from men in my position, but if such a thing were possible It would be my ambition and pride to spend my time in accomplishing and making good what I have pointed out to you should and can be done for Texas, and at the same time see to 1t that all laws necessary for the protection of the public would not be changed, and none on the statute books go unenforced. If l were a candidate for governor, my first move would be to call meeting of the officers of the Five Million club with the aggres- sive, public-spirited citizens of the state, and we would underwrite the club by agreeing that within four years the popu- lation of Texas would reach 100000 or more. This and better results can be ob- tained through the efforts of our present governor and other state officials if they will only come to the realization of the stern business facts that the citizens of Texas have grown tired of the continued agitation and persistent restrictions and interference with the railroads of the
 
 it is not aiding the. development of the vast and unlimited resources; is not add ing one dollar in enhanced land values; is not bringing increased and more remun- erative employment to the unemployed, but on the other hand that it is retarding the development of the state and keeping from all classes of citizens of Texas that which rightfully belongs to them. The outside world stands ready to furnish the money for Texas institutions if the poli- ticlans will direct their energy to the sub stantial upbuilding of the state.
 No Antagonlsm.
 The political theory that the public service corporations and the public that they serve must continue feeling of antagonism instead of close cooperation is d false one, and the great masses of thinking people are beginning to realize it, and they will soon cooperate through methods that are fair to both, and our public officers will be men who realize the importance of closer cooperation with these institutions, and the people and the railroad managers will do all in their power to bring around that friendly feel ing that should exist rather than to pur- sue the course that a great many have pursued for tine last few years, which today is costing the country and the pub lie untold benefits. The pendulum that marks the center of fairness has been gradually pulled to one side until today it departs so far from the standard that it is at an angle of about 45 degrees, but it is going to gradually swing to it's proper position denoting fair and equitable deal to all. not only in Texas but trough out the United States, as the merchant realizes that his business is slipping away from him, as the land owner appreciates the fact that values are being discred- ited as the wage-earner realizes that while the politicians are conforming all institutions of the country. he and his family are going without proper neces- saries of life. They are already begin ming to ask in what way are they being benefited by the unjust attacks being made upon our transportation and manu- featuring industries.