The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-05-22
Says He Is Working Only for
 States Interest
NO QUESTION AT ISSUE
If Railroads Believe Rates Should Prove Hurtful to Interests Would Recommend That Railroad Com 
 mission Adjust Them.

Montgomery, May 31.-(Special.)-In an interview given to the press tonight, based on an editorial in The Age Herald of Wednesday, Gov. B. B. Conner makes this significant statement: of any of the railroads believe that any of our rates should prove hurtful to their interests in Alabama, I would be glad to recommend to the railroad commission, which, under the law, has adequate power to take up with the railroads and their agents final settlement of all these questions, to adjust them, doing what is fair to shipper and carrier"
 The governor goes on then to say that he is anxious to secure the best inter ests of the state. which means necessari- ly the interests of all the property of the state This Is supposed here to mean that in order to bring about a settlement of the difficulties that have long existed among the rail lines and the state lib- eral basis of compromise could be at tained and thus avoid the long litiga- tion necessary to give the rates a test in the courts
 The interview in full follows:
 My attention has been called to the following editorial, entitled, Let Us Have Peace which appeared in The Age-Her- ald of May 1s:
 " The applications for writs of cer- trlorari in the injunction cases of the Louisville and Nashville and the Central of Georgia railroads were denied by the United States supreme court, and the states passenger and freight rates will soon become effective on the two raf- roads in common with the other rail- roads in the state. Rates that are not confscatory in Georgia will certainly not be confscatory in Alabama, where the tonnage Is much greater. Both of the railroads in question have many miles of track in Georgia, and they are not contending in court against Georgia rates.
 After all, is not this an excellent time for peace and a fair and just settle ment of all rate questions? So far as the laws of the state will permit the railroad commission of the state should meet the railroads in a generous spirit, and a con troyersy that distracts business, leaving the business man or manufacturer no secure basis for future plans, should be terminated. Now is the time to do it. The Age-Herald appeals to both sides to get together in spirit of fair dealing, amty and justice The war in the courts. has gone on long enough. Let it be end- ed. Let there be peace in Alabama, where all are supposed to rest well equipped with olive branches.
 Tn this connection l desire to say that the state has simply contended for fair freight and passenger rates and for eouit- able treatment of the shipper. We have asked for only part of the rates that have existed in Georgia for the past 30 years. I have stated that I do not be- leve it right for the railroads, after crossing the Georgia line into Alabama, to increase their charges to the Alabama shipper.
 This, in the main, I still think cor rect. And, yet, If any of the railroads believe that any of our rates would prove hurtful to their interests in Alabama I would be glad to recommend to the rail road commission, which under the law railroads and their agents a final settle ment of all these questions, to adjust them, doing what is fair to shipper and carrier.
 T would gladly invite the agents of the railroads into every office in the capitol, assuring them of a cordial re- ception and a friendly settlement of all the questions al issue. There Is no oues- tion at issue nor friction between me, as an individual, and any other individ- ual of whatever capacity or interest. As governor of the state I am anxious to secure the best interests of the state which means necessarily the interest of every property in the state.