The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-09-10
listed, but 1t has been but natural

listed, but 1t has been but a natural
consequence.
However, am not one of them. I
Rave worked strenuously but you must
not make the mistake Of CHASING me
as one of the wealthy men of the
country. 7 have met some of them,
know them and have associated with
some, more or less. and there are still
some others whom I do not know, in
fact have never seen. But do not
grudge these men the fortunes which
are theirs.
ITO appreciate these things in their
right light, you must take into con-
siGeratlon the remarkable growth and
development of our country. 1t has
been marvellous, Tho wealth of the
nation has been increased at a rapid
rate, and it IS but natural that some
Of these men should profit from the
growth more than others. 1 think
there are no men who are Weather in
proportion to the total wealth of the
nation than there were % years ago."
Mr.. Hartman next turned his atten-
ton to the rate regulation problems
He advised against the vesting of too
much authority in the Interstate com
merce commission. He advised eau
ton.
IT VIII not gainsay that there have
been evils in the manner in which the
business OF the railroads has been con-
Quoted, but that time is past" declared
Mr. Hartman. THE railroad COM
missions have the power to correct
the evils which have existed, and I
don't think it wise to make further
given a thorough trial. Let US test it
ard see If it isn't sufficient to correct
the evils that have existed"
Blamed the Tariff!
Mr.. Hartman blamed the tariff for
many of the evils existing three years
ago, and for which the railways were
held responsible. THE protective tariff
Is responsible for many of the ills com
ptained OF and laid at the door of the
railroads" declared Mr.. Hartman.
the father of all the trusts, the United
States Steel corporation, the most
potent factor of the Industrial world,
which has turned out the last bevy of
nutti-n,tlhonafres The. conditions
I, bich have made possible the exist.
cree of this monopoly is brought about
by nothing more than the protective
tariff.
H1fs our national legislature had taken
upsothis matter five or six years ago,
there wouldn't be this persistent agi-
tarfon against big aggregations of capi-
tai There wouldn't be the 1nvestiga-
tions aud prosecutions which are now
being carried out by some of the de-
partments of our government.
1.-THE money or fortunes made by in
div:duals here and there through rail-
road rebattng is an insignificant mat
ter in comparison"
the charges of rcbatirg at that time,
but justified the railroads on the
ground that conditions forced such
procedure upon the railroads. He ex-
pressed great faith. however, in the
efficiency of the enactment of the in
terstate commerce commission to cor
rect this evil. And Mr.. Harriman's
crinion has been attested by three
years of this law in operation.
During his visit here. Mr.. Hartman
promised the early completion of the
Topeka & Northwestern line, which is
a shortcut from Topeka to the north
west-a promise that would undoubt-
edly have been fulfilled had it not been
for the panic a year later. He also
promised that Topeka would fare well
ir Union Pacific improvements, and
since then the biggest tie treating
plant on the system has been built here,
ard other improvements are now under
consideration.
Mr. Hartman said he liked Topeka,
and all Of Topeka which saw Mr.. Har-
riman rec;Drocated.