The Montgomery advertiser., 1909-10-17

propriAticns, which took effect during the hrst year of my administration and threatened . dsficit, and subse- ousntiy by the diHscaity of getting the panic and eusilins dis order of vast proportions.- I don't recall that single individual during all those years. save Governor Conner. 1 ever broached the subject of rAiiroae regulation to me. then stated sub stantiaiiy that he could present the questions to the General Assembly ! without any suggestion either way from me. stating many of the railroads were having hard time to keep out | of the hands of receivers. and did not think 1t an opportune occasion to pass laws which might destroy their credit and drive more of them Into bankruptcy. The railroad Com mission's Report showp during the period to which the Governor refers that the following roads were in the hands of receivers. The East and West Railroad of Alabama: The Rich- mond and Danville. which operated the Georgia Pacific Railway; The Mobile and Gfrard: The Montgomery and Eufaula Railway: The Savannah and western Railway: and The Savannah. Amerfcus and Montgomery Railway. It was work of great difnculty for the State during this period to get even the taxes out of most Of them In 1ss3. the country passed through the same distress and panic as befeiI the railroads and people in Alabama In 1s07.as
 Surely the Governor has not such small opinion of the intelligence of his people. as to believe that any ac- ton at that time was any indication or forerunner of opinion as to the "reasonabieness of rates" fourteen years erter the occurrences to which he calls attention under vastly different condi- tions. He certainly knows that the Justness of rates depends almost en- tirely upon the value of railway pro- perty. the volume of business and the conditions of traffic at the time, and that rates may be just at one time, are entirely unjust at another, under different conditions. Nevertheless, he speaks ''of the present freight rates." and insists as to the occasion cited that Judge Jones twice before pass cd adversely on this question" mean Ing. of course. the reasonableness of the present freight rates.
 Nc Political nelatieas With the |. and
 N. RailtsaA Cenpany.
 never at any time conferred with the authorities of the L.. and N. Rail- road company or asked their advice whether would enter politics. I was my own master and did as I pleased about such matters. In 1884. despite the crime of environment" although there were ten good citizens who were candidates for election of the Legis- lature. I had the honor of being the only candidate nominated under the two-thfrds rule on the first ballot. At the next election the cry of "raiiroad attorney" was used by the other as- pirants. I never left my ofice or Ler- sonaily solicited votes, but issued an address to the people of Montgomery County. discussing the matter. which concluded in these words: "If I have never truckied to the power nor been actuated by selfish greed, and have been faithful in the discharge of pub- iic duty. and demeaned to myself up- rightly and honorabiy in private walks, have no fear that the good people of this county will degrade me because of my calling, or mistrust my fidelity to them, because am not ashamed of my occupation. do not desire the vote of any man who believes If he were in my place, that personal consid- erations would induce him to violate the sanctity of an oath and betray his people" The answer was my election by nearly tour -fifths of the entire vote In the primaries under the so-cai1ed Nicholson pian," under which the vot- CTS voted directly for the candidate as | guide to the delegates who were elected at the same time; and I was unaninousfy nominated by the conven- ton. When I became Q candidate for Governor, I did nof even broach tho subject to any officials of the L. and N. Railroad Company. The matter was presented to me in the following iet- ter, volunteered, by the Hon, Russei Houston. one of the best friends I ever had, and at that time chief attorney of the L. and N. Railroad Company, and was also a brother Of Governor George s. Houston.
 (Personal.
 April 9th. 1888. "Col. Thos. G. Jones, Montgomery.
 Ala:
 Dear sir--I have heard from good source that you propose to run for Governor of the State of Alabama, end that you will be elected, the term being two years. I am sorry for this. and every time I think of 1t connect jou with an insane asylum. Why on earth do you want such honors, if they are honors in 1t? Look over the list of the Governors who have had the title. and how many of them stand out with prominence for good7 The Board of Directors should you be elected. will consider your position as District At
 
 elect another, and another once in, if c good one. the board will never dis- place to get you back. I know that Mir. Norton is opposed to your connec- ton with politics in every shape. If I were not as good friend as you have I would not write you this kind Of Q letter, but with my warm feelings of friendship. may say affection for you, as evidenced for several years in connection with you, I am forced to speak.
 You may answer and say just what you please. We will not quarrel about 1t. Yours truly,
 "Russel Houston, Chief Attorney" The Mir. Norton to whom this let ter refers was Mir. Eckstein Norton, then president of the company. had no agreement expressed or implied. as Governor Conner intimates. with any Of the authorities of that company, that could return to the law depart ment after leaving the service of the State.
 dislike to refer to my personal matters. but 1t seems necessary. At that time. aside from the railroad prac- tice. I was the retained attorney of a large bank. a local insurance company. the water works company the street railroad company, a telegraph com pany and an express company. besides mingham. This business on my elac. tion went to Capt. J. Nj. Falkner. who prior to that time had no connection with the railroad company. save the defense of suits in Montgomery and several adjoining counties hut vas my