Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1909-01-21

were again instituted in the federal court
by the railroad companies to enjoin the
enforcement of these laws, upon the
ground that they were confiscatory. But
upon a hearing, the United States circuit
court refused to enjoin the enforcement
of the 2-cent passenger rate law, for the
reason that its reasonablnss could only
be determined by the test of actual eXpe-
rience. The evidence bearing upon the
constitutiona1ity Of these two laws has
now been heard in all of these cases and
they are ready to be submitted to the
court for final argument. The condition
of this litigation makes it improper that
| should further discuss or comment
upon the facts developed therein.
Giving of Passes Opposed.
The constitution of 1875 porhibited rail-
road companies from issuing, and public
officials from receiving, free transporta-
ton. The general assembly of 1887
passed avs with suitable penalties for
the purpose of carrying into effect this
constitutional provision. Both Of these
provisions were for years. however, more
honored in the breach than in the OBJ
servance. And the prohibition against
railroads giving or public officials receiv-
ing free transportation was of little value
or Importance, even If observed, so long
as the railroads freely gave transporta-
ton to the members of political conven-
lions and to all persons active or influen-
| ltdt III DOlAtASps ~ WlAOltl NlAC HDNlDlAC IA
cials owed their official existence.
In the last general assembly, there was
introduced a bill prohibiting, under suit
able penalties. railroad companies from
granting free transportation to persons
other than employees and those engaged
in works of religion and charity. Through
railroad and political influences, this bill
was defeated. l believe, however, that
this question is nov more clearly under
stood and the propriety of such legisla-
ton more generally recognized. After
the defeat of this law, / induced the
tinue the issuance of passes by advising
them hat / would test, by litigation
their right to do so unless the practice
was discontinued.
There is some question as to the good
faith with which this agreement has beer
kept by some of the railroads, and it is
Of course, problematical as to how lont
1t will be recognized by any. ! ask
therefore, that you enact such a law al
will secure the final abandonment Of thi
| corrupting practice.
Rights Of Corporations.
Before leaving this subject of the regu
lation of the charges or the conduct o
, the business of public service corpora
/, lions, | wish to urge upon you the neces
sity of conservatism in the consideration
, and enactment of such legislation. Will
1t is both the right and the duty of tn
|, state TO regulate PUBLIC service corpora
: lions In such a way as to secure fai
, rates and a proper service for the peo
! pie, such laws should not be enacte
7 merely because the power exists to pas
: and enforce them.
\ The attitude Of the state toward in
. dustrial combinations and trusts is
o question concerning which there exists
r marked difference of opinion, and 1t
: proper solution is of the highest impor
S lance to the business world as well as t
G the general public. The principal diff
e Guilty that arises In connection with thi