The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-27

and with very kind personal regards, l remain, yours very sincerely,
 JAMES B. ELLIS,
 Chairman Campaign Committee.
 June 24, 1909. MT. J. D. Collins, Birmingham, Ala: Dear Sir--Mr. J. B. Ellis handed me your letter of the Fist inst in which you ex- press a wish to be informed of my att titude toward railroads and other public service corporations
 As I am a candidate for the office of governor you have the right to inquire in reference to my views on this or any other public question, and I am ready at all times to clearly state them. 1 do now, and have always believed in the proper regulation by law of railroads and other public service corporations, not only as to the charges for service and freight and passenger rates, but also as to what is, of equal importance, efficient and safe service.
 Railroads are common carriers. They deal with the public and have privileges and owe duties of quasi public character and hence are subject to control and regu- lation by law. Without legal regulation and control of railroads the people would be at too great disadvantage in their deal ings and relations with these companies. Hence l cannot see how any one can op- pose their just and reasonable control and regulation by law.
 Railroads should be required to serve the public at fair and just rates. pas senger and freight, and also, what as stated Is equally important, should be re- quired to provide and maintain proper, efficient and safe service, both as to pas senger and freight
 l believe that railroads are important and necessary factors in the commercial and soelal lite Of the country and while being required to do right and justice to the public and individuals, justice and right are also due to them.
 We demand fair dealings on their part to the people, while believing in fair treat ment of them.
 The people of Alabama are not un- friendly to the railroads, and will concede to them Just rights and treatment, but will insist on and require them to furn- lsh proper, efficient and safe service at reasonable rates, and observe their obliga- tions to the people.
 If l am elected governor of Alabama will to the best of my ability be guided by the views I have expressed in this letter.
 You have the right to know my per- sonal relations to railroads I am not now, and have never been what is termed 1 rdlIobu lawyer, and all the fees or compensations of whatever kind received during my professional life from railroads. are, In the aggregate, smal land will not amount to as much as l have frequently received from private client for one fee. It is true my firm represents the Louis Vile and Nashville Railroad company in what litigation 1t has in this county. which has not been much. When we do work for it we are paid for that work. We receive no retainer fee or salary what soever from 1t.
 While from personal standpoint my interests are with the people, from among whom my clients have come, yet I trust and believe that If elected governor will to my utmost be governor for all, and not in the interest of any special class, to the exclusion of any other legitimate interest. l have the honor to be most truly yours.
 H. s. D. MALLORY