The Detroit times., 1910-12-15

that certain bills were introduced by
the railroad company for the benefit
of the people. We are not saying,
either. tina. legislation favorable 10
railroads has cost more in Michigan
than in most other states.
would like to be able to ascertain
the number of attorneys in the city
of Detroit who are retained by the
railroad interests. | venture the pre-
diction, the number is several hun.
dred, and they are the most e%pen-
sive talent in the legal profession in
Detroit.
This same condition prevails in
every other city and town, and not
one III twenty OF these attorneys are
ever asked to participate in litiga-
ton. They are simply kept on the
stan because of certain influence, and
what they are supposed TO be able to
deliver, politically and otherwise,
should circumstances require.
All this lobby expense and 90 per
cent of the attorneys fees could be
saved If it were the policy and in
terest of the railroads to live within
the law.
In d short article We are Obliged TO
make big jumps, so now We are at
the capitol at Washington. But this
Is too big a proposition to make esti'
mates on. The fees and "favorS"
handed out TO influence legislation
against the people" We country boys
would say, were big enough to choke
an OK" This. outside of maintain
ing the regular lobby, which costs
millions: donations to both sides and
all sides Of every political contest,
except, of course. the insurgent cause !;
donations TO those candidates who
have proven themselves useful to the
interests, and the furnishing OF un-
limited funds to conduct campaigns
to defeat such patriots as Senator
LaFollette, and others, whom the in
terests cannot control.
Let me say that the highest paid
mer in the United States. are those
who are sent to your capital by the
corporations 10 influence your legis-
lation.
Another big expense Is the control
of the press. An army OF the best
brains in that line OF work, is hired
by the interests. You can't blame
the fellows It's big money and easy
hours. and to be thrown into the best
OF society is all alluring. sub
sidized press is far from cheap
thing. Furnishing such reading as
will be absorbed by the public and
serving the interests is one OF the
big branches OF the work necessary
for the corporations TO maintain
don't mean to say that the railroads
are the only ones who resort TO this.
Far from it. Watch for sugar and
ship subsidy articles about now. Other
interests will show up at the oppor-
tune time.
But I must confne myself TO the
railroads.&c. account Tor the waste
OF million a day.
I haven't made reference to any
thing like crookedness in the opera
ton of the railroad business, but very
recently stealings to the extent of
several millions was exposed in the
repair department of the Illinois Cen
trai Ry. Further investigation was
hushed up through fear OF the effect
of such disclosures on the stock quo
tations of the road.
The argument set forth in this ar
iicle has never been used before 10
M knowledge.
/ nave no desire to copyright 1t,
nor object to its being used as many
times. or in any manner 1t will serve
to awaken the public as to the true
situation.
7 lust want 10 say all this mtsap-
propriated money comes out OF you.
and believe It is a MILLION DOL
| LARS A DAY.