Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1911-06-18

GtCd-1 C./F~ CtO-z~~N-Cs-
In waging this war The Bee battled not only for
Omaha, but Nebraska and the west, while the Herald
and Republican defended every move and every i'm
position which crippled the industrial interests Of the
state.
Autobiography Movement.
The irrepressible conflict between the producers
of the country and railroad corporations which spread
throughout the west in the SOS, was an uprising
against political and industrial dictators. The COM
mercal highways of the country had consolidated,
compensation destroyed and the products and
industries of the nation placed under tribute by
dozen men. Their power became SO great, their
greed appalling and their exactions burdensome
that the life blood of western producers Slapped
and drained to dangerous point. The profits Of the
toiers absorbed In getting their produce to
market and many of the necessaries of life were
almost beyond the reach of people of moderate means
The railroad corporations did not stop there They in
vaded every department of the government, became
Extensively prominent in all elections. infested the
national and state capitals, bribed legislators made
and unmade laws at will, and substituted machine
politicians for statesmen.
During the campaign of 1880 the antmonopolists,
though unorganized held the balance of power and
forced the issue in nearly all senatorial and represent
alive districts. In Douglas county 1000 republicans
rebelled against the legislative ticket foised the
party by packed railroad convention. They raised
and supported every man. regardless of politics, who
pledged himself to stand by the people. The result
was complete rout of the cohorts of Jay Gould.
The legislature of 1881 strong anti-monopoly
body. Control of the lower house in the hands
of producers, and much beneficial legislation
suited The most important the bill framed by
Judge Doane OF Omaha which tie opposition dubbed
the "Doane tub law" II prohibited secret rates.
bates draw backs and other privileges granted to the
favored few; provided equal rates and service for ALL
limited charges to the tariffs in force In November,
$780, and imposed penalties for violation of the
act Another bill passed requiring all railroads
doing business in the state to incorporate under the
laws of the state, to maintain general offices In
county through which the road ran, and keep books
showing the amount of business DONE and
residence Of stockholders and the transfers of the
same
Election of Van Wyck.
The election of General G. H. Van wyck was a VIC
tory of popular sefgovernment, and marked epoch
in the political history of Nebraska 1t the
ond great senatorial triumph of the people, for which
The Bee Justly claims large share of the credit. For
nearly ten 1t had fought the good fight almost
single handed. 1t had overcome the most malignant
opposition, placed in the constitution a provision CIV
ing voters the right to express a preference for
United States senator, contributed the downfall of
the federal brigade in 1877, and largely instru-
mental in giving monopoly body blow in 1881.
Holly Water Works Fight
Few contests in the history of Omaha were fought
with such vigor persistency and bitterness that
against the Holly system of water works during the
winter of 1880 Early In the fall of 10 the noted
DR.. Cushing the advance agent of the Holly company,
camped in this city and began operations At first his
proposition met with considerable favor The Bee,
backed by many of the leading citizens, insisted that
system of water works other than gravitation
would meet the necessities of Omaha. Cushng's plan
was direct pressure from the settling basins on the
river front, we'll from the treasury of the COM
pany An exhaustive discussion and investigation
proved that direct not suited to Omaha,
and the best intellect and enterprise of the city
bned in opposition to the Holly franchise. But while
discussion waxed hot DR.. Cushing actively apply
ing direct pressure to the members Of the council.
With Hascall chief fugleman 1t did not require
much effort to manipulate a majority of that body.
For nearly six months the issue was uncertain. The
Holly crowd mustered eight members An ordinance
passed granting the Holly company franchise,
but the direct pressure crowd met unexpected and
unflnchng opponent in Mayor Chase. His veto Of the
ordinance practically defeated it, the
able to muster the necessary twohirds to override
the veto.
The defeat of the ordinance made the question the
chief issue of the municipal campaign in April 1880.
Cushing ostensibly retired from the fight, but In
reality he in it up to his chin. The Holly COM
pany furnished the sinews of war, which caused the
machine politicians and ward buns TO rally and work
the primaries. Water pipes brought to the city
and distributed on the principal streets for the pur
pose of convincing the voters that the Holly people
meant business and proposed to stay Large gangs OF
men employed for the sole purpose OF working
the primaries and for their votes election day. but
their labors in vain The Holly crowd succeeded
in renominating most OF their supporters thus forcing
. independent citizens movement Respectable and
Trustworthy citizens nominated by the opposition
and triumphantly elected. The election was an ex-
citing in many wards, particularly the Second,
where Mr.. Tiemen pitted against Hascall. The
poll located in No. engine house. where the
Board of Trade building stands. Hascal led his