The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-12-21
CHANGE IN POLICY
Railroad Men Breathe Sigh of
Relief in Kansas.
No Anti Legislation in New
Democratic Platform.
EVERYTHING HAS BEEN DONE.
No Demand on Part of People,
Says an Official.
Good Results of Santa Fe Get
Acquainted Tours.
EVERYTHING HAS Been Done

The Kansas railroads have spent a
good deal of energy lately in an eff
! fort to bring about a better relation
! ship between themselves and theiI
patrons, and not without a degree of
success The Santa Fe led off a cou-
pie OF years ago with its get-acquaint-
ed policy which has been religiously
followed, and the other lines soon were
engaged in work of similar charac-
ter. Then came demonstration trains
of various kinds for the purpose of as
sisting in the development of the
states resources. The people benefit
ed by these trains, which were run
at great expense by the carriers, and
the friendly movement on the part OF
Big Business generally had a tenden-
cy to reduce the friction between the
railroads and the people.
For the first time in more than
quarter of a century neither the Re
publican nor Democratic platform this
year mentions the railroads That,
said railroad man yesterday, lis be-
cause about everything has been done
to the railroads that can be done, and
there is no demand on the part Of the
people to frame up any vexatious leg
islation at this time
So far as is known. no bills for new
railroad laws have been written by
the men who will make up the next
legislature, and no anti-railroad agita-
The only suggestion for legislation that
has to do with railroads comes from
Secretary of State Sessions, who wants
the make the governor, attorney gen.
eraI and secretary of state the public
utilities commission, in place of the
members now appointed by the COVER
nor Mr. Sessions claims that this
recommendation is in the interest of
economy, as the governor, attorney
general and secretary of state have
enough time for the additional work
Nobody knows what Governor
Hodges will recommend to the 1egis-
lature in his message, but the opinion
prevails that he will confine himself to
the Democratic platform pledges which
include reduction of taxes, state pub
LEGATION of school books, initiative and
recall consolidation of
state boards, employment of convicts
on the public roads. the Massachusetts
ballot and the election of United
States senator by popular vote.
Il can't imagine any railroad leSis- /
lation the governor could recommend"
said a Democratic senator. There isn't /
any relief imaginable which cannot be !
granted now by the interstate COM /
utilities commission, which are prac- |
-fcaIly running the railroads of the
country"
Railroad men express the hope that
Governor Hodges will recognize the
ton companies as a strong
actor in the states development. and
hat he will urge friendly cooperation
between them and the agricultural,
livestock, manufacturing and other in
lustries. The railroads. in other words.
want to be treated as folks" who are
loing their share toward building up
he state and giving the most eff
lent service possible at a price that
will enable them to pay their bills, I'M
,rove their property and put some
money in the bank for the stock