The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-01-13


business enterprises. We have not,
nor will we ever approach a period
when the minds of the people will be
so dethroned as not to carefully grant
! a respectful hearing on all questions
affecting our national growth and
prosperity. In these times I bespeak
for railways that consideration that
would be granted to any other bust
ness interest. / am a firm believer in
the justice of the American people I
know their feaIty and loyalty in times
of war, and when the clouds of pre-
judice are brushed away, and the clear
and pure light of heaven is permitted
to once more shine upon us all, and
we dare to do right upon all public
questions, that the mind will be pen
etrated by most loyal thoughts for the
perpetuity of our government-and
the edict will go forth that justice de-
mands all railways as we'll as other
business interests be taken out of the
political arena, and awarded that pro-
lection no more or no less than any
other business Enterprise.
Where then is there a factor so po-
tent to the welfare of our national
government as the railways of our
land; what interest has so materially
developed our wasteful lands and val
legs; what other undertaking has
spread civilization broadcast over our
territory What other industry has
so clearly linked our people together
and made possible the planting here
Oh a nGrlL2R6 the ike OIL WHICH mas
never been known.
Railroads NatiOnaIize the Population.
Such is the growth and usefulness of
our railway systems with their iron
bands stretching from every nook and
corner. They do more to natiOnalize
the people, instilling into their minds
their loyalty TO the government, and
have brought us, as an English speak
ing people, into one national family,
all striving to build up and make
strong our governmental existence
THESE are & few OF the beneficial re-
suits bestowed upon our people by the
forging of railways into the interior of
our country. by men who have sought
to invest their labor and money, for the
betterment Of mankind and the devel-
opment of our resourceS-the Stimulat-
ing of commercial pursuits, the cultiva-
ton of the soil all for the expansion of
Gods opportunities-and to settle here
q prosperous people. endowed with ed
ucation and the ability to not only
advance and better their own condi-
ton in life, but enjoy that happiness
for which our laws were created, and
which is their inalienable right.
This IS the seed that has been plant
ed by our railways, and ought by every
fair minded citizen to be cultivated and
permitted to terminate. Laws should
be enacted, not only for their protec-
viii have tendency not to destroy it's
material advancement, but to build up
and make all our diversified interests
strong and healthy
You all know that the earnings or
railway COZ pOratiOnS come from the
millions of our coUntry's population;
that the rate of carriage is fixed by
the railways, under the supervision of
the interstate commerce commission, on
all interstate, and the railroad COM
trastate business; and that this, with
express and mail revenue, comprise tbs
gross earnings. We all understand tnat
railway corporations are legally consd-
tuIed creatures of the state, that their
powers are derived by law. and their
business conducted thereunder-and in
common with every citizen they should
obey the law.
Laws should Not Be Oppressive.
But no laws should be enacted that
are oppressive or confiscatory, ard JUS
tice should be meted ont to railway
CORPORATIONS in the administration Of
the law, the same as to individuals.
DO unto others as We would that
they should do unto you is a COM
mand that enanates from higher
law than any legislative enactment of
any country, and has been handed down
through the ages for the guidance of
mankind.
We must all understand that so long
as the public demand good service
that it's cost must be paid for, and
must come from the patrons of rarl-
ways. The people do not wish slow
trains, poor track. inadequate equip
ment, uncomfortable cars, slow de-
livery of the commodities of com
merce, nor do they wish the wages of
employees reduced or curtailed, nor
that the inVeStm ent of those who have
placed their income in railway Securi-
ties be deprived of q fair interest, or
eventually wiped out; for, if the peo-
pie did, fear very much the cry
would go forth for an early return of
the present day tranSp Ortation facili-
ties Then the people should guard
carefully the acts of their legislators;
see that they act prudently, wisely and
judiciously. Let the establishment of
rates be reasonable, and taxes levied
equitable. See to it that investors in
the railways may receive a fair return
by way of interest on the investment
In determining this result the citizen
should not place his judgment in
those who today are making railways
the scapegoat of prejudice for the adj
vancement of their political ends.
Prejudice Hurts the Government.
Prejudice is an enemy Of good gov
ernment. Generally it is based upon
ignorance. and can only be dethroned
by the calm, determined efforts of
the cool and deliberate thinkers of our
people. 1t is wise men in the cOun-
ellis of government that we need more
than political parties-men whose sole
aim should be that such things be
done that will elevate, instead of de-
stroy, any one of the industrial pur
suits of the nation.
We, the citizens of the United States,
today. insofar as railways are con
cerned. are law-ridden. There have
been so many laws passed by the ma
tional congress and the legislatures Of
the different states, that it takes an
astute lawyer to keep in touch with
the requirements thereof.
In many instances there is so much
conflict that it is hard to tell just what
the law of the land is, relative to
of railways. The burden has
become heavy, the responsibility great,
and the advancement of railways and