The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1912-12-06
PUBLIC UTILITIES CoMMIs.
SION NEEDED.

4VA3A34k0As
The consolidation, merger and ANAL
gamation OF power, telephone and
transportation companies in the state
OF Idaho are making the necessity for
: state public utilities commission
keenly felt by the people. The next
session of the legislature win do well
to devote reasonable amount of its
time to law which will provide for
the control of such companies and
which will create commission whose
powers and purposes shall be to pro-
tect the welfare Of the general public.
Action BIZ the Legislature at this time
would be peculiarly opportune at it is
known to the country generally that
Idaho welcomes new capital for de-
velopment purposes. At this time
the law could be passed without Of
Tense to any company or companies
for the simple reason that at present
there exists no feeling of hostility to-
ward any company seeking opportu-
nifty for development work of any kind
whatsoever. At this time the minds
Of the members Of the legislators will
be free from malice and much more
reasonable and equitable law would|
be enacted than later. when. perhaps,
the public mind will be inflamed|
against capital. Capital invested in
public utilities, can have NO objection
to the proposed commission, when IL
well knows that the people have no de-
sire to unnecessarily harrass and i'm
convenience. Indeed, we believe that
all companies engaged in legitimate
business or promoting legitimate en-
terprises, would welcome such = law
After the enactment of the legislation1
they would know exactly what would|
be the requirements they would have
to meet. Such law would do away
with the necessity for maintaining ex-I
pensive Hobbies at every session of the
legislature; remove big business from
politics to large extent by removing
all doubt and uncertainty.
The capitalist can have no objection.
The peope are entitled to measure.
of protection. Southern Idaho within
the past two years has seen all CONF
petition removed 30 far a. the tele-i
phone business Is concerned. It 10
seeing the southern part of the state
divided so far a. electric competition
10 concerned. The Kuhns have the
south and eastern part Of the state.
The Mainlands have the central and
western part Of the state. We believe
that such absolute and unhindered
control is inimieal to the interests Of
the people, or At any rate. It may be-
come 90 at any. time. The railroads.
telephone, telegraph and power COM
panies are absolutely under no con-
troll In regard to rates or service so
long as the confine their activities
within the state. So much power
should not vested solely in men living
in Denver. Pittsburg or New York
A commission created under pres
emit conditions would be fair to all
concerned. If any company or cor
poration should seriously object or
attempt to hinder the necessary leg
islation il would be proof positive that
that particular company or corpoea-
ton and its methods are badly in need
of thorough investigation by prop
erly constituted state authority. All
the people Of Idaho ask is that they
be given good service at fair rate.
There il no desire nor disposition to
deprive capital Of . fair return on the
money invested. Capital is entitled to
It's profit but not entitled to gouge the
public. Last spring and summer an
Telephone company was
by larger concern. An i'm |
mediate raise in rates without COM
Improvement in service fol-
lowed. Such action would be imme-
lately investigated by . state com
mission. II not justified by conditions