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

business man ever seeks a battle-ground,
either bloody OF bloodless, upon which to
make an investment at least not until
the battle is ended, and certain it is that
capital Is not going to flow readily into
a state where uncertainties exist as to
the conditions under which it may be
invested and handled
And, in reviewing this question, Gov
ernor Hadley, who is somewhat of an in
surgent, has realized, to certain extent
the danger to his state of thwarting its
material growth and prosperity He says:
taliatory measures affecting the railroad
or other large business interests of the
state. The period of railroad develop
ment in Missouri is not yet completed
We need more railroads to assist in the
development of the undeveloped sections
of the state, as we need more capital to
aid in the development of our unde-
veloped resources In order to secure
this result such interests must be assured
of fair and conservative treatment by
the state. This would give to capital in
vested and seeking investment that as
surance which it seeks and requires.
that investigation would precede regula-
ton; that no radical extreme or Tetalia-
tory orders would be adopted or en-
forced
Governor Bass, of New Hampshire, one
of the foremost executives of the New
stating: The best service can not be
provided unless the rates allowed are suf-
ficient under efficient management to pay
a reasonable return upon the capital re
CURED for all necessary improvements
A Warning to Legislatures.
So you will observe that this mooted
question is at least taking some sort CT
tangible form, as a warning to legislators
not to treSpaSS upon the prosperity OF
our country by undue and unWarranted
legislation. And, If the governors of
other states would be as frank and open
with their people as the executives from
whom have quoted, believe that the
mind of the people would be turned from
thoughts derogatory to their interests, to
Of nm <
ing great the commonwealth not only IN
which they reside, but as we'll our ma
tional government.
In the maddening rush for business by
railways, as well as others, some COM
panies have done some things that might
just as well have been left undone.
You not attribute a violation of law
on the part of one of these corporations
as applicable to all.
You might just as well say if a murder
or theft occurs in a community that all
the people of that community are murder
ers and thieves. The wrong done by one
should not cast a blemish on the honest
| character of all. So it is not strange you
will find violators of the law in railway
as well as any other business, or that Of
individuals.
The national congress has passed stTin-
gent laws in condemnation of rebates. or.
in fact. the granting of any discrimina-
ton by any railway company, or any of
its officers, and while rebating has been
practiced still the shipper is as much to
blame as the railway, he being party 20
such illegal contracts, but, be this as It
may. this law provides a penalty OF line
and Imprisonment. And, I say here pub
licly, such acts are not, and should not
be encouraged
If the present law is not strong enough
to stop rebat1ng, and discriminating,
make it stronger. If violated, let the law
take its course and the guilty receive
their punishment. Our railways are just
anxious to obey the law as the in
dividual citizen They ask not for favor
itism, but justice With the enlargement
of the powers and jurisdiction of the III
terstate commerce commission, the
courts to administer the laws, govern
mental and state attorneys to see to Their
enforcement, there is not the shadow of
a reason why any citizen or shipper who
may have a grievance can say he has not
a forum before which to lodge his COM
plant, and have his wrong remedied, and
rights enforced.
A..