The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1913-07-08

freight expert. and do not think he
will question this statement |
rs it not just a little strange thar
Mr.. Maxwell did not take the Just
Freight Rate Association INTO ms CON
fdence and confer with its advisory
board when his NriShtSVlile
speech and before giving expression TO
calculated to expose what
he considered the or our
position Instead OF cooperating with
the Just Freight Rate Association or
adYieins with the Special Freight
Rate Legislative Commission and as
sisting them in determining what leg
i~slative action should be necessary TO
secure an adequate reduction in our
intrastate freight rates with a view TO
forcing down our interstate rates, he
practically stated to his audience that
we were not competent to devise plans
which would be fair to the railroads
and at the same time afford proper re-
lief. and then apparently to still fur
her weaken the States position, at
such future time as 1t might be nee
eSSafy as a last resort. TO refer our
cases Of interstate determinations to
the Interstate Commerce Commission
for adjustment. he sends that body a
printed copy Of his discourse, and
worst Of all, il seems that it was just
the comfort some OF them were look
ing for. II appealed to the chair
man at least. from newspaper reports.
as being the proper remedy. and with
out taking the time to investigate the
merits of the determinations as they
Exist.
In the face Of all of the eme
dous obstacles which we must face
in our struggle for supremacy of
the sovereign right Of u State to
control at least its internal affairs, it
would seem to H4e that the time is at
--. - ~~Z
if need be declare war rather than
to longer suffer ignominious peace.
The fact. | am thankful to say, is
more apparent to our people today
han ever before. that the power Of
our State can be used to a greater
extent than ever in the past in fore
ing the railroads to deal fairly with
pfeme court decisions show a more
hopeful sign in this respect than at
> any time in the history of our coun-
try.
: Commission Deserves Criticism.
I'm all Of my m on the
t Maxwell speech, / have not in the
t slightest degree rejected on any one
Of the three members Of the Corpo-
< ration Commission, hoping all the
t while that they were entirely limo
cent as regards the references made
: by Mr.. Maxwell to which the Just
- e L 1NoA0 lIIl01A
/ took exceptions. but if it is a fact, as
it now appears to be, that the Com
mission read and approved Of the ex-
n pressions used as to sand bagging.
throwing rocks. using clubs ano
IS similar unworthy references. and if i
is also a fact. as | O. know it to be
s from q statement just received from
Mr.. Maxwell today that the tax payers
money has been used and that
too, by approval Of the Com
mission, in printing and mailing
broadcast all over the State ant
e elsewhere. the Maxwell speech il
(. pamphlet form, then l say her,
3 and now that. in nay opinion
a the Commission deserves severe crit
n, icisrn and condemnation in permittin,
e this to be done.
- Who to Blame For Disgrace.
In If the time was. as Mr.. Maxwell
m intimates, that it was almost & dis
n grace to be a member OF the Corpora
ton Commission | woul like to as
9 who was to blame for that condition
,h Ii the Corporation Commission faile
It in the past to serve the people instea
Id Of the railroads.. or if it even by neg
d. lect, fats in its highest duty at thi
time, do Q suppose the peopl
ef should, or will. keep silent and allo,
Ike matters TO drift as before If you d.
or you are badly mistaken. One of tn
nd functions OF the Just Freight Rat
to Association will be to see to it tina
there Is a change for the better j
this particular at least. even If il
in necessary for the governor and tn
lot special session Of the Legislature t
n take q hand in the matter. The nee
-e- pie have more interest in the Corn,
-e- ration Commission than to merely pa
er- the salaries and | hope the new con
,r- mission ls beginning to realize tn
he fact.
fit Mr.. Maxwell SAYS he attended r.
led Interstate hearings. ais
rst the hearings before the Special LIE,
lm %islative Commission at Raleigh. ar
nts that he has been in close touch wi,
,ro the negotiations from the beginpin
lt seems strange that he did not me,
ton the boat line proposition TO II
at Special Commission or ascertain tho
in views regarding same. would iii
Igh ito ask when and by whom this id.
70. was put into Mr.. Maxweifs head an