Semi-weekly herald., 1913-04-17
period Of real prosperity which viii
benefit all.
REFER OBNOXIOUS SECTIONS.

In most essentials, the public utili-
ties bill, as it has passed the legis-
lature, is an excellent measure. A law
OF this character has been a neccssity
IN Colorado for long time. No ar
giment, however, has been advanced
~ its sponsors, either in or out of
he legislature, TO cause any change
the opinion of the News concern
ng sections 35, 36 and 81. The clauses
II those sections affecting railroad
obstruction and its future in Colo
ado, except as to the modification in
lection 30, constitute the same men
ice to the future development of the
tate, as directed against new and
Nartly-constructed railroads, as they
nd when the bill was first introduced.
t is no serious criticism of the many
cod features of the measure to urge
hat the surrender of probable rail
Dad promotion to the susceptible ac-
ION of two or three men, temporarily
citing as commissioners, is a mistake
Il vital concern to the state.
The merest tyro who takes little
ine to examine into the competitive
elations that exist between establish
d trunk systems of railroads and pro.
ected roads, which might prove ac.
i've and dangerous rivals in the ac.
luisition of traffic, will easily see how
ar the older systems will go to ham.
1er the entrance of competitor. The
ate Mr.. Moffat was confronted with
his opposition at every step he took
o finance the Moffat road. On the
surface the Hartman, the Hill and
The Gould interests were at skies and
sevens. For public consumption only
they were supposed to be in the throes
Of deadly warfare. But when Mr..
Moffat began the work of financing
mis- road, the paper warfare was drop
ped and their community of interest
was the sole consideration. Those in
.erests had already cast their business
eye over the Wyoming border at the
magnificent coal fields of Routt coun-
~, and, with this as their chief OBJ
lective, they proceeded to block and
narass Mr.. Moffat, and finally defeat
I'd him in his life ambition.
II is only reasonable to suppose
hat, if it should be necessary. the
sane tactics would be employed in
he future. After all, men are only
human and utilities commissioners are
no different from the rest, so that
# it should come to the point where
the decision of the commissioners
would mean new competitor in the
field, the presumption is sure
Lilat aii oI the Tremendous influence OF
tne cUnIDineu raiiruau systeus aIIeet-
gu wouiu De .idiueu un Lne eo.uuIis-
aitnels. we nave oeei, unlVi .u4i.Ieiy +,
.ne cIlec. "a sucn influence On lne
pVnticai uIHcenOiuef. some men are
81 eUiiseituIionany weaA Ina. tney Iaii
dt Lne nrsL approach Oh Influence, SCI
entineauy ana unscrupuIousIy eNer-
eIseo.
NO one who mas given the matter
any serious STUDY viii care TO argue
tnat ms extraordinary power OIL ne
and death over future raliroad con-
sIruction IN Colorado should be vest
eu IN three men. AS a new state,
Colorado should not encourage any
suggestion of opposition or obstacle
t. those who come TO US with means
To develop our wonderful natural re-
sources. They should be received with
arms and their pathway
Of progress made rosy and pleasant.
The News believes that this is the
desire Of the great majority of the
people of the state.
And from all the favorable senti-
ment that has come to the News it
is pretty certain that the obnoxious
sections will be suspended by refer
ence until the people will have op-
to return their verdict upon
them. This is exactly what should
be done with them. The future of
the state and the exploitation of its
great resources demand that those
vexatious provisions should be strick-
en- from an otherwise meritorious and
dc sirable bill.-Denver News.
Rico, an old mining camp, idle for
many years. has shown what il can