The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1914-12-08

O~sA 40 actually BcItllIS AANAh O0oA-
ness. In answer to other criticisms,
that the commissioners have acted
without due regard to the public, we
regret to say, that there seems to be
a misconception on the part of some,
of what is intended by regulative law,
regulating public service corpora
tons, and instead OF the commission
ers acting with discretion, that they
must be done. In this connection we
wish to say, that the law was intended
to place discretion with the commits
sioners, it was for the purpose of pro-
tecting the people against the rail-
ways, as well as for a protection TO
the railways against any unreasona-
bic demands, and it will be the pur-
pose of this commission, so long as
we remain in Office, to discharge every
public duty in this manner. Justice,
as near as we can arrive at it, is our
purpose.
Several communities. which are
complaining Of a slight decrease in
passenger service, still have more
trains left today to serve them, than
they had several years ago, when con-
ditions were average and normal.
Florida is no exception in the present
state of affairs. We were among the
last of all the Southern states, to. an
thorize any reduction in service, and
miles of railroad and population con-
sidered, we have not yet authorized
the same curtailment in passenger
service, as has been authorized in
other states Of the South. We might
add also, that this condition is not
peculiar to the South alone, but there
has been a cutting down of train SER
vice all over the United States, be-
cause. of conditions apparently due to
the existence of the war in Europe,
which has upset normal business con-
ditions and prevented the movement
and interchange of commerce. Our
phosphate mines are nearly all shut
down, our naval stores cannot be sold
and exported to any extent, and the
lumber business is practically at a
standstill. These three commodities
together with the inbound merchan-
disc shipments used in their produc-
ton constitutes an enormous tonnage
of the railroads. We feel under the
circumstances, that if we can main
tain the present status, until there IS
a change for the better, we will IN
deed be fortunate.
We believe that the public will
agree that they have no right to de-
mand a service of the railways, which
they. are not supporting, and neither
this nor any other commission can
successfully maintain that a service
must be rendered, which results in
large losses. If we were to take the
other position, then the public would
have to pay for it by an increase in
rates, because the railway companies
under the laws of this country, have a
right to reasonable return upon the
property devoted to public use.
It is with regret we find it neces-
sary to make this statement. We
feel Florida is in better shape gen
orally than any other Southern state,
and we make this explanation, in the
hope that it will appeal to the fair
mindedness of the people of this
state, believing they are fair, when
once they know the facts.
In conclusion we wish to add that
we have an understanding with the
officers of all the railways, whom we
have allowed to reduce their train
service, that the same will be resum-
ed just as soon as the traffic viii
warrant it, and without contest.
r. Hudson Burr,
Newton A. Bitch,
Royal c. Dunn,
1 .