The Forrest City times., 1914-04-03
PlTERNALISM.

thing from the killing OF s3p-sucker
TO the running OF railroad should
be p laced in the hands OF the federal
government. II something is not soon
done to stop the stampede TO nation
alism the States will have no more
authority over their citizens and
their property than wooden Indian
cigar sign has over the price
and quality OF the cigars kept in
STOCK. - Monticellonian, Monticello,
Ark.
For years The Times has at inter
walls sounded tie alarm, but what
good does it do for "a little old coun-
try newspaper" TO say anything
against the fanatics and ultra-social-
lists or vulgar rich?h 1t reminds US
of the poor, lean hound dog baying
the moon.
AT one time we opposed the parcel
post-for two reasons-our opposi-
ton TO the principle of the govern
ment going into business. and the
thought that it would cripple the local
merchant and build up the gigantic
general merchandise monopolies in
the large cities, at the sacrifice Of
the building up Of our city. But
We have changed our views very
considerable on this subject, and have
come TO approve the parcel post, also
for two reasons-that it has crippled
and is about 10 put out Of business
one of the most giganic trusts and
robbers of the people-the express
companies-or at least some Of them,
and made them reduce their rates.
and, contrary TO our expectations,
has not materially interfered with
or curtailed the business Of the local
merchant, but on the contrary, has,
In most instances, increased their
sales, or at least their opportunities
by advertising and taking advantage
Of them, and has given US and others
in our position reasonable rate Of
transportation on goods TO and from
their plants. We have yelled the
warning against the express COM
panies for years, until we we're
black in the face" but the legisla-
lures would 90 right on and make
more and more laws regulating t?)
railroads (hampering and annoying
would be better world and letting
the express com panies 90 right ahead
charging outlandish prices for trans
porting articles of merchandise de-
sired in hurry. robbing the people
by extortionate rates, etc. Some
times we have paid as much as IS or
so per cent Of the value of the goods
for express charges from St. Louis.
Another thing directly affecting US,
and which is wrong, is the ruling oil
the Interstate Commerce Commits
sion that newspapers may not ex
change their advertising space tC
railroads for transportation for any
part OF an interstate trip. The gov.
eminent might Just as consistently
say that we shall not exchange our
space or subscription TO The Times
TO a farmer for chickens, eggs, pota
toes, or any other commodity that
he raises. II is exactly the SAME
principle, and according TO our view
and we believe we are very gooC
constitutional lawyer, this rule anC
all others OF like nature, are Ger
tainly unconstitutional, because they
are In restraint Of trade and interfere
with and abridge the rights, guar
anteed by the constitutions Of tn,
state and nation, Of American citi
zenship and freedom, unrestricted
trade, and the pursuit of business.
The trouble is that our law-makin.
bodies are not representative. Gu
congressman and senators and, gen
orally, our legislators, are stranger
TO the brain and Drawn, the ranl
and lille OF their constituency, ant
this constituency is satisfied TO 90 OF
through life without giving matter
OF law-making any consideration
whatever, the consequence of which
is that scheming, designing men anC
corporations do take that interest
and control the law-making branche
of our government, and as conse
Quence the statute books are ladenet
with special laws-ocal laws, anC
all kinds of laws foreign to their in
terests but couched lin such terms
and with such preamble as make
them appear laudable upon thei
face, but which in fact, are damnabl,
in effect.
The people should get into closeI
touch with their representatives NTH.
law-making branches Of The govern
ment, state and national, and insist
upon laws that are in the interest o
The common people. EQual rights K
all and special privileges 70 none.