The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1914-02-24

ucmpany's business, and gets excess
baggage profits. Therefore, you see
that every passenger train that runs
$ not entirely dependent upon the
lumber of passengers that are on
board. and this argument is very fall
jacious. Very often the poor man,
whom | am trying to get you to help,
does not pay any direct freight, and
even though you were to reduce
freight rates you would be Of no ben
eft to him. The only freight he pays
is in the purchase Of his wares and
merchandise. and this is small
amount, and by indirection, and even
if YOU we're to reduce your freight
rates it is very doubtful if those who
sell him his wares and merchandise
would make any reduction in the prices
Of these commodities to him. The rail
roads do cot make their money out OF
the passenger service. have never
heard of one of them which claimed
it. On the contrary | have actually
heard them say that if they did no
passenger business at all they would
not be seriously injured SO. now,
why all this hue and cry about ruin
Ing the railroads?
/ would not for a moment inslnuate
anything against any member Of your
body. but if | were en- the floor OF the
senate hearing some arguments there
and seeing the extraordinary know
ledge that some gentlemen display in
reference to these matters, would
be forced to ask five question-as 1
say, understand me distinctly, without
any reflection upon anybody-and
these five questions would be asked Of
those who are making this fearfully
strenuous fight against this assistance
to the poor man:
l. Are you employed by any railroad
company, in any capacity?
,. Do you hold railroad pass or
passes?
3. If so, what consideration do you
give for it?
a. Have YOU held private meetings
with any railroad attorneys or agert IS
during this session of the general as
sembly?
5. Do you now hold such conference
with any railorad agent or attorney?
Now, as say, gentlemen, not for
anything on earth would I reflect upon
the integrity of any man in the State
senate, unless l had proof, and if had
it. you all know me we'll enough to
know tnat would make the charge
directly, and if the demand was made
the proof would Immediately be fur
nished.
The charge has been made, believe,
that your bodies were controlled by
some influences, and a resolution was
passed by the house demanding an
investigation, but for some reason the
senate never saw fit to demand of the
maker of these charges that he fur
nish his proof. AS to that, have no
comment to make. 1t is a matter for
you. But most assuredly do not
make any such charges, and those
questions only suggest themselves to
ME because of the extraordinary in
formation displayed in the argument
of this question by some people who,
il they are not in the employ of some
railroad company. most assuredly dis
play Knowledge which it has taken
them, or some one else, long hours Of
faithful and tedious study to ascer-
tain.
Now, l appeal to you once again,
and beg of you, to give the people OF
South Carolina this ? cent rate Do
not let your people at home be told
that any man or any few men can
hold up the senate of South Carolina
because Of the majority's ignorance Of
parliamentary law They will not be-
ieve it, even if it should be true, be-
cause nobody can see, in this Demo-
cratic government of ours, how few
in the minority can defeat the will of
! the majority if the will of
the majority be based upon righteous
ness.
1t has been argued that this bill
would be unfair, and quite a hardship