The Monticellonian., 1915-02-11


 and every dollar which could be ex-
 torted from them, under forms of law.
 has been regarded, rather as an honor
 by him who was plaintiff in the per-
 formance. With this sentiment I have no sympathy whatever A few 1 sharp lawyers scattered over the
 State have, from motives of personal gain, taken apparent delight in all ] this class of litigation, and have ! thereby brought the multitude to think and really believe that they | are constantly victimized by the Rail- roads, in every charge they make This sentiment became so strong in 1907 that the Ross Bill" was passed, which put the passenger fare at two cents a mile, and freight rates were reduced about the same time. Ever since there has been litigation going on in the Courts over these changes. The power of the State to make these reductions has been sustained by the Supreme Court at Washington, but their justice or wisdom, has not re- ceived that consideration they seem to demand, at the hands of the peoa3e. l voted against the Ross Bill, bz.sg at that time in the State Senea. Whilst the people of the State have received large benefit from the red q ed rates, and the Attorneys repfes- enting the State have earned and should receive liberal compensation, all this has caused such retrenchment in the operation of the Roads, and an entire cessation of new work, that the State as whole is now poorer than it would have been had no such laws been passed Some of the roads have been forced into the hands of Re- ceiver. Others are now threatened with q like consequence. The operat- ing gangs have been cut to the lowest point, and even the daily wage of the section hand has been cut down. Ex- tra gangs have been taken off, and the roadbeds are generally SC poor that they can scarcely transport the traffic. We are slowly strangling the goose that has in the past laid the golden egg of our development and prosperity. If they were to stop their trains, what would property in our Towns be worth? They are as necessary to our commercial exist ,J Il body. Then let us all see that they have q Square Deal", and be granted such rates as will enable them to live and give us good service, and pay a fair dividend to those of our people who own their stock. Men will no more put their money into Railroad than into bank stock, or anything else, unless they feel they will get reasonable interest on it. This they are entitled to, and the people, through their Legislators and Con- missions, should see that they re- eeive it.
 The Eastern Roads have all been accorded an increase of five per cent in freight rates. The Western Roads are suffering from a lack of money, and they must get it in the same way. The situation suggests the great war how raging: There are some on ev- efy side of this Titanic struggle who think that either Germany or En- gland must be destroyed, before last ing peace. The soberminded neutral would rather think that all of them must at last preserve their identity, and be allowed again to erect their several governmental structures. Mod flied they will of course he. So with the Railroads. The people have mas tered them in their long struggle. Now let us see them rehabilitated by all proper means, in order that they may go on, and serve us more faith fully and efficiently in the future.