Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1915-02-04
GOVERNOR is FOR
RAILWAY HEARING
BELIEVES COMPANIES SHOULD
HAVE OPPORTUNITIES TO
PRESENT CASE.
Must Be Prepared To Satisfy Officials
Increase In Rate Is Necessary,
However.

Springfield. Ill, Feb. 4.-Investiga-
ton OF the interstate railroad rate sit
uatson with a view to increasing the
maximum TO 1-2 cents a mile within
the state OF Illinois is likely TO be un-
dertaken by the legislature without
reference OF the matter TO the railroad
committee Of either senate or house.
Railroad executives came 10 Spring
field yesterday representing all of the
major railroad interests of Illinois.
They kept apart from the general
assembly They took their case to
Governor Dunno, whom they told that
the success of their proposals rests
with the sentiment of the people of
the state and not with the legislature
as such. and asked the governor to
help them present their views fairly
10 the general public and TO the gen
eral assembly.
Governor Dunno issued a formal let
ter addressed TO the various railroad
representatives and particularly to
President c. II. Markham OF tie Illi-
nois Central. who as chairman pre-
sented the proposition of the railroads
TO the executive.
Governor Dunno. in his answer, said
that he favors a full and fair hearing
upon the increased rate proposal. and
added, Il have no doubt the legisla-
ture will give you such a hearing"
The legislature enacted the . cent fare
law. and II is conceded that IL would
have TO amend the law for the rate to
be raised to 1-2 cents.
Immediately after the reply OF Gov
ernor Dunno became generally known
the talk began as to how a legislative
might be conducted.
Would Treat IL Separately.
Il seems to be settled that
the administration will urge an inves-
tigation, conducted preferably by
Joint committee OF senate and house.
but without regard TO either of the
railroad committees. the idea being
that the rate increase matter should
be kept separate and distinct from the
food OF bills directly affecting the |
railroads already drawn. The rail- |
road men indicated an entire change |
OF policy with respect TO pending legis- /.
lation in the address delivered to Gov !
ernor Dunno by President Markham. |
The governor had called in Commits /
-lOntTE quail uuks anu
Attorney General Lucey. and Secre- J
tary OF State Stevenson 10 listen TO !
the arguments advanced.
The reply OF Governor Dunno fol- 1
lows:
In answer to your communication |
Of this date. presented in person. |
would respectfully state that | favor
full and fair hearing upon your appli-
cation TO increase passenger rates
from cents 10 1-2 cents a mile, and
have no doubt the legislature will
give you such a hearing
whether the prayer OF the petition
should be granted is dependent upon
many facts. which can be developed
Dnly by a painstaking investigation. l
10 not believe there is any disposition
,n the part of the people of the state
" Illinois to insist upon confiscatory
-ates or rates unfair 10 railroads.
Must Show the Need.
''The present cent rate. however.
las been in force in this state, without
my vigorous protest on the part of
he railroads for nearly eight years.
md II the rate Is TO be increased YOU