People's Pilot, Volume 5, Number 50, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 June 1896 — How Control Work. [ARTICLE]

How Control Work.

Texas has been experimenting with a rather expensive State appendage known as the Railway Commission for several years, and results are by no means satisfactory. The fact that this machine was rigged wrong in the beginning Is now quite apparent. It was hoped that through the Instrumentality of a commission the people would be relieved of much of the tax upon their industries, which was being consumed by the “infernal corporations.” This hope has never been realized. We are paying more to-day for transportation than we did twenty years ago, when railroads were comparatively unknown in this country. As proof of the injustice aud discrimination practiced upon us compare rates paid here in Texas on cotton shipments with those of less favored States. Georgia has less railroad mileage than Texas and raises considerably leas cotton, yet the average freight rate paid on cotton in Georgia for 140 miles and over is 1.91 cents, while Texas is forced to pay 2.95 for like service. Even little South Carolina, with her 2,500 miles of railway, gets 1.11 cents better rate than Texas with her 10,000 miles. The magnificent corn crop of Texas last year is lying in bine and barns—being eaten up by weevils and other vermin because of the confiscatory freight rates to the seaboard —and the monumental stupidity and inefficiency of the majority of the present S ate Commission. The fact is, the CommUsion “as it is” is a kind of political infirmary in which are ensconced two superannuated gentlemen—one being over eighty years of age and the other far past the years of mental activity —and one, live, energetic, efficient officer; but one-man can not do tl work of three; hence the failure. If Texas la ever to be benefited by her railroad core.mission, she must place on it run of oratfi a! railroad expert'n-co and ' skU ir. handling details; men In the prime of mental vigor; men who have the interest of the common pen! •. at heart; men who cannot be swerv• from justice and right, though in ■ heavens fall. Has Texas rush m.a? Southern Mercury.