Message of Gov. J. S. Hogg to the twenty-third Legislature of Texas. Page: 16 of 28
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16
MESSAGE OF THE GOVERNOR.
priety, which have so long upheld and maintained the sanctity of the bench,
and kept the judicial ermine inviolate, is but another evidence of the necessity
of the State government to protect itself against the stealth upon the posple's
rights by such irresponsible power. To this end the means and methode
pointed out by message to the first session of the twenty-second legislature
are hereby again recommended.
For thirty years before the enactment of this law, the public submitted to
the arbitrary, discriminating exactions of the railway companies laid on local
commerce by high traffic rates. This condition can be patiently endured, as
the people of other States have done, for so long a period as may be necessary.
The able, exhaustive report of the Commission is worthy the most careful
perusal and consideration. It is fraught with many facts hitherto obscure
from pullic view, that will completely dispel many of the fallacies of railway
management. Its investigation cannot fail to demonstrate several well-established
propositions sounding in justice, guaranteeing the continued material
prosperity of our State under the benign influence of the Commission's action.
The following may be relied on as some of the results of the work:-1.
Railway rates have not been increased above those in force when the
Commission law took effect.
2. Rates so far as fixed by the Commission have been reduced below
those enforced by the railways.
3. The low, reasonable rates on traffic, like cheap excursion rates for passengers,
have so stimulated trade that the shippers and the railways have
each been benefitted thereby.
4. The regularity, equality and stability of the rates adopted by the Commission
have re-assured commerce, prevented reckless speculations in the
market and stimulated domestic transportation in all quarters, giving confidence
to the shipper, just remuneration to the railways, and saving the producer
a just profit on his investment and labor.
5. The Commission rates and rules. together with the law governing
transportation, have reduced the system of rebates, special rates, under-billing,
discrimination and extortions almost to the minimun.
6. Peace has been made in the courts between the people and the
railways on all questions affecting transportation.
Under the operation of the Commission law, farm products have supplied
home demands as never before. Fat stock, from the ranches and farms, have
been shipped throughout the State, supplying local wants, and the poor
ones have been fattened on the products of Texas farms without the necessity
of shipments to points beyond State lines; mills have been established by
local capital and operated by home labor at many points along the railways to
manufacture Texas grain into flour and meal to supply home consumption;
and all farm products have maintained the highest price. It is a notable
feature in the markets that since the federal injunction took effect there was
a perceptible, sudden decline in the price of those articles. At no period
have factories to consume the raw material within the State been more rapidly
established and successfully operated than during the time when the Commission
rates were in effect. The work of the Commission will demonstrate
that under the inspiring influence of these low, reasonable rates, the volume
of domestic traffic carried by the railways from and to points along their
lines within the State for distribution to supply local necessities, was so much
greater than for any previous corresponding period, that the companies made
as much, if not more, during that time. In proportion to this increased business,
the railways demanded labor, and as a consequence wages were main
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Hogg, J.S. (James S.). Message of Gov. J. S. Hogg to the twenty-third Legislature of Texas., book, January 12, 1893; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth5861/m1/16/: accessed April 23, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .