House Railroad Bill
Opinions of Citizens of Texas on That Measure
The News Institutes an Investigation of Representative Public Opinion on a Matter of State-Wide Interest – Continued from Day to Day
Dallas Morning News
Wednesday, 20 February, 1889, Page 4
Forney
Forney, Tex., Feb. 19 – Bonner Alexander of Alexander Bros. – I am opposed to a commission. It is my opinion that such a measure would retard the building of roads and the development of our state. I consider the plans proposed impracticable and calculated to disturb the business interests of the country.
William Bondies of Bondies & Co., merchants – I am opposed to the railroad commission bill on the ground, first, that the railroads are now conducted in such a manner that there is no demand for it; there has been a gradual reduction in freight the past ten years; second, the bill as passed the house is impractical, ponderous, top heavy and in violation of rights dues and claimed by all.
Y. McKellar of McKellar & McKellar, merchants – I am opposed to the commission. Give us more railroads and competition will regulate rates.
C.M. Hobbs, merchant – I think the railroad commission bill is something the state has nothing to do with. I think it will drive capital from the state and men who invest money among us would not remain. I am strictly opposed to the bill.
J.A. Madden of E.J. Madden & Son, merchants – I think it unnecessary expense to the state, and would have a tendency to stop the building of roads. I think the state has no more to do with the railroads than with my private business.
D. Reagin of Reagin & Co., merchants – I think the state should let the railroads alone and let them manage it themselves.
R.P. Rhea, agent for Forney co-operative association – I think it wold result in harm to the country, and would prevent capital from coming among us.
J. Potts, manager of Cain lumber company – I think if the railroad company cannot regulate the rates, the judges who are to be appointed cannot. I think the railroad should be protected the same as a private business man.
C.L. Teague, Forney Register – I am strictly opposed to the bill, and have signed a petition to that effect.
J.F. Yates, of Yates & Son, merchants – I am opposed to the bill, and think they should resort to other methods for regulating rates.
T.J. Wideman, grocer – I am opposed to the bill.
T.N. Turner, merchant – I am opposed to the bill. I think it would do no harm.
W.M.McIntyre, merchant – I think it would be worse if the bill passed than it now is.
H. Venner, of Venner Bros., merchants – I am opposed to the bill, and think it would do no good.
Note: Comments from other cities that were included in the original article were omitted.
