ROSA: REGULATION OF NATURAL MONOPOLIES 219 



they are gigantic systems operating over the whole country. 

 It is therefore important that the rules and regulations in the differ- 

 ent states shall be as nearly uniform as possible. Hence, in order 

 to reach wise and just conclusions, and to secure uniformity, it is 

 important that the states co-operate with one another, and the 

 federal government can serve as a valuable aid and co-ordinating 

 force in this co-operation. 



The results that are being attained in this way are only begin- 

 ning to be realized. They will be of invaluable benefit, not only 

 to the public served, but to the companies themselves, and to the 

 cause of good government. With the utihty companies under 

 the control of business-like state commissions, the business is 

 better managed,^ discriminations in rates are eliminated,' the 

 utilities are taken out of local politics, and the possibility of pure 

 municipal government in America is enormously enhanced.^ 



* B. H. Meyer, speaking on the Wisconsin Public Utilities Commission, at the 

 Pittsburgh Meeting (1908) of the National Municipal League, said: 



"The utility law is working a revolution in business management 



Many of the utility companies have not been operated on a business basis; in fact, 

 it is probable that a good many of the managements did not have the remotest idea 

 as to the exact standing, from a business point of view, of the plant, they were 

 operating. Uniform accounting and rules governing the service and the regula- 

 tion of ratio, compel the adoption of business and scientific methods. This is 

 resulting in nothing short of a revolution in management." 



^ The whole state of Wisconsin was literally streaked and plastered with dis- 

 crimination in the rates of utilities, and in all the rest of the country, where the 

 extent of the discriminations have not yet been determined, as they have been in 

 Wisconsin, it is quite probable that discriminations similar in character and extent 

 likewise exist." 



* Governor McGovern has this to say regarding the utilities and politics in Wis- 

 consin: 



"Times were in Wisconsin when the railroads ran or tried to run the government 

 of the state, and the minor utilities sought to boss the cities, towns and even vil- 

 lages. They contributed liberally to campaign funds, urged their supporters and 

 lobbyists to become candidates for public office, and in close election districts colon- 

 ized voters in the old conventional way. Now, one and all, they are in this sense 

 absolutely out of politics. There is, indeed, no reason now why public service 

 corporations in Wisconsin should wish to dabble in public affairs. Their relations 

 to the people of the state have been definitely and finally determined. They no 

 longer have ansrthing to gain or lose by intermeddling in politics, and apparently 

 they have decided to retire for good. What the elimination of public service cor- 

 porations from participation in political campaigns signified in the purification of 

 public life, no one here needs to be reminded." 



