j^2 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



A great many, 1 know, are proposing to submit to these monopolies. 

 Now, I do not think it necessary — nor even safe to take that view of 

 the subject. If it comes to this — if we are likely to be forced to sub- 

 mission — I do not see any other way of escape, but through another re- 

 bellion. The fact is, the people must control the railroads, to that 

 extent, at least, that will prevent the oppression of the people. And I 

 think these corporations must recognize the fact that it is essential that 

 they should be subject to law. Now, it seems to me that the decision 

 recently made in the McLean county court by Judge Tipton, contains 

 the gist of the whole matter. 1 understand it to be this — that the State 

 did not give, and cannot give the right of way to anybody, or to any 

 corporation, for their own private use. It is only so far as they subserve 



the public interest, that they have the right of way. 



Now, if the railroads go against the public interests — that is if they 

 charge unreasonable rates — do not discharge their obligations to the 

 State, and perform their service to the people — then the decision of 

 Judge Tipton is that the law can reach them, and the law makers will 

 compel them to render the public service. It may take time, and cost a 

 struggle, but it must come to this. 



The case of the Washington University in St.. Louis, in reference to 



paying city taxes is in point, and shows the progress of public opinion. 



The Institution held a charter with special privileges — one of which was 



the non-payment of taxes. And when recently the legality or right of 



the case was questioned, the University escaped by a majority of only 



one vote. 



Now, let a similar question be brought up in reference to railroads 



and I have little doubt as to how the decision would go. One thing, at 



any rate, will be done. If existing courts do not act in the measure, we 



must change the courts. 



Mr. Daggy — One thing at least is legitimate. We can aid in the 

 development of public opinion. I don't think it will be necessary to re- 

 sort to mob violence. There is no question, our Legislature should step 

 in and regulate the freights. Railroad corporations should and must in 

 the end, respect the public interest. I see no better thing for us to do 

 now, than to appoint this committee and get from them a report upon 

 this subject of railroad transportation. 



Mr. Wilcox — It seems to me, that I have lived long enough to 

 learn that railroad companies work for money. Now, if this committee 

 can bring this subject before them in this light — if they can make them 



