326 THE GROUNDSWELL. 



special contracts made for the transportation of freight and passen 

 gers that have given the contractors advantages over their fellow- 

 citizens. 



We ask Congress to consider whether it be not expedient to make 

 certain laws for the regulation of railroads, in order to meet such 

 wrongs and avert such dangers as an investigation may bring to light; 

 and whether it be not expedient to create a permanent Kailroad Com 

 mission, with power, upon substantial complaints, to send for persons 

 and papers, to lay injunctions, and to abate violations of the laws. 

 Eailroad managers, as common carriers, should be required by law to 

 give no privileges to one customer above another under similar cir 

 cumstances. All deviations in price from the published schedule 

 made to companies or to individuals should be duly recorded in 

 books, at all times open to the inspection of the Railroad Commis 

 sion, as well as to citizens who make proper application to examine 

 them. 



It is proposed to ask Congress to consider the expediency of estab 

 lishing national railroads or canals for the purpose of carrying freight 

 between distant States and the seaboard, or to require existing roads 

 to draw cars for individuals or companies at fixed rates. 



But it is unnecessary further to anticipate the action of the meet 

 ing of the Association, which is hereby called to meet at Washington 

 on Wednesday, the 14th day of January, 1874. At this meeting del 

 egates from all kindred State organizations are invited to appear. 



JOSIAH QUINCY, 

 President of the American Cheap Transportation Association. 



