therefore take effect and be in force from and after its passage." Utah. No commission. Vermont. — Three commissioners, appointed by the governor and senate for two years. Commission exercises general supervision; examines books and witnesses; may employ experts; make recommendations and apply to supreme court to compel compliance with its orders; inquire into lack of connections; recommend repairs, improvements, etc.; and, in general, see that the laws are complied with. So far as consistent with state laws commission shall conform to the rules, etc., of the Interstate Commerce Commission. Virginia. - One commissioner for two years, elected by general assembly. Commission shall inquire into and examine conditions of railways, and, in general, bring about obedience to law; on complaint of mayor, aldermen, councils, certain judges, commission shall investigate and report to the board of public works, composed of governor, auditor, and treasurer. Persons suffering from violation of law may seek relief in court of equity through commission. Commission shall report on actual working of the railway system in its relation to the business and prosperity of the state; make suggestions as to general railway policy; investigate accidents; and require railway companies to furnish information regarding the management and operation of roads. Washington. No commission. West Virginia. - No commission. Wisconsin. One commissioner, elected for two years. Commissioner shall inquire into neglect of duty or violations of law; inspect railways, and ascertain their pecuniary conditions; notify railway companies of complaints, and give notice of hearing; subpoena witnesses; request attorneygeneral to prosecute in behalf of commission. Decisions of commissioner final unless appealed from within twenty days. Wyoming. No commission. CHAPTER I EVENTS PRECEDING THE ACT TO Regulate COMMERCE, 1887 DURING the first half of the nineteenth century federal railway legislation dealt chiefly with rights of way through public lands, and with the remission of duties on railway materials imported from abroad. The Pacific railway agitation was begun during the first and continued into the third quarter of the century. The first land grant act was passed in 1850.1 In 1866 the "charter of the American railway system" became a law. It provided that "every railroad company in the United States whose road is operated by steam, be and is hereby authorized to carry upon and over its road, boats, bridges, and ferries, all passengers, troops, government supplies, mails, freight, and property, on their way from any state to another state, and to receive compensation therefor; and to connect with roads of other states so as to form continuous lines for the transportation of the same to the place of destination." In 1868 the House com 1 J. B. Sanborn, Congressional Grants of Land in Aid of Railways, Bulletin, University of Wisconsin, Vol. II. no. 3, in Economics, Political Science and History Series. |