Shepherdstown Register

DECISION IN FAVOR OF THE GRANGERS.

DECISION BY THE SUPREME COURT IN FAVOR OF STATE LEGISLATION CONTROL.

LING Railroad PASSING THROUGH THE STATE.-The Supreme Court delivered its decision on the 1st day of March, in which the principle is laid down of the power of the States to exercise supervisory control over the railroads.

There is doubtless a mutual interest between the people and railroads, that it would be well for each to respect; but certain roads, like pampered and ambitious individuals, have grown intolerant, and under the influence of their bloated success, presumed to disregard the authority of the State, or the right of the individual.

We hope that the commission appointed by the Legislature of this State at its late session, Messrs. U. S. Arnett, Daniel Johnson, and C. T. Butler, will examine the principles laid down in this decision by the Supreme Court and exact from the railroads a strict compliance therewith.

Railroads, when operated upon principles of liberality and fairness, are great aids in developing a country, while upon the other hand, if unrestricted by higher authority than corporate conscience, they are extortionate in practice and crushing in effect upon the business and enterprises of certain localities. Wise legislation should be prudently and liberally, but rigidly, carried out with them.

I.