This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1915 edition. Excerpt: ... railroads; and when the final verdict was given Minnesota had already changed her railroad laws twice since the enactment of the law of 1871, the constitutionality of which was upheld. CHAPTER XI. RAILROAD LEGISLATION IN 1872 AND 1873. In his message to the legislature which met in January, 1872, Governor Austin characterized the law prescribing maximum legal freight and passenger rates as crude and ill-considered in many of its provisions, affording but little protection to the agricultural interests of the state. He recommended a careful revision. But notwithstanding its imperfections and the fact that the railroad companies had professed to disregard it, he felt convinced that it had, in no small degree, modified their charges and thus saved to the people no inconsiderable sum. He commended the work of the railroad commissioner very highly, and approved of his recommendations.4'2 The legislature of 1871, as we have seen, created the office of railroad commissioner, but it had neglected to make appropriations for his salary and necessary expenses. It was feared at the time by many friends of reform that the act might for this reason fail to become operative.453 But General Edgerton, Governor Austin's appointee, immediately entered upon his duties and the following legislature made the expected appropriation 4r'4 and provided him with a contingent fund for the year 1872.455 The office was not to perish for want of funds. The report of the railroad commissioner, made directly to the legislature as required by law, shows plainly that he realized the responsibility of his position, and that, while thoroughly in sympathy with the movement for railroad regulation, he wished to conduct his investigations impartially and reach conclusions...