New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-11-13
RAILROAD INTERESTS.
70 DECIDING AGAINST DISCRIMINATION.
IMPORTANT ACTION OF THE MASSACHUSETTS RAIL
WAY COMMISSIONERS
fDY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.

WAY COMMISSIONERS
fDY TELEGRAPH To THE TRIBUNE.l
BosToN, Nov. 12.-An important decision
has been made by the Railway Commissioners against
the New York and New gland Railroad in the case OF
the stevens Linen Works, OF Webster. The road was
complained OF II charged higher rate per ton
for carrying coal Norwich Webster distance OF
fortytnree miles. than from Norwich to Worcester
distance OF fty-nine miles. The case was complicated
somewhat by the fact that the road had different times
two sets OF rates, which inflicted the inequai
ity complained OF in different ways. The os-
tensble and public rate all the time was
81 80 per ton TO Worcester and TO Webster alike But
up to October in the present year the road had an m
derstanding with its Worcester customers by virtue OF
which gave back onethrd Of the freight charge
thus actually reducing the rate to 81 ton since Octo
Der rates have been In force under which ninety
cents per ton has been charged for transportation
to Worcester for which in the course OF year
exceed TO- 700 tons and 81 so per ton for transportation
of any less amount to Worcester or way stations
The new rates were designed avoid the charge OF dis
elimination in favor of Worcester against webster
while accomplishing the purpose OF fayorng the "o
cester customers limit named in the rates being the
minimum OF coal handled by any of those customers
The Journal says of tas decision; The broad ques-
tion of the right of state to enact laws affecting com
merce between the States at once suggests itself
There can be no question OF the intent or
the law which was framed for the distinct
purpose of being applied to freight coming from
other states. Through freights from the West were
lower TO Boston than to Springfield, Worcester aud
other intermediate pouta and dealers at these points
Obliged 10 the full Boston rate added Oa hlgn
local charge. To prevent this unjust discrimination tine
law framed. As 10 its validity it is established by
the decision OF the United States Supreme Court IN the
of Peck against the Chicago and Northwestern Ran
way involving the cOnstitutlOnality OF what was known
as the Potter act.
"The general observations OF the Commsssners on the
UNIV sd0m Of policy which tends 10 crush the small III
dustria places, and 10 crowd all enterprise into rev
competing railroad centres sagacious, ana or Wde
Application. The tendencies toward ccntralZlng ana
cOnceutr ting blsnes have already advanced 80 far a5
is for the good Of the cOmnuny and IL Is unwise for cor
pOratiOns stimulate them by discriminating against
the smaller centres of industry"
THE RATE TO CONFORM TO THE LAW.
GENERAL PRESS DIsPATCH.l
BOsTON, Nov. 12.-UpOn receipt of the deci-
sion of the Railroad Commissioners to the discrmna
tlon i'll freight charged by the NewYork and New
England Railroad Company coal carried TO Web
ster, Mass, the company determined to
make its rate conform TO the law laid
down by the Commissioners. but 10 intends to contest
the constitutouay OF the law far 1t undertakes TO
regulate The rate to be charged for the transportation Of
freight through Connecticut and Massachusetts by
Connecticut as well as a Massachusetts corporation.