New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-10-08
IOWA RATLROAD O0MuISSION.
METHODS OF WORK AND CHARACTER OF
DECISIONS RENDERED.

DECISIONS RENDERED
IPROM AN OCCASIONAL CORRESPONDENT OF Tue TRIBUNE
DIES MONIES. Iowa. Oct. Ser several
years Iowa tried force Of law to regulate raroao
traGc and the transportation problem, and the
result was entire cessation Of railroad construction ana
whdra val OF capital and money from the State Since
1873 the State has been trying the power OF reason
Under tie force Of law, railroad became soAciious
about their investments The people became troubled
about their liberties Alienation was tie tendency "ueh
there should have been community OF interest THIS
result was inevitable. The Railroad Commission has
taken place OF law; statutes becoming obsoctei
courts are discarded The Commission is accessible to
all persons. Any who write, or speak intei-
gently can present a complaint and 1t Will be heard
whether he be poor or rich Although the Commission
IS not judicial body 1t Is making law very fast II Is
establishing pec,deuts on point aIter point Which VIII
In future become authority. These pecrdcnis II dsre-
garded by railroads, may be confirmed by statute Ihs
will secure law based experience instead Of specula-
ton Thus far the railroads have cordially and promptly
oDeyed every recommendation Of the Commission
whether the amount involved was few dollars or many
thousands The judgment Of the carrier ana the patron
being satisfied, the contest is ended. The railroads
ask only what ia fair knowing 1t is unwse to ask more
contrary result Is the where the aid OF courts Is
invoked.
The Commission IS made up TO represent fairly the
Interests Of the peopcOne competent practical railroad
civil engineer competent urst, and one intelligent
rer between the shipper and II has also induced
the carriers TO avoid cause OF complaint, by dealing
fairly and Justly with shippers. Tue decisions Of the
Commission are founded in reason regardless statutes
and are rot given until all sides have been heard and
thorough investigation made from all possible sources OF
information
Since the Commission has been in existence it has
.ablished the following preccdents which fully OBJ
served by railroad companies:
1. That Of connecting roads must be hauled with
suitable Recommendations for freight and passengers
must be provided al points where roads cross ,
g. Cars must be furnished shippers In ratio TO their
4 DeGun discrimination. and giving the remedy
5. The enforcement OF contracts between producers
g. Defining and determining what aro connecting
T. Defining unsafe speed.
companies tie same those Oh the roads over WcA
they run
10 REQUIRING The rtiIudng OF overCudrgos.
IL Recurring charge OF reasonable rates.
~ Aidluoul cars must be furnished IN time OF
scarcity OF fuel as III the coal trade
Is. 4 railroad company should TX a minimum price
TO be price tor CARVING man PACKAGES
IA Where discrimination exists tie Classification must
IS Fixing the tar!a rates coal to certain points.
IG The conn panic, not Iu.r.i 60 u1i, cars for
freight 70 be carried Oh their own lines upon the lines OF
H. Attorneys cannot cocc, ices for tried before
Is Railroad companies arc required 70 furnish cars
( Tor business originating on their own luci U any ana
ali stations 10; and Jl 20 haul Gags ten Tered y cOu
Meeting lines, ana al. cars OF transportation t'ml"ae- or
persons, % reasonable ana not c&c0rihf ordinary
10 Live stock must be given suitable Opportunity for
Ioai
70 An omnibus company Ia. no private nights the
grounds OF "a railroad company
p. Railroads crossing each other o., grade must con
rooms Tor passengers.
the carrier ron onHgsuon to handle ,4 care, or an-
ity Tor damage by hAl banding