St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-12-20
Rau,cav Commissioners Meeting.


CHICAGO, Dec. l9.-The Illinois stat.
board Of railway and warehouse commission
ers began a session here at 1890 this morn
ing, with representatives Of railways through
out the state, aud shippers, to consider the
question OF ordering reduction iu the pre-
vailing freight charges. Nearly every rail-
way in the state was represen ted, and there
was also large attendance Of prominent
shippers and few representatives Of the
farming community. In the room were also
a few members Of the state legislature, who,
however, took no part in the proceedings.
Chairman Brainrrd, Of the rail-
way board, said in explanation
of the short notice upon which
the meeting had been called that the board
had not and did not intend to take any spas
modic or hurried action upon such an impor-
tant question. They intended further TO give
everybody interested abudant opportunity 10
be heard upon the subject Commissioner
Wicker, in behalf Of the Chicago freight bu-
reau, which represents Il large and important
class Of Chicago merchants and Sd ppers,
said the manufacturers desired a change in
the classification OF binders Of Irvine and
binders Of wire. In the gears 1888 and 1884
he explained, 100000 pounds Of these ar
ticles had been manufactured, aud they rep
resented total value OF 50, 5SI 900. At pres
ant they are scheduled as second class in less
than ear lots. and wheE shipped with agri-
cultural implements, when shipped IN
car lots, they went as fourth class.
He desired that in less than car load
they should be rated as fourth class the same
as rope aud coils, and W hen shipped in car
loads or with agricultural implements they
should be classed the same as agricultural
implements. In the case Of groceries and
hardware he desired that one rate should b.
made, whether shipped in carloads OF less
quantities. Merchants and manufacturers
desired virtually the same classification in
the state as now exist from the sesboard west,
which does not recognize the principle of
carloads rate on "house freightn
Commissioner Lewis, Of the state board.
said be had only this suggestion TO make To
the railroad companies. The margin Of
profit now received by the producers was
very slight II the railway board should
order a reduction on the present freight tariff
the railways would find it difficult TO return
TO the old rates when prosperity prevailed to
greater degree than now. On the
other hand, If the roads should deem
the situation sufficient TO warrant il, and
should order a reduction in the current
charges, a return to the old tariff would
not be beset with any difficulties.
Vice President McMullen, OF the Chicago
q Alton, expressed the view that the rail-
WAYS could not reduce the present tariff with
any consistency. They had not increased
the rates when prices of grain were higher,
aud the cost of operating roads had in no
wise been lessened. He did not think any
further reduction of rates at this time would
increase the volume of shipments. The corn
was not matured, aud the time had not ar
rived for its movement in any great
quantity. A reduction in freight rates
meant a reduction in the salaries Of the
employees aud a curtailment in every de-
partment of the road.
General Superinten lent Jeffery of the
Illinois Central railroad, took the same view.
The Republicans OF the Peoria & Evans
vile road said the present income of the
road meant only 8 per cent interest on the
bonds Of road upon the basis of $1,000 n
mile for the construction when in reality Il
eost $25, 600 per mile. further reduction
Of tariff would seriously impair the operating
Of his road. The meeting was adjourned
until 2 O'Clock.