St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1886-03-05
FARMER VS.. RAILROAD.
The Tillers of the Soil of the Fifth Dis
trict Continue Their Inter
esting Meeting.
Appearance on the Scene of the Railroad
Commissioners. Who Express
Themselves.
Unity of Opinion That Freight Rates
From Northwestern Points
Are Too High.
News From Various Points OF the
Northwest Cleaned by Globe
Correspondents.
The producer VS.. The Carrier.

Special to the Globe.
MooRHEAD, March 4.-The Farmers
convention of the Fifth congressional dis
trict reassembled at 10 a. IN, with dele
gates present from nearly all the counties
and many spectators Messrs. Baker, MUIR
dock and Becker of the railroad and ware
house commission were present by invita-
ton. and most of the morning session was
devoted to the subjects of freightS and
GRADES of wheat. Osborn of Clay was APP
Dointed assistant secretary, and Hon. II. G.
Stordock of Wilkin, Charles Canning of
Norman, members of the last legislature
and David Morrill, of Polk were made vice
presidents. \ letter was read from Prof
Porter. stating that he could not be present
to address them on Friday, but would
send 0. c. Gregg of Southern
Minnesota. Mr.. Loring from the
committee on program, introduced the sub
ject of the day. He stated that so far as
he was informed the principal grievance of
the farmers was the high freight rates
charged by the railroads to take the great
staple product of this country to Duluth
and Minneapolis. The producers were
taxed too heavily. The railroads ought
not to be regarded as our enemies, but our
partners, but the trouble was that they get
too large share of the. profits. he be-
lieved the people had right to make
laws to
REGULATE FREIGHTs.
1t had been so decided by the supreme
court and by the commissioners. He asked
that the commissioners shall investigate
this question and provide the remedy. Com
missioner j. IL. Baker then responded in
behalf of the commission. He said:
The commissioners had considered it their
official duty TO be present at this representa-
tive meeting of the Fifth district He depre-
Gated the IDEA that they were expected to
make addresses at such a meeting. They
don't go prepared for that, but they would
prefer to receive suggestions and counsel and
hear complaints. They were entirely and
fully in harmony with the producing classes
of the state and proposed to give the most
liberal Interpretation Of the laws in favor of
their interests. The commissioners are very
favorably impressed with the operation Of
the two laws passed last session. They be-
leVed the railroad law was the best in opera
ton in any Of the states. 1t is even better
than they had anticipated. There were
points that require amendment, but he
was not now prepared to state in
what particulars. But they expect TO report
10 the next Legislature on the subject. A
great point has been gained in securing free
shipments and an open market. Mr.. Matt
son interrupted and asked the opinion of the
commissioners on sections 10, Ii. 20 and % Of
the railroad law. whether there was any
difficulty in enforcing the provisions of these
sect ons. Mr.. Baker answered as TO each
section separately. AS to section Is (Which
required railroads to allow of warehouses
being built), they had met with
NO DIFFICULTY
In inforcing that except with the Milwaukee
road. This road had seen fit to antagoniZe
the provisions of this section. which was u
surprise TO the commissioners. When the
law was under discussion in the legislature
the road had accepted the principle involved
in this section, and the hostility came from
the Northern Pacific and Manitoba
roads. The Milwaukee had now reversed its
position. The commissioners were now in
controversy with them on this point, and they
had given positive and final decision. which
required that road to conform TO the law.
The commissioners had not as yet received
the final answer from the road. The commits
soners had told them that unless they should
conform fully TO the principle they should
bring suit. They had taken the attorney
general into their counsel and had also en-
ployed Mr.. Pattee, friend of the measure
who were able to assist them. The Northern
Pacific and Manitoba, which were at first
hostile, now yielded fully.
Mr. Mattson asked if the commissioners
had any doubt as to their authority to compel
obedience to this section, and Mr.. Baker an
swered emphatically no.
AS to section 10, requiring roads to furnish
cars, he believed all roads had responded
faithfully. This was great gain, and bis
experience was that before the law was passed
the roads would not furnish cars. He had
contended for the principle for three years
while he was the single commissioner.
They refused.
AS to section 20. the commissioners had
been engaged for the past
TWO MONTHS
finding out cases of discrimination by a care
full examination and contrast of the tariffs on
the Manitoba road. They had found a num-
Der of determinations against towns on that
road. They were of 80 POUNDS, IS pounds
and up 10 200 pounds. Tue matter was
still pending. They considered that they
had full authority, backed by public opinion
TO straighten this out. They had had Mr..
Marvel and Mr.. Hill before them on this cues
ton, and Mr.. Hill had recently promised them
that all such determinations should be swept
away. The commissioners ha said to that
road that this discrimination must be cured
or an order will lie against that road.
Mr.. Burdick asked If the same rate was
charged for transporting wheat from point
$50 miles from the terminal point as is
charged for hauling it from point $50 miles
Would that be SUCH discrimination under
the law as is prohibited? Mr.. Baker answered
that it would be. Mr.. Baker continued, re-
ferring to section %.
We consider that the commissioners have
control of the reaGonableness of rates He
to the legislature, for the reason that they
are still seeking information. They have
not as yet furnished their recommendations
They were here and attended other meetings
for the purpose Of receiving suggestions
counsel and advice from representatives of
the roads in regard to all these motions
Their own opinions are not yet fully fixed.
They are
BEING NODDED.
and are made up as they gain experience. 1t
was the moral force that would produce re-
suits. He thought that IL they were backed
by public sentiment they would accomplish
almost an thing within reason. Are there
any unreasonable rates? They were look
ing into this question. 1t was a
big question. They were getting at 1t in this
way. They take the companies and look at
their financial condition. Are they making
money? Are they paying operating expenses,
all fixed charges and interest on bonds and is
there a surplus besides? They find one and
read: The Manitoba is in very prosperous
financial condition, is paying all fixed
charges, operating expenses. and or Z per
cent, on bonds and or per cent on STOCK.
In 1884 they found this road made surplus
OF $600,000, and in 1885 81 100000
These are definite facts. These are
the amounts they have got out of
the producing classes. We have said they
are too much, and it must be reduced, that it
mnst be transferred to the producing classes
We have said that to Marvel and to Hill in
an authoritative manner. We deem the rates
of that road, especially in this section of
country, unreasonable, and we think we have
the power to say so. This will be a test case
Mr. Hill had gone to New York to confer
with the directors in regard to this matter
Mr.. Burdick said certain communities or
districts were made to pay for the freights
of
OTHER COMMUNITIES.
We shipped grain from Moorhead and
Fargo. 200 miles, and were charged the same
as those living 200 miles further west He
thought this ought to be remeded. Mr..
Baker. in reply. said: They had no power to
or, O,,+sida +i,is stota That was a matter for