Butte semi-weekly miner. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1886-1890, 1889-04-03
NOT WORTH THE RISK.

The Stringent Penalti. 8 for Unierbilline
Freight Now In Force.
I'D, Mendenhall, the general agent OF the
Wisconsin Central with headquarters at
Duluth, is in the city in the interest OF his
company. When asked as to the reported
negotiations by which the Wisconsin Cen.
trail is to become part of the system OF the
Northern Pacific, he conld give no definite
information, but thinks that the matter
is under consideration between the two
companies, although nothing has been ae-
complished Is yet.
As to the amendment OF the Interstate
Commerce Law, he stated that the lines
East have been badly scared by it.
The particulars Of the amendment
we're explained in these columns
some time ago, AMI make the offence
Of underbilling freight q penitentiary
offence. "rhe violation of the law" said
MIR. Mendenhall, now made a penal
offence, is eau ing a great deal of excite
ment among shippers and c~onsignees in the
East as well as among railway station
agents and the employees of the road affected
by it's provisions. The amendments so
and deliberately define the offence
that it is not likely hat any of the parties
connected with shipments will lay them
selves open to the punishment OF im1rison-
ment and fine provided. 1t seems to be
the general impression OF the public that
the law is q dead letter and will not be
But it is not so considered by
shippers and merchants receiv-
ing goods who are also responsible in COM
mon with railroad agents."
Mr.. Mendenhall further stated that the
Commerce Commission are tax
ing active steps to enforce the law in every
instance where the knowledge of any viola.
ton OF its provisions comes to their hear
ing, and the lact that any one has a right
to notify the Commissioners OF any VIOLA
ton or irreguiarity will have a tendency to
make all parties interested very careful to
comply rigidly with the requirements of the
law. Mr.. MendeRhall instanced q case
a railroad official might desire to
concessions to a shipper. That off, |
cial annot do SO without at least q dozen
oi his employees becoming aware of the TACT |
and thus he would be practically in the
power OF those employees who could. when |
actuated by a desire for revenge such as |
be caused by a discharge, be in a
to bring the evidence within his
knowledge of the official g violation of the
aw to the notice of the Interstate Com
nerce Commission, and subject him to the |
'ender mercies OF the law.
In fact, with the amendments now in
orce, this year will show whether the Inter-
tate Commerce law is going to be q success
y q fizzle. The penalty fer violation of
law now is too great for anyone to take
he risk. As long as there was no impris-
'nment but only a fine. the railroads could
'hord to u the risk of the latter. But
tow the case is different when a man may
sent to the penitentiary for any tern up
o two years for a single violation. If un-
srbilling still continues in spite of the
tringent provisions of the law now, the
Interstate Commerce Act may as we'll be
bandoned. But it hardly seems possible
hat it can, and he will be q foolhardy man
no undertakes the risk, whether shipper,
onsignee or railway employe.