Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1889-06-09
ent condition of traffic this could not be
afforded by the railroad companies.


We have heretofore expressed our opin-
ion that greater shrinkage in earnl ngs
from this change is anticipated than in the
nature of the case is at all likely to be
realized. These rates are intended
to operate, in the main, up
sailing. As it respects nearly all lines of
manufacturing. established in the interior
of the state, the raw materials and fuel
must be transported over Kansas roads
and the rates charged upon them, together
with the rates upon the manufactured
product shipped to various points, may
reasonably be expected to equal, if they do
not exceed. the single rate upon the like
products if manufactured and shipped to
the same points from the Missouri river.
Moreover, the quickened activity impaired
to Industries, the more rapid increase OF
business and wealth in localities Will
serve to increase the volume of traffic and
swell the earnings of railroads. 1t can
never be nationally regarded as the best
roads to pursue, to greatly concentrate
business, for thereby the forces of com
petition are brought into more active
play. The conditions conducive to the
most permanent prosperity OF railroads
are those which ensure strong and steady
but increasing local traffic. These con-
ditions are not produced by system OF
iloibHG TdIeS WHICH UuldlIif uiSCiilIAh'IC
against and tend to repress rather than
promote local industries.
Another illustration of presumed equal
lty OF rates and earnings from the DISPOSE
ton OF rates proposed, as compared with
those now prevailing. in so far as they
may apply to trade freights, may here be
cited.
The rates from Missouri river points to
Wichita on frst-class is 72cents. Inc local
rate out of Wichita to point oO miles
would be 90 cents, the sum OF the Two pc
ng Sl.Ol. Assuming that the point %
miles from Wichita, is that much further
from the Missouri river than Wichita,
the rate on trst-class, from the
river to the further point Is IS Genus,
the ombined rate exceeding the single by
% cents. The great bulk of freights winch
would be the subject OF wholesale tralnc
would have to be first handled over Kan
sas roads to Wichita, and the conditions
of substantial equality between the trade
of that place and those upon the Missouri
river, would have to be gained by such
ditferentials as are allowed upon long-naul
traffic from eastern points, and the lower
classification taken by many classes OF
freight where shipped in large quantities:
Substantially the same volume Oh
freights will be carried upon as high a
plane of rates, but its distribution Will
in a measure be changed.
1t appears to be apprehended rather that
the changes proposed may lead to others OF
q more radical character. and the losses
spoken of be suffered from this source.
We understand that objection exists to
arranging the proposed rates upon the first
four classes In the general classification
sheet, and that this would not be neces-
sary to carry out the purpose and the in
tent of this decision. 1t is proper to say
that no other method has been suggested,
and that in suggesting this In our original
decision we but followed practice already
established by the voluntary action OF the
roads as applied to Wichita. The main
purpose is to abate the discrimination
existing between the manufacturing
and commercial businesses situated
in one part of the state as COM
pared with those in another. The
method by which this shall be accom-
plished is intended to be left with the
railroad companies themselves, no partlc-
ular method being obligatory SO long as
the result is in substantial conformity
with the requirements of the law.
to reach any other conclusion than that
the determinations complained OF
in this case are unjust and
in violation of statutory provis-
ion, and that the same must be corrected,
and we therefore affirm the decision here
tofore made in this case and direct,.that the
rates to and from Wichita, indicated in
our decision of March 20, last, be made eff
fective on or before the 1sJ day Of July,
proximo. By the board.
Attest; H. c. RIzER, Secretary.
TOPEKA. June T. 1889.