The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1892-01-15
INTERSTATE COMMISSION,
Annual Report Sent to the Senate-Ths
Law Better Obeyed.

Annual Report Sent to the Senate-Ths
Law Better Obeyed.
WASHINGTON, Jan. TN the senate
Yesterday the Interstate commerce
commissions report, dated December 1,
was submitted In their annual report
the commissioners say there has been
marked improvement during the
past year in the disposition of carriers
toward compliance with the law. In
fractions of its provisions are less fire.
quenS as respects unjust discrimina-
tions, unreasonable advantages. favor
ing particular persons, places or kinds
of business; but as regards the duty of
establishing and publishing rates and
charges little progress has been made.
a mode of proceeding before the COM
mission and the courts to enforce the
commissions orders is recommended, a
leading feature of which is that the
hearing in court, as to all matters not
requiring jury trials, shall be confined
to the record of proceeding had before
the commission, and to such errors in
the re ord as shall be specifically
pointei out by parties alleging error
therein.
Under the head of Uniform Classifi-
cation" is reviewed in some detail the
action of carriers on this subject since
the enactment of the interstate COM
merce law. 1t is shown by the de-
liberate statements of experts in the
employment OF the carriers that much
nearer approach to uniformity tha1
now exists is pr acticable without
danger or serious detriment 10 the in
terests involved. Definite action by
carriers is, there fore, recommended
looking to compel the carriers to
adopt n uniform assificaticn.
In Il chapter treating of the use of
shippers cars by carriers, several illus
trations are given showing how carriers
have sought, sometimes openly and
sometimes covertly. to effect discrimi-
nations between their customers, con-
trary to the intent and spirit of the
law.
Under the head of Connecting Lines
the question of Legislative power to
compell connecting carriers to grant
facilities is discussed at length, the con-
ciusion being that the subject IS good
one for legislative action. In cOnnec-
ton with the question of risk, as af-
fecting rates, the liability of the carrier
is discussed. The proposed uniform
bill Of ladiug and the objections of
the shipping interests thereto are also
discussed. and some of its features, es-
pecially the provision that property
taken at carriers risk shall be rated
one class higher than if taken at own
er's risk, are disapproved-
In conclusion the commission calls
attention to various amendments to the
law heretofore suspended, and spe-
officially recommends:
1. That some time be fixed within
which carriers shall be required to
adopt uniform classiieations of
freight
> That the tenth section of the act
shall be 50 amended that corporations
and employees and agents shall be in
dictable.
3. Amend the sections of the act in
relation to procedure substantially as
suggested in the report
The appendices contain, among other
papers, articles upon methods of
the carriers in the matter of the con-
struction, publication and filing of rate
scbeduleS heating of passenger ears
and safety appliances; also, digest of
the decisions of the commission since
its organization.