The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1892-11-30
A. QUESTION OF RATES
In Opinion BY the Interstate Commerce
Commission.
RIGHTS OF THE RAILROADS


WASHINGTON, Nov. 29.-The interstate
commerce commission to-day In an opin-
ion by Commissioner j. Knapp. an.
nounccd decision In tho case of the
Merchants union Of Spokane against
the Northern Pacific Railway company
and the Union Pacific railway company.
The points decided are briefly as follows !:
One-Transportatiou by rail from east
ern points 10 Pacific coast terminals.
Portland, Tacoma and Seattle, is affected
ny competition Of controlling forces, and
In respect TO traffic important Is tho
amount OF competition of water carriers
reaching the Same terminals, but such
competition docs not effect like
transportation from said points to
Spokane, Wash. II is held. therefore,
that the defendants are justified by reason
of such dissimilarity in circumstances nd
conditions. in maintaining higher rates on
shipments of like property from said
points for the shorter distance to Spokane
than for the longer distance 10 said Pa.
cific terminals. The competitive position
and attitude of the Canadian Pacific rail-
wny, foreign carrier, IL considered in
connection with the existing water COM
petition. But the separate effect of the
competition bv the Canadian route IL not
found nor determined.
Two-Class rates In effect upon defend.
ants lines and other commodity rates to
Pacific terminals were examined and dis
cussed. 1t Is held that that the only justi-
fication for through rate less than an in
termcdiate rate on the same article. is tho
compuision of rail carriers to accept re-
duced compensation or suffer ocean rivals
to perform service and where the pressure
OF this alternative is not felt. there is no
ground upon which a lower through rate
can be excused. No article could be car-
ried to terminal points at commodity
rates. which IL class rates were imposed
would still seek rail rather than water
transportation. and any violation Of this
rule is an unjust discrimination against
the intermediate town compelled to pay
higher class rate on the same article.
Thrce-ln the matter of carload and
mixed carload rates, the minimum weight
OF shipments entitled to carload rates and
in all other respects, the defendants are
required to provide and allow the SAME
privileges. facilities and advantages on
shipments TO Spokane ns provided or al
lowed on like shipments TO Portland or
other Pacific coast terminals.
Four-The blanket class rates applying
upon the Northern Pacific road for a dis
tance more than $50 miles, is found rela-
lively unreasonable. Also il is held the
rate to Spokane, the principal distribute
ing center TO which such blanket rates
apply. are unreasonable in themselves.
The defendants are ordered to cease and
desist from charging rates on property
from eastern points TO Spokane which
materially exceed 81 per cent. of the class
rates now in effect, both TO Spokane and
Pacific coast terminals.
Provisions are made for tho re-opening
OF tho case if necessary and bring in
other carriers who may be affected by the
Northern Pacific railroad, notwithstand-
ing certain provisions In its charter is sub
ject, like all other interstate carriers, 10
the authority conferred by congress in tho
act TO regulate commerce.