The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-11-30
IN FAVOR OF SPOKANE
Decision Against Northern Pa
cific intermediate Rates.
CHARGES MUST BE LOWER.
Interstate Commerce Commission De-
roads SEIZED nj e-May Be Appealed.

WASHINGTON CIrY. Nov. 29.-The inter-
state commerce commission today in an
opinion by Comm ssioner j. Knapp, an
nounced a decision in the case Of the Mer-
chants Union, of Spokane. against tho
Northern Pacific Railroad Company and
Union Pacific Railway Company. The
points decided are briefly as follows:
First-Transportation by rail from Eastern
points to the Pacific coast terminals, Portland,
Tacoma and Seattle, is affected by the competi-
ton OF the controlling force, and IN respect to
traffic is important on account OF water
Carriage reaching the same terminals, out
such competition does not affect ike
transportation from said points TO Spo-
kane. 1t is held, therefore, that the de-
PENDANTS are justified, by reason of such dis
similarity in ctrcums; ances and conditions. IN
maintaining higher rates on shipments OF like
property from said points for the snor er dis
tance to SpoK ane than for the longer distance TO
SAID Pacific terminals. The competitive posi-
tlon and attitude OF the Canadian Pacific rail-
way, foreign carrier, IS considered in counec-
ton with excepting water competition, but
separate competition by the Canadian road was
not found nor .etermined.
Second-Class rates efyccting the defendants'
lines and other commodity rates to the Pacific
terminals were examined and discussed. 1t
was held that the only just calculation for a
the same articles is a compulsory half rate. car
riers to accept reduced compensation or
suffer ocean rivals to perform the service, and
Where pressure OF this alternative is not felt
there 10 no ground upon which a lower through
charge can be excused No article could be
carried TO terminal points at commodity rates,
which. If class rates were imposed. would still
seek rail rather than water transportation, and
violation of this rule is an unjust discrimina-
ton against an inter me iiats town compelled to
pay higher class rates on the same article.
Ihird-In the matter OF car load and mixed
car load minimum shipments. entitled to car
load rates, and ia all other respects defen liant,
are to prov de and allow the sam privi. eyes,
facilities and advantages on shipm suts to opo-
kane as provided o. al. wed time shi pnents
to Pc tland or other Pacific coast terminals.
Fourth-The blanke, class rates applying upon
the Northern Pacific road .or distance of so
miles were found relatively unreasonable. IL is
also held that the rates Spokane, the principal
distributing center. to which ,ueh blanket rates
apply, are unreasonable in themselves The
defendants are ordered to cease and desisI from
Charging rates on property from Eastern points
to spokane which materially exceed So per cent
OF the class rates now in effect both to Spokane
and Pacific coast terminals. Provision is made
for reopening the case ii necessary and bringing
il other carriers who may be affected thereby
The Northern Pacific railroad, Notwithstanding
certain provisions in its charter, is subject like
all other interstate carriers TO the authority
conferred by congress in an act TO regulate
commerce.