The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1892-12-20
INTER-STiTE COMMERCE. Law.
Sixth Annual Report OF the Commission APP.
pointed to Supervise the Railroads.

WASHINGTON. d. c.. Dec. 1o.-Ihe report OF
the Inter State Commission for the year
ended Now 80, 1892. was to-day transmitted
to Congress The work of the Commission Is
set forth At length. including the interesting
statement that there arc now on file with the
Commission S5O.OOU tariff schedules. also a
review Of the hearings and Investigations and
the cases disposed OF during the year
Respecting these the report says: The
character OF proceedings before the Com mis-
sion indicates that the main causes OF COM
plant arise from determinations and prefer
ences In rates and facilities and not from
rates unreasonable In themselves
Atthe request OF the Senate Committee on
Finance the Commission during the past year
directed its auditor to collect statistics show
ing changes In rates from tho earliest period
for which II was possible to obtain data to the
present time. These statistics which will lie
included in the report OF that committee to
Congress on the subject OF prices and wages.
show n material decline in rates and classii-
cations prescribing rates. which appears uni
versal. md the Commission thinks the mini
mum mas not yet been reached.
The late opinion OF Justice Brewer in the
Circuit Court OF Appeals. desiding long and
in the opinion. that the total Joint rate Of two
roads Is over an independent limo from lines
cred in determining the local rate Of either
road. and. therefore. may lie even loss than
the lntermediate or local rate. ~ dlsputec.
action as will give legislative construction to
the word line" In the statute
Several amendments recommended by the
Commission for the purpose Of Strengthening
the law are discussed. especially those grow
ing out of the decision of tho supreme Court.
that the provisions OF section $50 OF tho Re-
vised Statutes granting immunity to wit
nesses required to testify concerning illegal
broad enough to meet tho safeguards guaran-
tesd to sucha witness by the Constitution. and
Judge Greshams moro recent decision that
Congress cannot constitutionally require the
the. production OF testimony before a non.
judicial tribunal.
Regarding the proposed amendment by
which pooling is to he permitted the report
from discrimination. extortion. favortisin,
undue preference. and to secure to every citi-
ION lust and reasonable rates and equal and
eNact treatment in all transportation matters
law. and it would be vain to protect carriers
from competitive attacks upon each other If
tho general public cannot he protected from
the greater evils above enumerated. II tho
ments should go hand in hand. Until the law
is made strong. rs it's trainers intended. in the
matters of fair and stable rates. equal treat
ment. and suppression OF all favoritism. it is
ty under tho authoritative constructions OF
the law from estrictions intended by Con-
gress. seems one OF tho remarkable facts in
current history"
Canadian com petition. Inter State traffic not
subject to the act. statistical work OF the Com
mission for tho years ending Juno 80. 1891
and 1887. Government-aided railroads and
Commissioners. and relations Of railway COM
panles and their employees.