The Houma courier. (Houma, La.) 1878-1939, 1892-01-16
lNTER.sTATE. coMMIssIoN.
Annual Report sent % the senate--The
Law Better Obsyed.


Annual Report sent 90 the sennte--Ihe
Law Better Obsyed.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 7.-1n the senate
yesterday the interstate commerce
commissions report, dated December 4,
was submitted. In their annual report
the commissioners say there has been
q marked improvement during the
past year in the disposition Of carriers
toward compliance with the law. In
fractions Of its provisions are less fre-
auent as respects unjust discrimina-
tions, unreasonable advantages, favor
ing particular persons, places or kinds
of business; but as regards the duty OF
establishing aud 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, .
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 record as shall be specifically
pointed out by parties alleging error
therein.
Under the head of Uniform Classid-
cation" is reviewed in some detail the
action of carriers on this subject since
the enactment of the interstate com.
merce law. It is shown by the de-
liberate statements of experts in the
employment of the carriers that amuch
nearer approach TO uniformity than
now exists is pr acticable without
danger or serious detriment to the in,
terests involved Definite action by
carriers is, there fore, recommended
looking to compel the carriers tc
| adopt q uniform classification.
In 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 diserimi
nations between their customers, con
trary to the intent and spirit Of ths
| law.
Under the head Of Connecting Lines
the question of legislative power t,
compell correcting carriers to gran
facilities is discussed at length, the con
clusion being that the subject is a agoo'
one for legislative action. In connec
ton with the question Of risk, as af
fecting rates, the liability Of the carrie
is discussed The proposed uniform
bill of lading and the objections o
the shipping interests thereto are ais,
discussed, and some of its features, es
pecially the provision that proper t.
taken at carriers risk shall be rate
one class higher than If taken at own
er's risk, are disapproved.
In conclusion the commission call
attention to various amendments to th
law heretofore suspended, and spe
cilcally recommends:
/. That some time be fixed With
which carriers shall be required t
adopt uniform classifcations c
freight
Q. That the tenth section Of the &C
shall be so amended that corporation
and, employees and agents shall be in
dictable.
s. Amend the sections of the act i
relation to procedure substantially a
suggested in the report.
The appendices contain, among othe
papers, articles upon methods {
the carriers in the matter of the cor
struction, publication and fling of rat
schedules, heating of passenger cal
|. and safety appliances; also, digest {
the decisions of the commission sine
;fs oV.ora niz al tion