Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-05-31
RAILROAD ACCOUNTANTS
They Meet and Discuss Matters of Muoh
Interest.
Lively Debate as to a Resolution Re.
ferrfng to Claims for Loss or
Damage to Freight.

A hundred or more gentlemen employed
in the auditing departments of the great
railroad companies Of the country spent
this morning In animated discussion at
WIZARDS Hall. They were members Of the
Association of American Railway Account
ants. an organization which was formed
seven years ago for the purpose Of promot-
ing uniformity and obtaining a higher
standard in the system of keeping railway
accounts. The convention began yesterday,
but no business of importance was trans
acted owing TO an early adjournment on
account OF the character Of the day. To-
Gays session was devoted entirely to the
consideration Of a accommodation that the
accounting departments Of railroads be
given control of the claims for loss and
"a "a mage to freight. which are now attended
partments Of the companies.
Mr.. Sturgfs' Resolution.
MI w. H. Sturgis presented a resolution
feciting that II was the sense of the ASSOC
ciauon that the accounting department
was the proper department to take charge
OF ana settle all claims arising from loss
o. damage. He spoke strongly in favor
OF the adoption of the measure ana when
ne mad concluded a number of amend
ments and substitute resolutions were
pfesented by various delegates. all of which
sought to define in detail the new duties
OF accounting officers should claims be
placed under their supervision Such a
mass OF matter Of this character was Of
Iereo that proposition was made to post
pone the consideration Of the entire SUBJ
1ect to future meeting Mr. Sturgis on
posed this suggestion on the ground that
the matter had been under consideration
by the association for the past five years
ana TO defer II further would be a con-
fessson of weakness. The motion to post
pone was voted down heavily and the
convention took up the various resolutions
and amendments serlatim in the order of
Their Introduction. Votes followed votes
in rapid succession until IL became evident
that TO final decision could be reached on
the main subject.
Decided Differences of Opinion.
Explanations and counter explanations
were made by the delegates who believed
they had discovered the proper solution of
the problem but while all seemed to agree
that the accounting departments should set
tie all lost and damage freight claims no
one appeared to be able to suggest the way
II could be done. At last, however, the
conflicting elements sunk their differences
and resolutions were adopted declaring that
ut is the sense of this association that the
accounting department is the proper depart
men- to investigate and decide the settle
n ent of overcharge freight claims"
In addition 10 this a resolution, presented
by Mr.. Whitehead, was also passed, declar-
ing that 'in view of the vote approving the
Investigation and settlement of overcharge
Claims by the accounting department il is
resolved that IL is the sense OF this asso-
citation that Ii will be more expedient and
economical to investigate and settle loss
and damage freight claims through the &C.
counting department, reference being made
to the proper departments when necessary"
A Folley of applause greeted the announce
ment Of the vote by which the last resolu-
ton was adopted.
Committees Action Approved.
A resolution presented at the last meeting
OF the association by Mr.. S. C. Johnson, de-
claring that II was not desirable for one
road to charge another with any proportion
Of a freight claim without first obtaining
authority from the debtor road. and which
mad been referred to the executive commit
tee. was reported adversely. A letter was
read from Mr.. Johnson, which led to a mo-
ton to refer the proposition back to the ex-
ecutive committee for further action, but
after discussion this was refused, and the
action OF the committee approved
A letter was read from ]. L. Graham,
claim agent of the Central Railroad and
Banking Company Of Georgia, suggesting
that after claims have been investigated
and authorities passed, the initial line shall
charge direct to each road the amount of its
individual Indebtedness, attaching TO au-
thority Of such road a voucher receipted by
the initial line. in whose custody the original
papers shall be retained. This method is
somewhat similar to the plan of auditing
coupon tickets. Mr.. Graham, who happened
to be in the hail. was given the privileges of
the floor, and described the advantages of
the system he proposed in an interesting
manner.
He was given close attention, and at the
conclusion of his remarks the suggestion
was referred TO a committee of five for in
vesugation, with directions to confer with
the Freight Claims Association and report
TO the next annual meeting of the associa-
ton, whereupon a recess wss taken