The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-09-01

Tuesday to furnish the information asked for
and further evid ence.
This was carried by unanimous vote OF
the three Commissioners, taken by rollcall.
Stanton-I now move that we take up the
complaint of DR.. Gonzales.
Chairman La Rue objected to taking up
the Salinas petition, as the matters COM
planned of would be settled by the action
taken on his Is per cent horizontal resolu-
ton, and he did not think intelligent
action could be taken on the Salinas petit
ton until all the testimony had been SUBJ
mitted by the railroad and proper study
of it made. Stanton, however, was OBJ
durate and showed disposition to force
things, saying:
Let us establish a rate that we consider Just.
l insist on my motion.
Martini don't know low far this petition
reaches.
Chairman La Rue then read the petition.
1t urged a reduction on grain and hay
rate and recited the following facts:
The rate of So per ton for grain from Con-
zalcs to San Francisco is manifestly unjust
when but So so per ton is charged for a similar
amount of grain hauled from Pismo to San
Francisco, q greater distance by 116 miles. In
shipping our grain we are, by reason of the ex-
orbitant charges, compelled to pay the South
ern Pacific Company one-fourth the crop. In
many cases. particularly when the grain Is
poor in quality, we are compelled 10 go further
and give an amount eQualling one sack in every
three
The producers are compelled to eventually
pay the exorbitant freight rate of So 40 per ton
for the actual necessaries of life shipped here
from the City of San Francisco. Ii the condi-
ton of affairs now existing is allowed to con-
tinue for any length of time we Will be forced
to convert our valuable agricultural lands into
cattle ranges, at great loss.
Martin-Are we not to be heard on this-not
given time to make showing in this matter?
StanfQn-NO is q
can represent the railroad. We should not
lose time. My intentions have been miscon-
strued, and I don't want to lose any more
time and give the railroad two days more than
think they are entitled to.
Martin-Under the law ought not we to have
a fair chance TO be heard?
Stanton-You have been given chances to be
heard. We have the right to fix rates. The
railroad has its recourse and can object to
them afterward. Mr.. Smurr can present the
case for their side
Martin-We have proceeded with the utmost
good faith, and have certainly not done any
thing to cause delay. Because we ask for
little time in one matter you insist on taking
up another complaint without giving US a
chance Tor hearing. This is an arbitrary
action.
La Rue-We have entered into an investiga-
ton for which Mr.. Lansing is to furnish us
with some further facts and figures, and all
these matters should be considered together.
don't think it proper TO take up this Salinas
have introduced. / am not in favor of delay.
Stanton-I move that we take up the com
plant from Gonzale and proceed to inYesti-
gate il. insist on my motion.
Clark-Should not the plaintiff be present?
La Rue-I think so; and think further that
we should wait.
Clark am willing to go ahead and take
evidence in the matter, but not to give deci-
sion in 1t till the other matter is first settled
Stanton-1 am in favor OF immediate action.
Martini protest against this. 1t is turning
us out of doors.
Stanton-I have heard DR.. Gonzales and think
his request reasonable. 1 have compared rates
in other parts with those from Gonzales and
found Gonzales Disseminated against
Martin-We have no objection to taking VI
the complaint, but we. as defendants, should
have a chance to make showing. No notice
was served on US.
La Rue-I move an amendment to DR.. Stan
toms motion, that the whole subject matter be
postponed until all the testimony is heard.
Are you ready for the question?
Both colleagues of the chairman re.
sponded question" and the roll was
called by Assistant Secretary Kelly. La
Rue and Clark voted aye and Stanton no.
In announcing the result Kelly's mental
faculties or his tongue evidently got
tangled up, as he gravely declared: 1.-THE
noes have it." He was promptly corrected
by the chairman, and the meeting was de-
clared adjourned until 10 A. NJ. Tuesday,
amid hearty and general laughter over the
lapsus lingua of the embarrassed and blush
ing SIX feet or more of secretary