Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1896-03-05
ABILENE WEEKLY REFLECTOR ABILENE KANSAS MARCH 1885,
LIVE STOCK RATES.
HOW THE NEW SCHEDULE AZ
FECTS THE SHIPPERS.
An Abilene Agent Gives Some Inter
esting Facts Concerning q Matter
That Is Greatly Talked About
Throughout Central Kansas.

In view OF the numerous complaints
which have been made concerning
the recent change in live stock rates
to Missouri river points the REFLEc-
TOR has taken some pains to ascer-
tain the facts as they exist.
One q the railway agents Of the
city was interviewed today and said.
1.-THE rate basis adopted to Kansas
City is the same as that which has
been in effect to Chicago and St.
Louis for several years. Prior to
January l, 1896, all stock destined to
Kansas City was charged for at car
rates based on length Of car. Since
the above date, charge is made at
specific rate per pound based on what
considered reasonable minimum
weight. For example: Prior to jan
uary /, 1896, the rate on cattle per
thirty foot car from Abilene to Kan
sas City was thirty dollars. The
present rate for car Of the same
length is IA! cents, minimum weight
$4,000 pounds. Thus it will be seen
that based upon the minimum weight
the present charge is 1886 or a saw
ing Of $2.45 per car over old rate. 1t
will also be seen that it is possible to
load 1900 pounds in excess Of the
prescribed minimum weight before
the charges would be in excess of the
old car rates. The same comparison
Is true Of the rate on hogs. Over
loaded cars result in higher freight
charges Under the present condi-
lions there is no object in loading
much beyond the minimum weights
hence the stock reaches the markets
in better condition and is more sale
able.
"The mixing Of cattle and hogs in
the same car without partitions is one
evil that has led up to the present
change. In fact this was carried on
until it was stopped by the Humane
society. Chicago draws the bulk Of
its stock from distant states while
Kansas City gets the bulk Of its stock
from within radius Of 200 miles Of
that place. For these reasons the
sound rate we're less objectionable to
Chicago as the greater distance pre-
vented heavier loading while on the
other hand the closer proximity Of
the stock district to Kansas City
made 1t possible to overload oars
without great risk Of loss. Kansas
City therefore has had an advantage
over Chicago for several years. All
now being on the same basis as to
transportation certainly no discrimin-
alton exists.
"a wrong impression has also exist
ed as to the railroad company's re-
quiring an attendant in charge Of all
shipments Of live stock. Permission
is given the owner or bis representa-
tive to accompany his stock to care
for it the same as is done with cars OF
bananas, but return pass is not given
for shipments Of one car. All cattle
and hogs being billed to a commission
firm it is seldom necessary or desir-
able for owner to accompany single
car shipments and in fact would sell
dom be done II allowed.
1.-THE weighing is done by electric
scales which weigh and register
weights while cars are moving, doing
the work with remarkable rapidity
and accuracy. When unloaded the
cars are weighed back in the same
The work and appliances
are new at Kansas City so it was to be
expected that errors would occur I'M
til the system could be brought to
greater perfection. Such errors will
be promptly corrected by agents when
the necessary proof Of correct weights
are submitted"