New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-05-12
DIFFERENTIAL FREIGHT RATES.

FURTHER TESTIMONY REGARDING THE NEW
YORK PRODUCE EXCHANGE CHARGES.
Philadelphia, May 1.-THE hearing before the In
terstate Commerce Commission Of the case IN
which the New-York Produce Exchange charges
that the existing dlferental freight rates on gran
-four and provisions from the West dsadvanta-
geous to NewYork and unduly favor Baltimore,
Philadelphia, Norfolk and Newport News was re-
sumed this morning William r. Tucker. secretary
Of the Philadelphia Board Of Trade. was Us first
witness He explained what had been done toward
improving the harbor facilities In the last twenty
years
Lawrence Johnson. of the firm Of Lawrence john
son & Co.. testified regarding the relative edvan-
tages Of the ports Of New-York and Philadelphia
He said he used New-York vessels for possibly
seven-eighths of his business He found the sail
ings there moro frequent. and he could secure bet
ter rates than he could at Philadelphia
Frank l.. Neall, member of the shipping firm OF
Peter Wright & Sons, was examined at length In
reference to the shipping business Of New-York
and Philadelphia He said that the steamer con-
nectiors of Philadelphia with South America and
Europe Insignificant as compared with those
of New-Yorls. Much lower rates could be obtained
between Network and foreign ports for shipment
in either direction than could be had at Phila-
dephia.
Mr. Brown statistcian OF the New-York Produce
Exchange verified certain statistical tables sub
mitted by the EXCHANGE. secretary w Hedticy, OIL
the Baltimore Chamber OF Commerce. formally
verified statistics relating 10 the tonnage OF New
York, Baltimore and Philadelphia.
Samuel Bell, Jr.. Philadelphia flour merchant,
who is also director of the Washburn- Crosby
Company Of Minneapolis stated that the product
o, the Western mill which is exported is about
equally divided In It's shipment between the ports
OF Philadelphia and NewYork.
William Brooke, jr, OF the firm OF William
Brooke G. Son, told the Commission Of the falling
of OF the grain export business OF his firm.
exporters Of grain, testified that his firm shipped
about 50 per cent OF their eXpor. business from
Baltimore and Philadelphia.
Edward W. Borker, of Philadelphia, connected
with the firm OF Gill e. Fisher. grain importers.
phia, said Philadelphia embarrassed by its
limited freight facilities. and that berth
rates were therefore higher and more difficult
obtain at Philadelphia than at New-York. With
differentia rate no said Philadelphia's grain
trade would be destroyed.
Charles D. Fisher. also OF the firm Of Gill e.
Fisher, said that NcwYork bought grain chiefly
from Chicago and other lake points. and in largo
quantities. and In this way had great advantage
over other seaboard cities through carrying
Robert Ramsay treasurer OF the Baltimore
Chamber of Commerce, who is connected with
steamship lines In that city, said there prac-
York either In the number size Of steamers.
He said any removal or reduction of the existing
differental ratio would necessitate the withdrawal
of the steamers now plying between Baltimore and
foreign ports.
sion will take such further testimony as may be
offered and hear argument Of counsel