Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-05-12
GOT'HAM'S COMPLAINT.
FURTHER HEARING IN FREIGHT
pIFFERENTIALs CASE.
RELATIVE SHIPPING ADVANTAGES.
New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore,
Norfolk. Newport News-Testimony
of Merchnntx-Adjour Until
the Goth Instant ut Washington.

PHILADELPHIA, Pa, May 1.-THE
hearing before the Interstate Commerce
Commission OF the freight dinerentials
case, In which the New York Produce t.x-
change charges that the existing diner-
entail freight rates on grain, Hour, ana
provisions from the West are disadvan-
tageous to New York. and unduly favor
Baltimore, Philadelphia, Norfolk, and
Newport News, was resumed this morn
ing.
william r. Tucker, secretary OF the
Philadelphia Board OF Trade, who Is also
a member of the Board Of Port Wardens,
and of the Harbor Commission, was the
first witness. To illustrate the claim Oh
the Philadelphia commercial interests mat
the increased freight-carrying business
and the increased export trade or tnis
city has been the natural result Of I'M
proved waterway facilities. Mr.. Tucker
explained what had been done toward bet
tering the harbor facilities in the past
twenty years. These increased facilities,
he said had led the steamship companies
and individual owners to greater ACTIVITY
in securing business for their vessels.
Lawrence Johnson, Of the firm OF Law
renee Johnson & Co., general merchants
of this city, testified regarding the reia-
tive advantages OF the two ports OF New
York and Philadelphia.
When asked By Mr.. Herman, who repre-
sents the New York Produce Excnange'
whether or not he exported grain from
southern ports, he explained that ne did
not. because of the inability 10 get the
quantities he needed Of red winter wheat
at any other point excepting New YORK.
Mr. Johnson was the first witness 10
be directly questioned by members OF the
commission, and in reply to questions
from the commissioners. said that car
goes from South America, and also from
the East Indies, could be brought to New
York and then reshipped to Philadelphia
much cheaper than the same cargoes
could be brought directly to Philadelphia.
Frank l.. Neill a member of the ship
ping firm Of Peter Wright & Sons, was
examined at length in reference TO the
shlpplng business OF New York and Phlla-
delphia. He said the steamer connections
of Philadelphia with South American
points were insignificant as compared to
those of New York.
Samuel Bel, Jr., a Philadelphia nour
merchant. who is also director OF tne
Washburn Crosby Company, of Mime
apolis. stated that the portion Of produce
of his western mill which is exported is
about equally divided I'm its shipment be-
tween the ports of Philadelphia and New
York.
BALTIMORE INTERESTS.
III. r. Parr, of the firm of I. n. Parr &
Son. of Baltimore exporters OF grain,
testified that his firm had shipped about
% per cent OF their export business from
Baltimore and Philadelphia. In reply TO
a question, he said that IL the diiferentiai
rate from the West should be Withdrawn
his firm at Baltimore would be obliged TO
go out Of business.
Edward Barker of Philadelphia, con-
nected with the firm of Gill SS Fisher,
grain importers, which firm does business
i'm both Baltimore and Philadelphia, tes-
titled at some length regarding the rela-
tive conditions of the shipping business
of New York and that of Philadelphia.
He said Philadelphia was embarrassed by
its limited ocean-freight facilities, ana
that berth rates were therefore higher
and more difficult to obtain at Philadei-
phia than at New York.
Robert Ramsey. treasurer OF the Balti-
more Chamber Of Commerce, who Is also
connected with steamship lines In that
CITY, said there was practically no COM
parison of Baltimore with New York,
either in the number or size Of steamers.
He said the removal of the existing
differential rate would necessitate the
withdrawal of the steamers now plying
between Baltimore and foreign ports.
Messrs. Petit and Fisher, the attor-
neys. respectively. for Philadelphia and
Baltimore, then announced that they had
practically closed, and would present no
other witnesses.
Mr.. Herman. attorney for the New York
Produce Exchange, stated that he would
require some little time to look over the
statistical documents which had been
submitted before he could make intelli-
gent reply to them, If any were found
necessary, and he suggested a postpone
ment until June 10th.
Chairman Morrison stated that the
commission would be engaged In another
matter at that time. Then, after the
members of the commission had held
brief consultation, Chairman Morrison an
nounced postponement until May 10Th,
at Washington, ID. c., where the commits
sion will take such further testimony as
may be offered and hear argument OF
counsel.