The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1897-05-04

nut in observance of the existing condi-
lions 1t was discrimination not to allow
presses In the mileage territory TO charge
as much for compressage as presses in COM
mon point territory. The fair way to
make rates would be to adopt the group
idea. The LAGRANGE press gets 10 cents
per 100 pounds for COMPRISING cotton, but
the railroads pay but cents of 1t. the
buyer paying the remainder.
Judge Reagan said that where the COM
press charge Is 10 cents and the railroads
nay 1t all the haul is longer aud the freight
| rate collected Is higher.
Hon. S. S. Smith representing a number
of North Texas non compress towns, OBJ
| tected to the proposed abolition OF the con-
| centration rule. as without II cotton buyers
| In smaller towns could not buy at all in
competition with compress points.
Judge Reagan stated The commissions
purpose was to invite discussion with a
| view of discovering a feasible and equitable
| plan OF doing away with compress regula-
| tons as well as with the refundng OF locals
| al compress points; the system of locating
| would not be abolished. however, he said.
| Tho question recurring on the PROPOSE
| tion to reduce the rate on cotton to the
| gulf. no one had anything to say In advo-
cacv thereof. which moved Judge Reagan
to remark that the commission had re-
ceiVed many specified complaints against
| existing rates. but that now 1t had given
compliments ali opportunity TO be heard
| no one appeared to back the complaints
| Walker of GrandVieN. johnson county
| said he had heard of no complaint against
| the present rate He was here as the rep
| rcscntativc OF about 1000 cotton producers
| VINO simply wanted u preservation of the
| present system of concentration. which
places the small towns on parity with the
big ones
Sanders of BRYAN advanced tho opinion
hat
| general principles, because prices had de-
| cined all along the line Everything has
declined except railroad charges, he main
iaincd.
John u, Rogers OF Galveston was qucs.
toned as to Texas rates in the past. and
| 7. j Ballirger stated that tomorrow morn.
| Ing he desired TO submit data in support OF
the contention that the concentration sys-
ten should be abolished, as well as in op'
position to a continuance of the Galveston
Houston lifIorential. The latter was. h,
| knew. sort Of a Rgnquos ghost, but tn,
opportunity was present in this instanc,
for calling IT M again and he proposed t
take advantage of the opportunity.
Judge Reagan said the railroads coulC
hclp the commission materially in arriving
! NJ an equitable solution of the rate uucs
ton by furnishing facts with regard 10
their earnings. For instance, they nigh
throw some light unon the practice OF
HhiNplHE tuttun 10 houston on fictitious
bills Of lading whereby the revenues of tn,
roads were sacrificed, as we'll as upon o;he
matters which it was not necessary for him
to mention.
Mr.. Lovett was certain that investigation
would show thot in the case Of The alcgo,
| fictitious shipments referred TO- while tn
cotton mirh; have lost it's identity. othc
cotton was substituted therefor and the
amount Of cotton called for in the bill
was actually sent through
Judge Reagan replied that the substitu
ton of other cotton did not remove tn
clement OF Illegally from the transaction.
.dr Lovett said that the principle wa
the same as involved in the system OF con
cen;raton. wherein shipments of cotto,
lost their identity.
Commissioner Mavfeld suggested tina
reads might be classified and differen,
rates applied TO different roads, according
10 their earning capacity.
judge Terry did not take kindly TO Mr.
Mayneld's suggestion and submitted that in
cases Of parallel lines like the Santa Fe
the Katy and the Central. which traverse
competitive territory. The read CARRYING III
highest rate would lose the business
Adjourned until tomorrow morning.