The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1898-09-22


Judge stednian, speaking to the question
at Issue took the ground that the only way
TO fairly meet the situation would be to
apply the same percentage Of reduction to
the State rate as had been made in the
interstate rate and agreed with Freight
Agent Goodwin Of the Santa Fe that a
1915 cent rate from Galveston would fit
the case. He asked that the International
be exempted from the proposed Scent rate
General Attorney Freeman of the Texas
and Pacific said that his line was not
participating in the u cent rate and there
fore should not be made to participate IN
a Scent rate from Galveston rs to the
Southwestern freight bureau. he said his
road contributed to its maintenance, but
that in his opinion the articles OF agree
ment OF that body did not contravene the
law, as IL had no power TO make rates, reg
ulate divisions or III any sense affect the
freight charge. IL was nothing but a
statistical bureau. maintained for the pur-
pose of keeping the railroads advised OF
reductions in rates not TO bring about rate
wars, but TO put them on immediate notice
of applications to the interstate commerce
commission for authority to lower tariffs.
So far as he wGs concerned he did not give
the bureau credit for having the right OF
rate making and the Texas and Pacific
would under no circumstances respect any
order II might make in that dlreltion. With
regard to the alleged boycotlng OF the
Kansas City. Pittsburs and Gulf railroad,
the Texas and Pacific had refused - accept
business from and divide rates with that
line simply because it had come Into Texas
and Pacific territory and cut tariffs The
Texas and Pacific connection with the
Southwestern freight bureau had not moyei
1t 10 make war on the Pee Gee. In con-
elusion Judge Freeman suggested that n
tSia cent rate from Galveston was the
proper thing under existing circumstances,
as such rate was based upon perceatags
equal to that OF the reduction made in
the interstate rate.
Judge Storey said that this would be
all right II the 2l-cent rate from st. Louis
was regular rate, but as it was simply ii
war rate" put in for but ten days. the
equit liable reduction theory was IL applicl-
bic and in his opinion the commission
would be justified in retallating in kind
to protect Texas interests.
Judge Terry. attorney for the Santa re.
objected TO being punished for other pep
pies misdoings. II there was any retaliat-
Ing 10 be done by the commission nc want
ca 1t confined to the Cotton Belt and such
lines as participate in the 21cent rate.
Judge Perkins OF the Cotton Belt rx-
planned that owing 10 reductions on canned
goods rates, from Atlantic seaboard terrific
ry to Texas common points participated IN
BY all the gulf lines the Cotton Belt, al
though entitled TO carry rate from St.
| Louis to Texas cents lower than the At
| lantic seaboard rate, had found itself I'M
| able to touch Texas canned goods business
| at established rates aad that In puating ~
| the 2l-eent rate 1t had simply endeavored
| 20 meet a competitive condition while re-
| llglously observing recognized diferentlals
| North Texas jobbers having purchased theii
canned goods supplies In 81. Louis and
| Indiana territory Il was imperative that
| they should be given a rate that would
| put thlm on an equality with the Galveston
| jobDers. who were getting the benefit o.
cut rates from the Atlantic seaboard tC
| Texas common points and II was to nell
| them out that the Cotton Belt had pro
| mulgated the q cent rate. Had this no.
| been doas She North Texas iobbers woul'
| have been compelled to dispose o. theii
| purchases In Chicago and st. Louis and re-
purchase in Bsltimc-c ann ship in via Gal
| weston The rate from Baltimore terrto'
| to Galveston had been cut 10 cents
| which, added TO the Texas rate OF % celts
| irade total rate OF 30 cents. The 81
| Louis cifferential usder seabnari terrlto'
being cents, the Cotton Belt had put In
| rate Of q cents from st. Louis TO Teyal
common points to meet the Baltimore
cut rate. keeping strictly withn agreft
| rate making lines. The Cotton Belt ha'
| not started the war. Galveston and th
| water lines wera responsible therefor. |
was simply renewal OF the efforts OF IN
Eastern coast 10 drive the Mississippi val
Icy out OF the Texas market. He wa
prepared to believe the representatives o
the Southern Pacific when they say tina
they are not participating in the war. The
had their own ships and simply brough
the stuff IN at whatever rate was golne
He did not ask that the Texas rates b
raised All ne wanted was that whe
rates were reduced the Cotton Belt b
permitted to participate in the business.