Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1898-06-27
INTERSTATE COMMERCE LAW.
Its Disadvantages Discussed by Presiden
ingalls, of the Big Four


The injustice and disadvantages of
the present Interstate commerce laws
both to the railroads and to the people
were ably set forth in a recent address
by Mr.. NJ. E. ingalls,, President of the
Big Four and Chesapeake & Ohio rail-
roads. The occasion was the tenth an
nual convention of Railroad Commits
sioners held in Washington, May 10.
Mr.. ingalls, said that the railroads
had reached crisis, where something
must be done to avoid disaster not
only to the railroads but also to the
material interests of the country.
Since the enaetment of the inter-
state commerce law in 1887, some pro-
vision of that law has been constantly
under consideration either by congress
or the courts. Now 1t is admitted that
state legislatures have control over the
railroads with regard to local business
ter-state business.
In reference to the control of States
the Supreme court has just decided
that state control must be reasonable,
and that rates cannot be reduced below
q point where railroads can earn their
expenses and a fair profit.
In 1897 it was decided by the Supreme
court that the Sherman antitrust law
applied to the railroads contrary to the
rulings of this law it was practically
impossible to make any arrangements
for the maintenance of tariffs. The
tariffs are now but little respected by
the railroads. Private arrangements
with large shippers will sooner or later
utterly ruin the smaller traders.
Many railroad managers are carrying
freight far below cost.
way must be found by which rail-
to- ffe he ,t-fy . 10
practice of secret rates and contracts
discontinued. The settlement of this
question not only concerns the rail-
roads but also one-fifth of the people
Of the country, who are directly inter-
ested in railroads.
The chief difficulty with the inter-
state commerce law is that the pun
ishments are entirely out of proportion
with the offences. The Imprisonment
clause has not public sentiment in it's
favor and it also prevents one railroad
from prosecuting another.
The public does not believe in the
law and what is the result? Honest
railroads see their business going to
opposing lines; honest merchants are
undersold by others who have no scru-
pies in making private contracts with
railroads. Honest railroads and mer-
chants are thus compelled of necessity
10 DTeak the law themselves or lace
certain ruin.
Two changes should be made in the
present laws to better the condition of
affairs.
First, the Imprisonment clause
should be stricken out and a fine of
$4,000 imposed instead. The shipper
should not be punished at all in his eff
forts to secure low rates. Should you
punish him you would not be able to
secure his testimony.
Second, railroads should be permit
ted to contract with each other for the
maintenance of rates and the division
of business. These would legalize con-
tracts between railroad corporation.
To-day such contract would be con-
spiracy.
There should be no friction between
the interstate commerce laws and the
railroads. but the commission should
become the aid of the railroads.
Unless some change is made as has
been indicated the small shippers will
be extinguished, and few men of
large capital will control the entire
merchandise business.
A resolution of thanks was voted
Mr.. ingalls, for his address, and his
suggestions were referred to a special
committee.