The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1898-02-01
THE HEARING IS POSTPONED
hates to Teas Ports Nill Be Ad-
jssted February IL
Mr.. MOLLERS INTERESTING LETTER
burden ~ Hts Consplesnt II Fully
Explained - The situation Is
Growing Intcrestins.

Austin, Texas, January sl.--The railroad
commission hearing set for February 4
for the consideration Of rates from common
point territory TO the gulf ports, has been
postponed until February IL
With regard to this meeting the COM
mission received letters today from the
secretury Of tho Houston Cotton Exchange
and from Mr.. Jens Moller OF Galveston.
The former stated that as the understands
ing is that no proposition looking to the
disturbing Of the Houston Galveston dif-
ferentlal will be entertained at the hear
ing. the exchange Will not be represented,
as it does not wish to reopen question
which has been thoroughly discussed and
satisfactorily disposed OF.
Mr.. Moller writes that he had anticipated
general discussion Of cotton rates at
the hearing, and incidentally remarks
that he has q number OF witnesses he
would like the commission to interrogatc
on the subject OF rates from Texas to New
Orleans. intimating that Galveston is being
Disseminated against In favor OF the
Louisiana port. He would like to prove
also TINT the cut steamship rate out Of
Galveston to New York applies only TO
cotton destined to England mills. and
therefore can not fairly be used TO affect
the Liverpool rate. Mr.. Aioller further
complains because the commission has not
seen At to summon certain witnesses he
asked for, and says that II the alleged dis
elimination In favor Of New Orenas is
not looked into at this time he will have
to come again and trouble the commission
further.
In reply to Mr.. Moller Judge Storey
wrote that the hearing referred to has for
its object the equalization, If necessary,
and as far MS possible, of the rates TO
and from interior points to the various
ports on the Texas coast, and that the
great number OF witnesses asked for had
not been summoned because of the limited
amount OF funds at the commissions dis
posal for the payment OF witness fees; he
expected TO prove by the large number
of persons fer whose enforced attendance
he asked, and further. because 1t was more
than likely that all persons interested
In the matter to BIO considered would show
UP without being subpoenaed.
The burden OF Mr.. Mollcr's complaint is
that certain Texas lines accept division
Of rates on cotton consigned to New Or
leans which is less than the State rate
to Houston, and that the New Orleans DIFF
ferential is not observed In this con-
nection II is Interesting to note that while
Mr.. Moller is making that kind of
"l1ick' certain North Texas cotton buy
ers are complaining that some of the rail-
roads are accepting divisions OF rates on
cotton exported via Galveston, for which,
in some instances, they charge 25 cents
per 100 pounds less than the commission
rate, the alleged excuse for so doing be-
ing that the roads are compelled to shrink
the rate to prevent the cotton from taking
the all rail route via the Atlantic sea
b,urd, said rate having been cut to meet
the reduction in the ocean rates from
Galveston to New York. Altogether the
situation Is growing interesting, and
row is probable before the begin
ming Of the next cotton season. When the
racket" opens up it will not be so easily
disposed Of as it was two years ago, when
the same question arose over insurance dit
fercntials. certain railway officials, who at
that time manifested a disinclination to
answer troublesome questions. having late
" intimated that they are ready to talk
now. and will cheerfnlly give the COM
mission all the information it wants on
The subject Of physical divisions OF bust
ness" whenever it is ready to receive 1t
under oath.