The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-03-21
UNJUST DISCRIMINATION
THE INTER-STATE COMMERCE.
COMMISSION To SIT HERE


COMMISSION 10 SIT HERE
1t Will Hear a Petition Which Seeks TO
Secure More Favorable Freight Rates
for WiImington-The Case VIII At
tract a Cloud Of AttOrneys-The Tariff
Association Brought the Complaint
Before tae Commission
The Messenger a few months g
mentioned that the petition filed last
fall by the Wilmington Tariff Assica-
ton with the Interstate
Commission, at Washington, D@. c.,
would be heard by that COM
mission sitting in special session at
Wilmington. From Mr.. James Kyle,
manag of the Wilmington Tariff AS
ISOLATION. we learn that the Interstate
Commerce Commission will be here
April 18th and not later han April
18th.
MATTER OF GREAT IMPORTANCE.
The object Of the petition Of the Will
mington Tariff Association which is to
be heard at this sitting Of the Inter-
State Commerce Commission, is to Sc
cure for Wilmington more favorable
freight rates from the west, SO as to
enable our merchants to compete with
Virginia commercial points for bust
ness in our own state, which, by reason
of the excessive freight rates imposed
upon Wilmington, as compared with
our competitors, our merchants are un-
oh1a +o raoch ont fop nuino fn tha nm
fair discrimination against them.
A CONTENTION FOR JUSTICE.
Wilmington is as neal the central
commercial points Of the vest as our
competitor, Norfolk, and we have as
good reason for asking for the same
rates as Norfolk had for asking for
n being granted it's present rates.
The fact that the Interstate Com
merce Commission considers the case
of sufficient Importance to warrant it's
coming here to near the same is in
dicative of the reasonableness of the
contention of our business men. Our
merchants are we'll aware of the fact
that they cannot expect to extend their
trade, which at best is very limited
d. COIHpdIeu Will virginia COllllilSICldl
points, until some concessions, and such
as they deserve, are granted on rates
governing the transportation of west
ern products.
UNJUST DISCRIMINATION.
Under the discrimination practiced
against Wilmington, our Virginia COM
petitors at present can secure their
----L
less rates than we and can also ship
them to a large portion of North Ear
olina at less rates, Notwithstanding
the fact that we are as neal such
North Carolina points as our compel
tors. With such al unfair adjustment
of freight rates it is quite evident to
all why our competitors practically en-
joy the trade of North Carolina at our
expense. The fact is, Wilmington is
shut out of the territory which is 1e-
ultimately hers, but in which she only
asks a fair and equal chance.
ONLY HOPE OF RELIEF.
There are, OF course, numerous rail-
ways interested in these rates, and it
is only fair to say that our home lines
could not equalize these rates were they
to attempt to do so. Our only recourse,
therefore, is to seek relief from the
Interstate Commerce Commission and
from our state railroad commission.
In view of the efforts to build up the
wholesale trade of Wilmington, the
success of this undertaking on the part
of our tariff association is of more i'm
portance to the commercial welfare OF
our city than most of our people, who
have not considered the subject seri-
ously, imagine, and they will doubtless
look upon it's termination with great |!
interest.
A CAUSE CELIBRE.
If we mistake not, the sitting of the
Interstate Commerce Commission in
Wilmington will be it's first session in |
the south. This body is second in jul |
dicial Importance and dignity only to |
the United States supreme court, and
the cause which it is to take into con- |
s1oeration involves so many railroads |
that a host of attorneys will be here |
to appear before the high court.
The Right Spirit ,
IL o 4