The Saint Paul globe., 1900-01-28
NEWS OF RAILROADS
COMMISSIONER RINGDAL EXPLAINS S
THE MOVE FOR LOWER
RATES IN GRAIN
FROM SOUTHERN MINNESOTA
Present Tariffs From Points in Red
River Valley Are Lower Than
From Southwestern Sectfons-The
Railroad Commission Wishes to
Bring the Rates Closer Together
Expects the Railroads to Object.

The order of the railroad commission
in calling for an investigation of the rea-
sonableness of tariffs on 1axseed and grain
now in effect on the Omaha, Great West
ern, North Western, Milwaukee, Burling-
ton, Cedar Rapids & Northern, Mime
apolis & st Louis, Wilmar & Sioux
Falls and Great Northern to the Mime
apolis markets from points in the south
western part Of the state gives a pros
pect of resulting in another rate contest
similar in many of its principal features
to the famous Stenerson case. Notifica-
tions have been sent to the different
roads operating in this territory to be
represented at a session on Feb. q, when
an opportunity for hearing will be
granted.
The purpose of the commission was
outlined yesterday by Commissioner Ring
dal, who stated that it Is the desire If
possible to secure closer uniformity of
grain rates between points in the south
west and Minneapolis, and points in the
northwestern part of the state and the
same market. The commissioners state
that they hope to avoid contest, but
..The purpose of the hearing is a rea-
sonable one in the estimation of the COM
MISSION" said Mr.. Ringdal. "It is ad-
lnitted that the grain rates from points
in the Red river valley in Minnesota to
the grain market at Minneapolis and from
other points in the northwestern part of
the state are considerably less than
those from points at the same distance
in the southwestern portion. We wish to
bring the rates closer together. From
southwestern points the rates of the
distance tariffs on all lines are higher
than the rates out Of terminals. High
rates are general through this portion OF
the state as compared with those effect
i've from the same distance in the north
west From some southwestern points
the difference is considerable. 1t is mani
festly unfair to allow different rates Tor
the same distance of haul, and the COM
mission seeks to bring the rates in the
two districts into better equality
seWill not the attempt precipitate a
fght?''
without doubt the railroad companies
will not reduce their tariffs from these
southwestern points without objection,
and in cases where the reduction to con-
form with the opinion of the commission
will be considerable, L have no doubt
there will be a fight. The commission
wishes to secure friendly settlement OF
the question and does not wish to in
vite a contest The demands which we
have to make are reasonable and should
be complied with
.In the adjustment Of rates how will
Duluth rates fare?"
"Oving to the fact that we will not
try to effect any change In northwest
ern rates the rates to Duluth will not be
interfered with. If lower rates are Sc
cured for the southwestern part OF the
state the rates from these points to Du-
jutk will take care of themselves. Pres
ent tariffs from the cities to Duluth are
lust and reasonable and the conditions OF
business and traffic will adjust sucn mat
ters in as far as hey affect the neao oi
the lakes"