The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1900-08-10
AMONG THE RAILROADS.
Considerable Interest Attaches 10 The ST
Louis Meeting.
TEXAS RATES ARE UNDER CONSIDERATION
Railway Men Think the Commission
VIII Accept Proposed Compro-
mise--A Record Run Made.

Texas railway men are deeply inter-
ested in the outcome of the St. Louis
meeting. which is considering Texas rates.
1t is a most important meeting because
of the entire rate situation being in
volyed.
The commission. under the suggestion
OF Commissioner Mayfield, adopted a res
olution reducing the rate on all freight
moving in Texas % per cent. This was
done to remedy what is called the Tex
arkana-Shreveport situation, but when It
was presented to the railway traffic men
they failed to see where 1t could remedy
the evil sought to be removed.
1t Is a well known fact that the sea-
board or gulf lines object to ST. Louis
being made basing point for Texas COM
mon points. The ST. Louis lines have en-
joyed some advantage in this line, and
have reaped big benefit at the expense
OF New York and the East, The gulf lines
accepted the situation rather than get into
rate war. In thus doing they feel that
they really agreed TO a compromise,
In order TO relieve what is called the
Shreveport situation the st. Louis lines
are now asked 10 make some concessions.
This they have done and the agreement
reached has been presented to the Texas
railway commission for confirmation
The subject Is under consideration by
both the commission and the representa-
tives OF the railways, and the prospect is
that the commission will accept the prop
osition offered, as 1t is really COM
promise between all interests and Is cal
culated to prevent any disturbance OF nor
NAL conditions.
1t Is doubtful II the commission, When
It issued the % per cent reduction order,
fully appreciated its far-sweeping provi-
sions. 1t stated that Texas rates should
he cut down % per cent, AS 1t applies
to strictly Texas rates it might have been
accepted with but mild protest on the
part of the roads. But as the earnings OF
the Texas railways from strictly Texas
traffic is small part OF the earnings, the
railways protested most vigorously
From the best information obtainable at
present the local freight traffic earnings
of the Texas railways represent all the
way from 13 to 40 per cent of the gross
earnings. Consequently % per cent cut
would only represent so much reduction
of the local revenue II taken offhand.
| Interstate rates, however, being based
on the sums Of the locals. it would nee
esssrlly follow that they would be af-
fected Consequently II the commission
should adopt Mr.. Msyfeld's proposition
the entire revenues OF the Texas railwayl
under the jurisdiction would suffer loss
not only on local. but on the interstate
business. which Is the bulk of the traf.
! fc
The proposition which was submitted tt
the commission by way of compromise il
in measure misleading. as the figures
were made, or, rather. based on a pre-
Evious tariff Instead Of the one which is
now in dispute, and which 1t is sought q
remedy.
Railway men say that II the proposition
they submit is not accepted by the com
mission there Is very apt to be consid
cradle confusion.