The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1903-01-04
THAT NEEDED CORN RATE
Reply Of Traffic Manager Jones TO
Railroad Commissioners.
A REFUSAL BY INTERSTATE LINES
no Make Conoessions-Sunset-Central
viii Reduce Rates Where Relief Is
Needed on Their Own Lines.

II will be remembered that the railroad
commission OF Texas on December 10 gave
out the following letter n copy Of which
was sent to Mr.. H. A. Jones, freight traf-
hc manager Of the sunset-Centrnl lines
and other men In charge Of the freight
business Of the various railroads in Texas;
Dear Sir Referring 70 the urgent needs
Of the farmers Of Texas for low rates on
corn. because Of the almost entire failure
of the corn crop in TexGn this year and
hence the necessity Of obtaining II from
Interstate points; and also referring TO the
advance in rates from many Interstate
points from which large supplies Of corn
Is shipped to Texas this commission most
earnestly Requests that you. together with
the traffic officials Of other lines in Texas,
use your influence In obtaining reduc-
ton Of the intorstnte corn rate. consistent
with the needs Of the people Of Texas, and
that you take immediate action In the mat
ter, as it Is most urgent. Very respectfully,
John II. Reagan, :
Chairman.
l.. j. Storey.
Commissioner.
At the time this letter reached Mr.. Jones
office he was absent in New York but
ing letter upon tho subject:
Hon Railroad Commission OF Texas Aus
tin. Texas.
Houston. Texas, December, 1902 Cen
tlemen: Your favor Of December u find
on my return. We had already taken this
matter up with our Interstate connections
and asked them 10 Join us in reduced rates
on corn TO certain districts along our line.
w, L., L.
duced rate. but so far have been unable
to obtain any assistance from the inter-
state lines
Necessarily, we must DO protected
against dealers and others who would
take advantage OF the rate for their own
profit Our plan has been to have re
liable committees at different points where
assistance is needed advise with us rela-
tive to the movement Of corn and the
probable quantities necessary to furnish the
relief It has also been suggested that the
rate must be limited to a certain time, as
we can not afford to carry the corn at
reduced rates except where It Is abso,
lutely for the relief Of parties who are
actually suffering, and who have not the
means to carry them through the next
season Yours truly, II. A. Jones'
''The matter OF reducing the Interstate
rate on corn shipments" said Mr. Jones
to a Post reporter yesterday was taken
up with our foreign connections, as stated
in my letter to the commission.
"These lines have refused to make any
concessions Whatever and as we can not
act Independent of Them there the mat
ter rests.
eve would be glad to make reduced
rate on shipments IN which our own lines
alone would be Interested, hut there are no
points along them but what have only
enough on hand as they actually need
themselves
"The idea In attempting to make re-
| duced rate on corn" continued Mr.. Jones.
was to benefit those farmers who were
actually in need and not a general re-
duction Of the rate throughout the whole
State. The railroads have been and are
| ever willing to do all In their power to
assist those Of Its constituents who are
in actual want to the fullest extent. but
TO carry corn at n rate less than existing
tariff for the whole State of Texas without
regard to their condition. would be out
Of the question.
"our Interstate connections have refused
to join with us in an effort to reduce the
! Interstate rate on this commodity. and
nothing can be done to assist those who
are needy to the extent of granting their
request for lower rate on corn. however
much we should like to do So"
Other freight men have given out no IN
formation as to their action or results
attained in the matter, but it is supposed
that they met with the same refusal on
the part of the foreign lines as did Mr..
| Jones.