The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-02-26
DISCRIMINATION
MUST Be STOPPED
Committee favors Freight
Rate Commissioner.
ARGUMENT OF COUNSEL
Resolution Vas Introduced by Mr. Boun', and
Provides Tha, The Governor Appoint
Commissioner 10 Investigate
and P,port,
and Ptp,rt.

On yesterday afternoon the House
Committee on Railroads and Railroad
Commission, favorably reported Mi.
BIount's joint resolution providing for the
investigation Of the alleged discrimina-
ton against North Carolina in freight
rates.
This resolution authorizes the Cover
nor to appoint a commissioners for such
time as he may deem necessary at sal
airy of 1926 per month and $75 per month
for expenses, to thoroughly investigate
the alleged discrimination, secure and
tabulate the information and report same
IN the Governor who is then authorized
10 take such steps as may be proper
for the redress of the grievance com
planned of.
There were present in support of the
resolution MIR. Blount the introducer of
the bill, Mr. e. J.. Harris. President of
the Merchants Association of Raleigh,
and Mr.. f. r. Ward. president of the
Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, with
their attorney, Mr.. Alex j. Field. Messrs.
Harris and Ward also appeared as the
bers of Jmmerce of the State.
Mr.. F. l.. Harris, of Raleigh, represent
ing the Associated Boards of Trade of
North Carolina. presented TO the com
mlttee facts and figures in support OF
the charge Of discrimination, which APP
peared TO leave no doubt in the minds
of the committee that the question should
be fully investigated by the State.
a. I. s,,e~ 4av,Iap If
elimination in rates is that on flour
from louisville, Ky the rate to Nor
folk. va. being only 91s cents per hun
dred Same being hauled through the
whole State of North Carolina, while the
rate to most North Carolina points is -
cents per hundred, this rate represents a
cost of freight to a Virginia merchant of
less than $40 of cent per 100 pounds
for 100 miles haul while the rate to
North Carolina merchant is more than
3lk cents per 100 pounds for a 100 mile
haul, or about four times the cost OF the
same service to Virginia merchant
He also presented evidence showing that
he railroads had made an actual haul of
q car of merchandise through the whole
length of North Carolina to Norfolk,
Va which they would distribute for the
Virginia merchant to 342 North Carolina
points. issuing that many separate bills
OF lading and performing all the neces-
sary labor and clerical work for q proper
delivery of these s42 shipments for ex
actly the same cost they would make
for the same car of goods stopped at n
North Carolina station, where the owner
unloads the ear at his own eXpense-the
railroad being relieved of all cost Of
distribution-and then the North Carolina
merchant cannot ship even 10 his nearest
station without paying the local rate to
such station IN excess of what the Vir-
ginia merchant would have to pay.
Many other cases OF discrimination were
cited. but these illustrate the question
involved.
: MIR Field followed in support of the
resolution He called attention to the
fact that the matter was of the greatest
Importance. not only to the merchants,
but also to the farmers and manufactur-
ers of the State. They come to the State
and say that the matter is so vast and
complicated that they are unable to
handle Ii as individuals or associations,
but need the power of the State to in
vestigate the matter and publish the re-
suit to the people of the State under the
seal of the State.
When the people arc fully informed as
to the true situation they will find a
way to protect themselves. 1t is I'M
proper to impose these duties on the
Corporation Commission, since that body
is a court and has to pass judicially on
the matter. and il would be improper
for them to go into an investigation Of
this kind.
The inter-S State freight rates of North
Carolina have been fixed by our Commits
sion after careful consideration and are