The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1903-02-19
NO CHANGES IN
FREIGHT RATES
Heavy Shipments Keep Rates
From Changing.
TALKOF FURTHER ADVANCE
Railroad Men Say Rates Must
be Raised.

1.-THE railroads are not monkeying with
the tariffs just now, if you VIII notice, -
said a well known railroad man yester-
day 1--WE have not had any new tariffs
except on special commodities for several
weeks, and the rates are just the same
as for the past two months. That is
what the slippers call stability of rates
and it is a good thing. even if the rates
are high, unreasonably high some claim.
but we think they are reasonable owing
to the increased expense Of hauling"
1t is a well known fact that ali freight
rates are being rigidly maintained at the
present time. The railroads have issued
their tariffs, and if there is any shipping
to be done it is a pay the tariff rates,
and the roads are not changing their tar
ifs. This condition has been brought
about by two things. one the Injunction
issued against nearly every western road
preventing them from cutting rates 10
individuals and the commercial agents
have a wholesome dread OF a United
States court and do not like To figure in
a contempt case. Another is the fact
that nearly every western road has all
and more business than they can take
not going to do any changing of tariffs
while they can get all the business they
want at present rates unless il would be
to raise them. AS long as there is plenty
of business for all of the roads now tariff
sheets will be scarce.
The railroad men do not believe this
condition will last much longer. AL
though at the present time there seems TO
be ne indication that the heavy shipments
rx-;1I FOL he Ia i'm
MS is sure to follow within a short time
and the shippers say that as soon as this
happens the new tariff sheets Will come
thick and fast, and changes may be eX-
pected at any moment.
However as this may be there is con-
siderable talk among railroad men about
further advance in rates on all south
western roads. 1t is claimed that the
increased cost of operating the roads. as
well as the increase of wages which
they have been compelled TO pay their
employees, will necessitate a further adj
vance in rates on all commodities from
all points.
Rates on lumber grain and other COM
modities have been materially advanced
by the traffic managers in different parts
of the country during the last few weeks
and ii is stated that a further advance
will be made until an increase amounting
to about Il per cent is made.
The rate of increase is claimed to be ne
cessitated by the increase granted the
employees throughout the west, and in
consequence is applicable chiefly to west
err and southwestern liens.
1t is claimed by the roads that a rev.
enue sufficient to equalize the demands
of the employees is absolutely necessary,
as the increased cost of running the road
caused by the advance in material. con-
gestion of traffic and, in many instances
competition is making grave inroads into
the profits.
1t is further stated that on account of
these circumstances many plans for ex-
tension of lines. improvements of the
min lines and other expenses. involving
large sums. will be held in allowance I'M
I'll definite outcome of the present con-
ditions can be foretold.
Almost without exception railroad Of
nciais are pessimistic as to the prospects
for this year, and express the opinion
that a crisis is approaching wherein it
will be n question of stopping all further
extensions of lines or developments of the
main branches. because of the increa sed
cost of labor and materials
On the other hand, the employees of the
roads claim that large dividends are be-
ing declared and large gross profits be-
ing made by the roads and that the con-
dltions do not justify these gloomy prog
nostications.