The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1905-02-20

Colonel Stone at this point started to
thank the committee and withdraw,
when Senator Foster of Louisiana said
he had some questions to ask. He want
ed to know how legislation OF a limited
sort would be disastrous to the rail-
roads.
Witness thought the danger was in
the uncertainty in what the rates would
be-, and this IN itself would cast a
corporations. He thought the remedy
would be ineffective, in the working of
court OF transportation. He would not
want to have rates revised by COM
mission not formed OF trained railroad
men or even lawyers.
IF you cut down rates-this bill does
Tot mean to increase theni-Operating
expenses would i.ave to be reduced and
wages CT employees cut said witness,
The service might also be impaired
IN brief, I think we had better let well
enough alone.
Localized Pooling.
Mr.. DoiIiver quoted the action of the
Pennsylvania railroad to revise the rates
IN connection with legalizing pooling.
THAT would seem to raise a question
between that road and yours said the
Senator.
Witness admitted as much. saying
President Smith, of the Louisville and
Nashville. did not see the necessity for
pooling
Mr.. Carmack inquired about the sharp
competition at certain competitive cities;
In consequence OF which railroads carried
freight at logs. lie asked whether
this did not operate TO the disadvantage
of smaller. now competitive points.
Witness claimed he did not know. and
finally adedd that 'it might be So
Warts No Action.
Mr. Newiands then inquired particular
Iy as to witness position on present
railroad legislation.
IF there were any crying necessity
for making changes said witness,
there ought to be something done. But
] do not think that state OF affairs
exists
Then you think nothing should be
done" inquired the Nevada Senat tor.
Il think not I think the let alone
Chairman Elzins took up the portion
Of the EschTownsend bill relating II
complaints made by shippers, anc
whether Ehey would not have to pay al
the expenses Of proceedings, withou
having any chance TO get back tn,
money expended.
derstand.
Billions in Rates.
J.. A. Dean, OF Rome Ca, chairman
OF the executive committee OF the NortF
Georgia Fruit Growers told of the
Oh IScGSi1, u
infant industry he said The George
people had been trying 20 build up :
big trade, he declared. but had met VITA
obstacles in the way of high RITES etc
Quoting statistics. he said certain. rail.
roads had cleared 5000, 001, goo abov,
what could be considered a REASONABLE,
earning On their capital stock
If these figures are correct-and | dt
not believe they can be disputed-thel
show that the people Of this countri
have paid into the Golfers of the rail
road companies 81. 600. eco 60 that the,
should have In their own hands II
ten or twenty years these earnings vii
pile up SO that they will own the Gov
eminent
Witness then went into the details O
the peach industry in Georgia, and sal;
the freight charges were S1S9.50 ON
carload OF peaches from Rome. Ga. I,
New York. The carload at home wa.
worth $50. In New York the value was
variable, sometimes not more than tht
freight charges.
At this point Chairman EIkins or
dered an executive session, and Mr.
Dean was given permission to ampi!fS
his statements in the committee record
so as TO present his case fairly.