The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-06-08
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THE RATE SITUATION.
Two Features Deserving Careful Cone
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 Editor The Advertiser:
 There are two features of the rate situation which should be given care ful consideration by the patrons of those roads in Alabama which are known as branch lines, and also of those roads which are second, third and fourth class. In Georgia the roads are classified. and out of the 6,225 miles of railroad. the Georgia stand ard prevails only 5S0 miles. from twen- ty. to fifty per cent being added on those roads classed, second, third and fourth. To illustrate the effect of the adoption of the Georgia rates in Ala bama. we might take the Louisville and Nashville Railroad for an example. Under the present schedule of rates charged by that system, the main line is made to help in the maintenance and support of the branch lines, which run through the sparsely settled and agricultural districts. This is done by carrying tine freight in these branch lines at the same rate as is charged on the main line. In other words. a per- chant or farmer living on the branch line running from Georgiana to Grace vile ,or from Flomaton to Myrtle wood gets the same rate of freight for the farmer gets on the main line from Montgomery to Mobile, although it Is well known fact that these branch lines barely pay the expenses of their
 
 rates were adopted-the main line from Mobile to Montgomery would be put in first class and would carry the freight at the standard rate to be adopted by the Commission, which is really very little, lower than now prevails as a general average, the two branch lines above mentioned would under this sys- tenn of classifying the roads be placed at least in third class and permitted to add not less than twenty-five per cent to the standard fixed for first class roads as is done in Georgia. Of course the merchants, farmers and other pat rons living along the line of first class roads would be pleased at this. but will the merchants, farmers and pat rons living on the branch lines and on the line, of those roads which will necessarily be put in second. third or fourth class be a party to this by help ing to bring it about?
 the classifying of the roads in Ala. bama as is done in Georgia, would not result in injustice and discrimi- nation every well ,a informed mi man ble result. But it may be contended that the rates even on the branch lines, and second. third and fourth made lower. This I do not believe, however, conceding that 1t would be the case, what would 1t avail farmer, merchant and other patrons living on the second, third or fourth class roads, and in and near such towns as Geneva, Andalusia, Opp. Camden and other points similarly located, if their more fortunate competitors living on the line of first class roads enjoyed still cheaper rate. Equality of rates and no discriminations is, If any LnIng. more to be desired than cheaper rates. It is well for the people residing in the rural districts and on the branch lines, and the lines of those roads which, under the Georgia rule would be placed in second, third and fourth classes wake and heRin the study of these questions for them selves, and consider the practical ef- fleets upon the country; and especially ally ture worthy of very serious considera- tion is this: What effect will the re- duction of freigat rates have on the senger? Take the people living on the line of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad from Tennessee to Mobile the passenger service isA such that that system taking train at almost any hour of the day. while the freight service is such that there is never any occasion for delay, and business can be done even in small village in the same satisfactory manner as i, is caErried in the laSe cities. Georgia, Atlantic Coast Line and the Western of Alabama Under present conditions a man can live in Eufaula. Union Springs. Troy. Dothan.
 
 any intermediate point between and do business in Montgomery, taking his breakfast and supper at home. In fact, every section in Alabama today Is the beneficiary of the very best service which the financial condition of the railroads will justify. The people re- siding in such counties as Clay, Coosa and Elmore where the railroad facili- ties are small should not be unmindful of the fact that a liberal policy tends to encourage railroad building and the development of their magnificent re- sources. If reduction of rates should have the effect of reducing the present service 1t would be a very poor invest ment for the people. What the people need and are entitled to have, is first class service, good road beads. comfor- table cars, competent and we'll paid men to handle the trains and more undisputed testimony during the recent hearing before the Railroad Commits sion, freight rates in Alabama are not extortionate, and 1t is a mistaken plan for the people. led on by designing men, to put themselves in bitter and open antagonism with those useful arteries of their commerce.. In fact, If the people were not continually be- ing prodded and made to believe by ing robbed and oppressed, 1t would De only a question of a short time before all feeling of prejudice would subside and a calm dispassionate view prevail. Just here I would like to remark that it is a singular coincidence that as soon as the average man begins to take special interest in the welfare of the dear people" and to tell them how dFeadfully they are being robbed and ssxa4 uaA ka ak N