New-York tribune., 1905-04-21
OPPOSES RATE FIXING.
President TuttIe Heard by Senate
Committee.

Washington. April 20-Lucius Tuttle. presi-
dent OF the Boston and Maine Railroad was
heard by the Senate Committee on Interstate
Commerce to-day
Mr.. Tuttle said there were practically three
systems in gland. The Boston and Maine
dominates the northern half Men doing busl-
ness IN that region must depend on this road,
and yet he said. in twelve years not single
complaint had been made TO the Interstate Com
rnerce Commission. The same was substantially
trne OF the New-Yorlz, Aew-Haven and Hartford
and the Boston and Albany. Stability and uni
form rates were necessary rather than low rates.
he asserted that no five men could fix railroad
rates for the country. Messrs. Gould, Morgan
Hartman and Vanderbilt could not, either
Eingly or together, fix rates on their lines any
more than a blacksmith could repair watch
Boards OF directors did not discuss or hx rates
This was left TO expert traffic managers
Discussing the long and short haul PROPOSE
tions. M Tuttle said higher charges to inter
mediate points were subject 20 natural laws.
which could not be changed by legislation He
believed that a large amount OF the trans
continental business was carried at a loss. he
conten6ed that II Congress attempted TO say
that a higher rate FOR short than long haul
should not be charged It would destroy business
or bankrupt the railroads. Congress. with abso-
lutte power over national banks. did not attempt
20 tx rates OF interest. The reason why there
was a demand for the regulation OF railroad
rates he said. was because the roads could not
get away and could not remove their property.
Replying TO Senator Elkns. Mr.. Tuttle said
that IL the government fixed rates below actual
cost the roads would refuse TO do business
Dinerentials originated IN export traffic, because
Of a difference IN ports II the government
fixed rates it could not make differentials with
out some agreements.
To Senator Cullom Mr.. Tuttle said that re-
bates and unjust determinations were things OF
the past. He could see need for changes IN
the present law. save TO make the Interstate
Commerce Commission an investigating Gnd
prosecuting body. The agitation OF the rate
question was due 20 the constant assertion OF
the Interstate Commerce Commission that It
should have power TO lK rates. and TO the opin-
son that rebates still were granted, which he
did not believe.
"A railroad president" said Senator Dolliver.
'stated in this city not long ago that the rail-
way business OF the country was honeycom5ed
with rebates and Determinations"
'aThe man who made that statement" said
ar. Tuttle, might have had personal knowledge
of these things. His statement might have been
in the nature OF a confession"
Further answering Senator Cullom, Mr.. Tut
tie said that competing shippers could fnd out
n rebates were being granted He thought that
e railroads were given rebates they could ma
nipulats their books that they could not be
detected. He did not think the Interstate Com
meroe Commission had made any strong effort
70 enforce the Eldns law against rebates. He
believed the private car lines were subject 70 the
Interstate Commerce law. These lines, he
thought. had been great blessing. They should
be made common carriers which would meet
eli objections made TO them.
meet all questions that would come up
What DO you think court could determined"
asked Senator Clapp.
Il think 1t could determine what was a rea-
sonable rate" replied Mr.. Tuttle. "Of course
am guessing on what the fifth man on the Su-
preme Court bench IS going to decide" he added.
Mr. Tuttle had not finished his statement
when the committee adjourned until II o'clock
on Saturday.
letter was received from the Interstate
Commerce Commission replying to one from
Chairman Eikius asking whether the Esch-
Townsend bin would prevent dinerential rates
under the provision Of the Constitution which
declares that no preference shall be given 10 one
port Of the United States over another. The
commission says that the assumption is absurd,
and adds: Neither the Esch- Townsend bill nor
any other measure OF similar character can be
seriously regarded conflicting in any degree
with the provision OF the Constitution which
prohibits preference Of the ports of one State
over these OF another"
Chairman Elkins SAID to-day that rnisunder-
standing had evidently arisen over the request
o9 Senator's 10 appear before the Interstate
moned, but Senators Spooner, Knox and Morgan
had been invited 10 assist the committee with
advice and suggestions. There was no intention
OF sunlmoning Senator's.