Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1905-01-13
MORTON TAKES UP
FREIGHT RATES
The Secretary Gives His
Views in a Magazine
Article
THERE ARE FEW COMPLAINTS

Washington, Jan. 13.-Paul Moruvn,
secretary of the navy. and formerly
vice president OF the Atchison, To-
peko and Santa Fe railway. is the au-
thor of an article on the railway rate
question, which is published in "Out-
look" He in the outset expressly dis
claims writing as a representative of
President ROosevelt's administration,
and says he speaks merely as one with
somewhat extensive experience perth
nent to an important subject The sec
rotary in the article says there are
very few complaints against railway
rates per Sc in the United States the
Chief trouble being with "the relation
Of rates as between markets" He
says there are as many rates that are
too low as there are rates which a
court would decide to be too high. and
that either class of rates may be
equally disastrous to communities. He
expresses the opinion that federal SUI
pervision of railroads is necessary, but
adds that regulation and protection
should go together
He says that one Of the three things
following is sure TO take place in the
conduct Of our railways:
First-Legalization Of pools-the
right Of the railroads to make en-
forcable contracts between themselves
as to a division of earnings, so that
they can resist the temptations Of big
shippers and be assured a fair share
of the business moving, at stable rates
which shall apply alike to all patrons.
Second-The further unihcation of
ownership, thereby delivering in time
the entire railway ownership of the
country into the hands Of few indi-
yiduals or one syndicate.
Third-Government ownership, the
worst of the three evils" il such they
may be called. In the opinion of Mr..
Morton. government ownership of our
railroads would be the beginning of in
dustrial and political chaos.
He rather favors the first PROPOSE
ton, with adequate provision to assure
rates being reasonable.
AS to pending legislation. Mr.. Nor
ton favors the continuance of the inter-
state commerce commission in sub
stantially its present form, saying:
Let Il go on making investigations
and findings If it finds a rate is un-
reasonable (either too high or too low,
everything else being considered, let
It order such rates as It deems reason
able, and If the railroads do not make
them effective within 30 days, then
the entire matter to be referred to a
central court of transportation of, say,
three or FIVE members, and the findings
of this court in interstate matters to
be final
Il would urge severe punishments
for railroads or steamboat lines en-
gagged in Interstate commerce which
by any device pad rebates, commits
sions or IN any way afforded prefer
entail rates. and the punishment
should be just as severe to shippers or
commission agents seeking or receiv-
ing them.
Il would favor, even If it we're neces-
sary to have a constitutional amend
ment to accomplish it, the declaration
that all transportation by rail was
hereafter to be considered interstate
commerce and subject only to federal
supervision, thereby relieving sthe
states of this prerogative and estab-
fishing one central regulation, the fed
eral power.
81 would make it impossible for 9TH
ers than those directly interested as
shippers or commercial bodies to bring
suits for action under the interstate
commerce act.
Il would favor an agitation and
shaping of public opinion that would
not tolerate such a thing as a prefer
entail rate and would make it equally
disagreeable to grant or receive it. The
presidents message on this subject
meets the views of all good citizens,
whether engaged in railroading or
shipping"