New-York tribune., 1906-03-27
RATE FIXING ABROAD.
Government Control of Railroads
PrecIudes Rebates in Europe.

In view Of the Congressional struggle over the
railroad rates bill, which is creating so much ag1-
tation in the United States the principles which
govern the management Of railroads in other cOun-
tries are OF timely interest In France all rail
roads whether the property OF the government or
Of corporations, subjected TO the national
supervision. When company obtains the right
10 build and operate railroad. conditions are i'm
posed under which the property may at some
future time be acquired by the nation.
The management Of national control. under the
laws OF 1881 in the operation Of every great railway
system OF France. is intrusted to inspectors gen
eral Of roads and bridges Of mines, residing
in Paris who have seats in the councils and COM
mittees Instituted by the minister Of public works
These inspectors invested with the authority
TO consult the books and papers and reports OF the
railway company 10 which they are assigned, as
well as all documents necessary 70 reveal the
actual condition OF the company and the exact
ness OF the receipts and expenditures, The inspec-
tor general assists or is represented at all the
meetings OF the shareholders Of the company, and
has undE his control the railway track and build
ngs and the technical and commercial operation of
the railway. He is assisted by chief engineer
of reads and bridges several ordinary engineers
and a stan OF clerks
The control Of the technical working Of the line
comprises the supervision Of the motive power
the rolling stock, and the workshops. That OF
the commercial operation embraces the study OF
rates and all commercial questions interesting the
railway system, the examination Of the budget Of
the company, and the YeTihcatiOn Of accounts. The
salary Of a goveEament director is 5000 and he
Is, by right OF office, a member OF the consulting
committee OF railways. and assist at any Of the
at the general assembly Of tho shareholders He
must examine with care all propositions to change
transport rates, and report thereon to the Minister
OF Public Works No new rates OF any kind
been authorized by the Minister Of Public Works
Before applying any tariff rates the
panies must draw list schedule Of the prices
they propose to charge for the transport OF mer-
chandse, passengers. cattle and Otner objects
Copies Of this transmitted to the minister, the
and 70 the control service. These schedules. when
approved. posted prominently in the station for
the public information and at the end Of a month
after the posting OF the schedules the new rates
port with eKactitude celebrity and without favor
iusn merchandise. cattle and all other objects in
trusted to them.
Any private agreement to grant rebate to any
shipper Is strictly forbidden by the Law. In addf-
uon II a company knowingly and willingly under
rates any merchandise, it Is obliged to apply that
rate 10 the kind Of merchs ndise Of ali other
shippers for period OF three years II is needless
70 say that such errors or expedients Of
occurrence.
In addition 10 the strict supervision which is
exercised over rates and rebates, the French gov
ernTnent pays close attention to the mana cement
Of the roads in all particulars. It directs just how
every train shall be made up; what precautions
shall be taken 10 insure the safety OF passengers
and crews: determines the speed which shall be
maintained over different sections the road and
insists that at certain portions Of the road loco
motives, with steam up, shall be held in reserve, 10
be used In case OF accident. In fact, the entire
control OF the road Is under government super
vision, and. in comparison with the rates bill
under discussion in Congress- the French law
governing railroads IS a very drastic measure.