The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-08-02
OFFICIALS ADJOURN.
Railroad Men Complete Discussion O
 Commerce Commiasion Law.

Commerce Commission Law. Washington. August 1.--After a further conference today the railroad officials, who have been discussing with the Interstate Commerce Commis- sion the interpretation and enforce ment of the new railroad law adjourned their meeting.
 It was decided that committe of six railroad officials, two from each of the great traffic divisions of the coun- try, the Northern, Western and South ern. should be appointed to confer with commission regarding the details Of enforcement of the rate law. This commission will be named in a few days
 The railroad offieiais were informed today that the absence of some mem bers of the commission could be an- nounced as to the requests made of the commission as a body They were directed to make every reasonable ef-: fort to comply with the provisions or the law at the time it Is to go into effect There are indications that if 1t should be found impracticabIe for the railroads to comply absolutely with the act at the time specifiefid In the law, they will be given reasonable grace by the commission.
 Chairman Martin 4 Knapp made the following statement concerning the work and results of the conference.
 
 The railway traffic officials who have been in conference with the In- terstate Commerce Commission yester- day and today were committees rep resenting the Western association roads west of Chicago and the Southern as- sociation roads south of the Ohio and Potomac rivers and east of the Missis- sippi. They submitted three general propositions in the nature of requests relating to the publication and filing Of tariffs and kindred matters under the amended law which takes effect August 2s.
 First. that a longer time is nec- essary than will intervene before the new law takes effect to prepare and the amended statutes Incidentally they asked to be- allowed to publish their tariffs in the various stations by placing copies in the custody of an agent and posting a notice that they are open to inspection by and pehson who desires to consult them.
 Second. that tha requirement. of thir- " days notice of change in rates be modified so as to permit changes in export and import rates on such short notice as may be necessary to meet the competition of foreign carriers.
 Third. that in the case of joint tar iffs. which are usually issued by the individual carrier. that the terminal charges. as for stogare. switching. etc, be published and filed by the deliver- ing roada
 Tt was understood by those present, end stated distinctly by the Commis- sion that 1t has no discretion under the present law. consequently can make no order in regard to any of the mat ters discussed until the new law takes effect Moreover, as only three mem bers of the Commission were present, which Is less than a majority. as the Commission will be constituted under the new law. 1t was announced that no opinion will be expressed or ruling made until the questions were consid- cred by the entire Commission
 Tt was, however. intimated by the Commis issioners present. that the car riers should use their best efforts to prepaTe tariffs in compliance with the law and that if further time became necessary. it would be allowed. It was also suggested that a new commit tee or ub-committee be appointed by the carriers which should represent the roads generally throughout the country for further conference with the Com mission. and in aid of uniformity 0f method and practice. There was general exchange of views respecting various matters connected with the subjects above mentioned. which will be further considered by the Commis- sion."