New-York tribune., 1907-06-18
ORDERS TO RAILROADS.
Commerce Commission Changes
Some Tariff Regulations.

Washington, juno 17.-An order has been issued
by the Interstate Commerce Commission regarding
the posting of the tariffs OF railroads which IS i'm
portant to every railroad and shipper in the coun
try. The rate law requires that copies of the tar
MS shall be posted in two conspicuous places in
every railroad station in order that they may be
inspected conveniently by the public. The Inter
state Commerce Commission may modify these re-
QuIreinents Dy general order. After careful con-
siderauon the commission realized the impractical
biity of compliance by the railroads with the pre-
else terms of the law 1t was decided 10 modify
the provision to some extent. The modification, II
was realized. must not amount to nuIihcatior.
A tariff circular was promulgated to-day by the
commission. 1t contains revision of and cancels
previous circulars pertaining to the construction
publication and fling OF freight and passenger
schedules. classhcations etc, and contains admin
lstFati'e rulings and opinions or the commission
The new circular sets forth in consolidated and
simpIifed form all the live matter shown in pre-
Fious tarin circulars and some important addi-
tOnal rulings
Many changes have been made IN the rules cover
ing the construction and filing OF tariffs The new
rules also permit carriers to authorize freight
line agents 20 act for them in the publication and
filing Of tarins under power OF attorney. It is
from points on new lines, branches or extensions
shall bear notice that they apply 10 new stations
10 ana from which no rates have heretofore ap-
piled.
The commission expresses the opinion that car
riers may lawfully make special for the
Inent OF federal troops when such movement IS
under orders and at the expense Of the United
States government. ard that the rates so made need
not be posted or filed which ruling applies to sim
liar transportation for the naval and marine serv-
ices.
No traffic transportation can be the subject OF
special agreement between carrier and shipper. and
the provision contained in cassihcatons the
effect that high explosives Will be taken only by
special agreement is held to be wrong. and IL is
ruled that the classification should state that such
traffic is subject TO regulations aud rates in tariffs
of the individual carriers and such tariffs must
provide the regulations applicable TO the traffic.
The reasonabIeness OF minimum carload weight
10 which carload will apply is recognized, and
the commission holds the opinion that shippers
IA a n mi ifV 70 vGa ar hfcf fIa
carrier furnish when a OF the capacity de-
sired by the shipper cannot be furnished with rea-
sonable promptness. and the tariff should provide
that when carrier cannot promptly furnish
of desired capacity and does provide a car OF
greater capacity than the desired by the ship
per It may be used the basis OF the minimum
carload applicable to the ordered by the ship
per. and II a smaller car than ordered by the
shipper is furnished It may be used on the basis
of the actual weight. when loaded to its visible
capacity.
be reconsigned under application Of the through
from point OF origin final destination. either
with or without the eNaction OF the reconsignment
charge. and il Is deemed improper that articles
damaged in transit may be returned free or ar re-
duced II tariffs contain rules providing.
Instructions OF shippers 70 intermediate rout-
ing cannot be disregarCed by carriers, unless the
initial carrier the right to dictate inter
mediate routing Of this tariff. and carriers will be
held responsible for the routing shown IN bills OF
lading. OverChargeS account OF misroutlng by
a carrier may be adjusted 10 shipments moving
after March IS. 1907 the authority therefor being
limited strictly TO cases I'm which rates are covered
in tariffs effective at the time the shipment moved
and lawfully applicable thereto.
Extracts from various opinions and decisions
not formerly shown IN tariff circulars are included
in the new circular. and IL Is emphattcaIy stated
that the commission viii give consideration
whatever TO tariffs which not received at its
office in time to give the statutory notice that lit
eral compliance with the law IN that respect will
be exacted and in all cases OF failure 10 comply
Herewith tariffs will be rejected.