New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-03-27
RATE Law RULINGS.
Roads Warned Regarding AdUance
Filing of Tariff Changes.
fFrom 20 Trlbune Bursau.l

Washington. Msrch 26.-Additional reguia-
tons and rulings governing the construction
and fling OF tariffs and classihcations and the
application of rates were announced by the In
terstate Commerce Commission to-day. In its
circular The commission criticises the practices
o. certain unnamed railroads since the passage
OF the Railroad Rate law and serves notice on
ell that the law must be strictly and literally
enforced.
It IS evident that the commission has had
trouble In inducing the railroads 10 comply with
out delay with the provision of the law requir-
ing thirty days notice OF change IN rate. An
instance is cited where tariff was issued. EFF
fective at once" and expiring with shipment"
applicable only TO three cars OF freight which
had been diverted because Of a flood. The car
riers TO whose lines the traffic was diverted had
established rates between the points from and
10 which il was moved.
They had no more right TO change those
rates as to this shipment on less than statutory
notice" says the commission. than they would
have TO change them to any other ship
nent; and II is difficult 10 understand how ex-
peTienced traffic men who desire 20 observe the
law could think otherwise"
Another carrier issued q tariff less than
statutory notice 10 correct a typographical er-
for- Such a practice, the commission declares
alleged typographical error was recognized az
Justification for issuing tariff on less than the
lnilty days notice required by the act, oppor-
tunity would thus be opened for the inaugura-
non OF the very practices which the law is IN
tended 10 correct and prevent
The commission win cheerfuly exercise the
discretion vested IN IL 20 grant permission to
ISSUE tariffs or amendments on less than stat
otory not'ce for the purpose Of allowing cor
tectlon OF clerical or typographical errors that
may occur or for other good and sufficient rea-
sons Il enteTtains the hope that II viii not be
necessary To again or in other ways call at
me provisions Of the law as TO the thirty days
notice Of changes in tariffs and rates win be
Insisted upon"
The commission suggests TO the railroads that
hIiaeaton for permission 10 make these
ehanges on less than thirty days notice be
made only in emergencies and really meritorl-
Gus instances
II is pointed out that whenever. by reason Of
blockade. il becomes necessary 10 divert 10 the
iine OF another carrier passengers or freight the
carrier receiving such traffic shall be paid al
regular tariff rates. except when the carrier
-eetiNlng u IL a participant in a Joint tariff
Win me road diverting its traffic. in which case
tte settlement may be made in accordance
herewith II one carriers train is sent over
the line 81 another tariff regulations must be-
applied, o.. en- their absence. the commission
esgs e. mpensation should be agreed upon.
Ane commission has decided take eoune
cognizance OF local tariffs II viii require them
70 be posted and filed with il. This is done he
cause rates for the through shipments are often
MADE by adding together two or more local
sates, one or more Of which may be a purely
STATE rate The law prohibits the use Of any
rate applicable 10 interstate business unless
that rate has been published and fled with
the commission
Young America has seven friends on the IN
ueFsfate Commence Commission. Announce
1lent is made that owing 20 the peculiar nature
q the traffic, circuses and other show outfits