New-York tribune., 1907-11-02
R. R. RATE AGREEMENT.
Governors of Three States Meet at
atlanta.

Atlanta, Nov. Thorough cooperation in
methods to be pursued in the enforcement of
laws regulating railroad passenger fares in the
states of Georgia. Alabama and North Carolina
was agreed upon to-day at a conference held
In this city among the Governors Of those states.
After a discussion, which began at $50 o'clock
this morning and which lasted until late this
afternoon. with but brief interval for luncheon,
the three chief executives reached an agreement
and the meeting was adjourned.
In a statement given out tonight. signed by
the three Governors. 1t is said that not only
had they arranged to cooperate in the investi-
CATION of facts and law connected with the duty
of our states to the public and to transportation
companies" but that they would also cooperate
with other states which have the same prob
lens.
I'VE regard the complete recognition of the
right of states to regulate the intrastate bust
ness Of transportation companies absolutely
necessary the statement continues.
To-day's conference, which held at the
suggestion of Governor Conner of Alabama. was
taken part in by Governors r. B. Glenn Of
North Carolina. b. b. Conner of Alabama and
Hoke Smith of Georgia. w B. Nesbitt. chairman
of the Railroad Commission of Alabama; Judge
l.. D. Weakley and Colonel II. G. Setheimer, spe-
ciaI counsel for Alabama in the pending rate
litigation in that state and Attorney General
John c. Hart and Special Counsel j. K. Hines
and Hooper Alexander of Georgia
The declared object of the meeting was 10
reach an agreement. If possible. in methods TO
/ be pursued in enforcing the rate laws OF the
states Interested and also 10 decide on some rate
that would apply to the railroads of those states
the rates at present being widely divergent
Just what concrete plan was decided upon the
Governors refused to state. nor would they give
out any of the details Of the conference beyond
the statement that it most satisfactory
The signed statement of the chief executives
is as follows:
Our conference has been most satisfactory.
We discussed conditions in our respective states
and We arranged to cooperate in the investiga-
ton of facts and law connected with the duties
of states 10 the public and To transporta-
ton companies We Will also cooperate with
other states which have the same problems.
We regard the complete recognition Of the right
of the states 10 regulate their intrastate busi-
ness OF transportation companies as absolutely
necessary.
No injury has been done to any corporation
I'm either Of our states by the exercise of the
power OF regulation. Increased business
consequence Of reduced rates required by our
state authorities has In every case where fairly
tried compensated the corporations.
We deplore the fact that railroad corporations
have been in some instances damaged by the
efforts of their officers 10 disregard the action
of our states. This has happened in every case
where they have made allegations in the courts
of sensational claims of injury contrary 10 the
facts
When the railroad companies cease their false
cry of cOnfscation and submit to the duly con-
stituted authorities upon which alone rests the
right determine questions of public policy,
the railroad companies may expect rapid re-
turn Of the public confidence and restoration
of normal credits. The authorities of our states
are at all times ready to hear from the railroad
companies fully and to accord TO them treat
ment not alone just but liberal.
The details of conference we do not con-
slider II desirable to make public at this time.