The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-11-02
CONFEREES AGREE
ON RAILWAY RATE
Conflict Between r all.
ways and Southern
States Adjusted.
GOVERNORS GIVE
OUT STATEMENT
Complete Recognition Of Rights
OF States to Regulate Intra-
State Business Of Trans
portation Companies
Was Secured by
Governors.

ATLANTA, GA, November H.
Through 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
by the Governors OF those States.
After a discussion. which began at
$50 this morning. and which lasted
until late this afternoon, with but
brief interval for luncheon, the three
executives reached an agreement. and
the meeting was adjourned.
In statement given to the Assoct-
ated Press tonight, signed by the
three Governors. 1t is said that not Y
only had they arranged to cooperate
in the investigation OF facts and law
connected with the duty of States to
the public and to the transportation
companies. but that they would also
cooperate with other States which
have the same problems"
I'VE regard the complete recognt-
ation OF the right OF States to regulate
the intrastate business of transporta-
tion companies as absolutely neces-l
sary,' the statement continues.
Those Who Attended It.
To-day's conference. which was held
at the suggestion of Governor Conner.
OF Alabama, was participat in by
Governor r. 3. Glenn, OF North Caro-
line; B. 81 Conner. of Alabama, and
Hoke Smith. OF Georgia: w. d. Nesbitt
member of the Railroad Commission of
Alabama; Judge L. D. Weakly and COLI
sonel H. 6 IS. Spelheimer. special coun-
sci Cor Alabama. in the pending rate
litigation in that State; AttOrney-Gen-
eral John c. Hart and Special Counsel
j. G. Hines and Hooper Alexander, OF
Georgia..
The declared object of the meeting
was to reach an agreement, if possi-
BILE, in methods 10 be pursued in en-
forcing the rate Jaws of the states
interested. and also to decide on soma
rate that would amply to the railroads
of those States, the rates at present
being wldSly divergent. u s:
Just what concerted plaR waasA de-
cided upon the Governo&s retusM to
State. norEwould they give out any Of
the detistls or the conference Beyond
the statement that 1t was most sat-
tsfactory. s
signed Statement Given OFT.
The signed statement OF the chief
executives Is as follows:
Our conference has been most salts
factory. We discussed conditions In
our respective States and we arranged
to cooperate In the Investigation sof
facts and law connected with the duty
of our States to the public and to, trans
operate with other States which have
the same problems. We regard tho
complete recognition OF tile right OF
the States to regulate their intrastatee
business Of transportation companies
as absolutely necessary.
mo injury has been done to any
corporation In either of our States by
Increased business as consequence
of reduced rates required by our State
authorities has. In every case where
fairly tried, compensated the corpora
tions.
1--WE deplore the fact that railroad
corporations have been in some in
stances damaged by the efforts OF
their officers to disregard the action
of our States.
"This has happened In every case
where they have made ALLEGATIONS in
the courts of sensational claims Of 4
injury contrary to the facts.
Demand Subnission to Law. 4 II
when the railroad companies cease
their false cry OF confiscatton and
submit to the duly constituted ait-S
thorities. upon which alone rests the
right to determine questions Of p lbs
lie policy, public confidence and =
restoration OF normal credits will fol-
low, The authorities of our States
are at all times ready to hear from
the railroad people fully and accord
to them treatment not alone Just. but
liberal. 80.
.1rhe details OF, o,,r conf terence ne
do not consider 1t desirable to make
public at this time
(signed) "B. B. CONFER,
Governor OF Alabama
.R, B. GLENN. sss
Governor of North Carolina.
"HOKE SMITH,
Governor OF Georgia.