The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1907-04-05
10 BE MADE AN EXAMPLE.
These North Carolina Shippers Vino
Gave Falsc Wcights-No Increase
OF Freight EateS-New Scheme for
Handling. Complaints,


OF Freight Kates-New Scheme for
Handiin. Complaints,
Washington, April 3.-According to
inforation received by the interstate
commerce commission, there will be
no general increase in the rates for
transportation, as was informally an
nounced by certain railroads week or
so ago
The change of front by railroads of
their policy as tocarriage of grain and
lumber products was effected
through negotiation S institutions by
the commission. Every effort will be
made by the government to prevent an
increase in rates all along the line, as
was undoubtedly contemplated by the
carriers. An uplift in transportation
charges at this time, it is believed
would further cOmplicate the present
railroad situation in as much as it
would excite public sentiment against
the carriers, and probably stimulate
sentiment in favor of more drastic leg
islation
An innovation in the manner of
handling complaints under the amend
ed railroad rate act is expected to re-
suit in closer and more cordial rela-
ti0ns between the interstate commits
sion, which is charged with the duty
Of enforcing the law, and the railroads
of the country. The members of the
commission will in the future spend
the better part Of their time in Wash
ington and devote their attention to
the large questions affecting transpor-
tation that come up from time to time
Hearings in the field will be conducted
by special agents. These officials will
be directed to get in close touch with
railroad men and railroad affairs with
a view OF getting on such terms with
carriers and shippers that controver-
sizes that are now made the subject
OF formal complaints may be adjusted
amicably by conferences between car
riers and shippers arranged for by the
special agents OF the commission. The
| commission has great faith in the
special agent" plan, and it will be
given a thorough trial. If it proves
successful it may be enlarged. For
| example. has been suggested that rep
resentatives Of the commission should
| be stationed at all large railroad cen
| ters remote from Washington. Such
| representatives would be given broad
power and discretion in settling dis
putes not involving either law or pol
icy. The district assigned to such Of
| ficials would comprise state Or group
Of states, according to the density oi
traffic. The latter plan. however. will
not be tested until the efficacy OF the
scheme to have special agents con.
duct hearings in cases Instituted uo-
der the law has been fully tried on@,
| That the railroad rate law is aimed
at shippers as Well as railroads was
strikingly brought out in a case lusj
filed with the interstate commerce
commission. Shippers Of oil in Nortl
Carolina are involved They are
charged with defrauding the RAILROADS
in the matter Of rates and classifica.
tions. The law makes it a mIsde
meano. for any shipper 20 make fal7t
representations as 10 lights Of cora
modities, or to make falsely bill OF
classify commodities offered for ship
ment in interstate commerce. Tht
shippers in question were caught red
handed and the carrier promptly mad,
complaint to the commission 4 hear
ing was held, and the evidence collect
ed was qualified TO the attorney gen
eral with a recommendation tha
criminal proceedings be institutes
against the offending shipp~rs
Under the law, shippers convicted O
false billing Or false weighing may b
fined and imprisoned The indication
are that the government will bend ey
cry effort to make good in cases aris
ing In North Carolina In order that 81
object lesson may be provided Tor 9th
er shippers who are prone 20 ] thei
iaciinatioa run away WITH their Gis
GctioA.