The San Francisco call., 1908-09-02
ROADS INCREASE
THEIR Minimum
Transportation Companies Get
Around Interstate Laws by
Enlarging Car Capacity
Manufacturer and Farmer Are
Affected by New Schedule of
Charges Adopted

Those who have had an opportunity
of seeing the new issue of the western
classification which will become effec-
tive on November / are inclined to, ac-
cuse the transportation companies of
sharp pKactice.
1t is true the carriers have kept
their promise not to increase rates, but
they have raised the minimums which
is tantamount to the same thing. They
use the argument that the present
rate remains in force, only that ship
perS will have to put more in the cars
because they are larger.
Incidentally a hardship is worked on
the small shipper who will after the
date mentioned have to ship in large
quantities if he desires to secure the
carload rate.
1t is equally true that the railroad
companies are compelled to increase
their earning capacity owing to in
creased cost of operation, but it is
doubtful whether there is sufficient
magnanimity among shippers to ap-
prove this plan of the railroad compa-
nies in making easier their own bur-
dens.
ALL KINDS OF FREIGHT INCLUDED
One thing can be said in it's favor,
the changes have been made applicable
to all classes of freight and the farmer
will feel the increase as well as the
expense will be light, while in the ag-
gregate it will mean a respectable in
crease of the earning capacity of a
train.
Railroadmen aver that the increase
in minimums is made necessary by the
large increase in the carrying capacity
of all cars, for where the capacity of
each car has averaged $4,000 to 10000
pounds 1t has been increased now to
20. 900 and $4,000 pounds, and the car
riers feel that they should enjoy a
larger earning capacity per car.
This innovation has the same effect
as If there had been an increase in
rates and the railroadmen say it does
not affect shippers and consignees for
they still pay the same rate per 100
pounds.
CAR CAPACITY INCREASED
Where the minimum car has been
I "a 900 pounds 1t is in most cases raised
to 10000 pounds, and where it was 30
600 pounds it is increased to $4,000
pounds and to 10000 pounds. These
minimums will apply in cases where
there are no commodity rates carrying
different minimums published.
| This change covers a variety of ar
| ticles and is as follows:
Bags and baggng. "a, 900 to &c, 000
Canned goods 1000 to 10000.
Cement, 80, 600 to 10000.
Dried fruit. "a. 600 to 100000
Glass, 80, 900 to SO, 0o0.
Syrup. 10000 to SO, 900.
Iron and steel articles. 0.000 to sc, 600.
Bale ties, 80 600 To SO, 900.
Castings, 80 900 to SO, 900.
Pig iron 80 900 to 80, 900.
Sash weights. 900 TO 10000.
Sheet iron, 80, 900 to 81, 900,
Shingle bands. 600 to $4,000.
Lead and lead products 600 TO $4,000.
Beer, &c. 900 and q. 600 to IS O00
Printing presses "a. 900 to 80, 900.
Sewing machines, Ia 600 to 16, 600.
Shafting 10000 10 &c, 600.
Water wheels, PA, 900 to 30, 600.
Minerals "a 900 to 81, 600 and 40, 600.
Pianos and organs, 5000 TO 10000
Nails, 10000 TO So. 600.
Oils, "a 600 to 10000.
Petroleum and lubrieating. "a. 900 to 26, 600.
Oil well supplies. %, 900 10 1900.
Green hides 20 600 to 10000.
White and red lead and paints, 80, 900 to SO, 600.
Paper, 80. 900 TO 36, 600.
Slate &c. 600 to 30. 900.
Tiles, n. o. s.. 80. 900 to 40 600.
Wooden water pipe, "a, 600 to 10000.
Plaster SO 900 10 40, 600.
Wall finish 80 600 to 80. 600.
Wall plaster, 10000 to 100000
Preserves, 80, 900 TO 36000
Rails 80 600 to 10000.
Seed "A 900 to 80, 600.
Sheep dip, 30 600 to SO. 900.