New-York tribune., 1908-08-10
RATE DECISION NEAR.
Commerce Commission to Take
Southern Freight Question.

Washington, Aug. e.-During the next month OF
six weeks it is probable that the Interstate Com
merce Commission will decide on the question OF
the reasonableness of the proposed increase Oh
freight rates In Alabama Georgia, Tennessee, Flor
ida and portions of South and North Carolina III
the southern territory and in Texas In the SOUTH
western territory. The complaint of the Heorbia
shippers already has been filed with the coIfhls-
sion and twenty days have been given the rali-
roads In which to reply to the charges. the eoih-
missions decision will affect the proposed chaFse9
throughout the southwestern territory
The complaint of the Texas Railway COMMISSION
probably will be filed tomorrow, and CHAIRMAN
Knann has given assurances that an inquiry VIII
be held and a decision in the case made as rdPlulS
as a compliance with the law Will permit ran
roads handling the traffic in Arkansas gave Hotioe
some time ago of proposed increase or rates Out
falling to compIy with the law by giving a satls-
factory statement OF connecting lines taxing part III
the rates the notice returned TO them anu haS
not since been heard from
The proposed increases OF freight rates IN 'he
several Southern states embrace practically all eA
tensive increases proposed throughout the coui'i'
at this time. The decision Of these cases VIII NC
an important bearing rates generahy. ds ~
Questions To he determined in respect TO southern
rates largely the same as may DC uiso 90
basis of increase elsewhere
It is said by experts who have unof1c1alIF ID"
cuIated the percentage of the increase III Nt ~
son with the old rate that the proposeu me oit
on class rates from St Louis to common Poi'
IN Texas is between and per cent AS 'heIe
has been no increase In rates from St Louis anu
Chicago Boston New York and other poin's III
the Middle West and East, the percentage Vi III
crease between Texas common points anu 'llese
sections is less than per cent. II is stated thd'
the increases from ST. Louis and Ohio River cross
ings to Atlanta average less than the increase
from St Louis to Texas points
The railroads will. 1T is expected urge among
other reasons for increasing their rates that they
have been prevented from reducing wages ana
they will point the decision 10 that erect Dy
chairman Knapp of the Interstate Commerce
Commission and Commissioner Neill OF the bu-
reau OF labor. sitting board OF aroltrators
in reference TO the wages of employees. or the
Southern Railway They will point to reduc-
ton of their intrastate passenger revenue by the
reduction of rates from three to Two cents d liIe
in Virginia and from three 10 two ana nan
cents a mile in other Southern states. 1t is ex-
nected that specific instances of increases In both
wages and cost of material since the old rates
went into effect will be alleged and that on some
branch lines doing an intrastate business there
have been reductions freight rates by state
enactments.
Both in the case of the complaint of the
Georgia shippers and the state railroad commits
sion of Texas there will be strenuous effort TO
prevent an increase of rates notice or Whlch mas
been given. All representations. whether Of the
tinized carefully. that the facts will be fully
established.
President Roosevelt has been appealed TO by Sen
ator CuIberson OF Texas. in an effort to restrain
the railroads putting the rates into effect
in that state, and Mr.. Roosevelt has referred the
matter to the Attorney General In the mean time
the Texas and the Oklahoma state railway COM
missions will file separate complaints with the In
terstate Commerce Commission tomorrow.