The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-12
Shippers Kick on New Tariffs
 That Are Filed
SHARP FIGHT IN PROSPECT
Transcontinenta Railway Lines Have Filed Tariffs With Interstate Commerce Commission Show
 ing Heavy Increases.

Washington, December 11.-(Special.)- battle over railroad rates between western shippers and shippers in the east as well, and all the trans-ocontinental roads is ahead. That such a fight is coming has been made certain by the action of the trans-continental lines in filing new tariffs with the interstate commerce commission, which provide for large increases of commodity rates on a wide variety of articles. The increases apply to eastbound freight and to west bound as we'll and to freight between the Pacific coast territory and the terri tory east of the Missouri river as far as the Atlantic seaboard.
 Almost simultaneously with the news that the railroads have fitted new tariffs, comes the news that the Oregon state railroad commission is preparing to bring proceedings against the trans-continental lines before the, interstate commerce commission, on the ground that the in crease of rates are unreasonable. The Oregon commission in all likelihood will be joined in this proceeding by large shipping interests on the Pacific coast and in the Pacific coast region.
 Governor Chamberlain of Oregon, who has been here on river and harbor and conservation matters, is starting for his own state and will help on the proceed ings. It is expected here that there will be a general outbreak of protests from shippers, both east and west. That eff forts will be made to have proceedings begun against the trans-continental lines under the Sherman antitrust law on the ground that they are acting IS an url- lawful combination Is expected. Any such proceedings would have to be started, of course, by the department of justice, but if the interstate commerce commission should advise such proceed ings, they would doubtless be expedited. For months there have been reports that a general increase of freight rates was to be expected. Last spring reports of this kind were rife, and railroad man agers contemplated showing the rates up- wards. It was represented that the rail- roads had reached point where they had to increase rates or to depress wages.
 At the same time certain of the inter- state commerce commissioners let it be known that if there was a general in- crease of rates, they would be in favor of proceedings under the sherman anti trust law.
 The interstate commerce commission
 
 tariffs to ascertain just what changes are made. This has not been completed. It is found that the increases in some instances reach high as 30 per cent. It is believed the average increase is more than 10 per cent, which Is the percentage that has been frequently talked about by railroad managers,
 Fight in Maryland.
 The republicans of Maryland have launched their organization into the fight to beat the constitutional amendment de- signed to curtail the number of negro votes This measure will be voted on in the election to be held next fall when q legislature and state comptroller are elected and vacancies filled in almost every judicial circuit, in addition to host Of local offices in Baltimore city and the counties.
 Three years ago a disfranchsing amendment was beaten in Maryland. Some republicans voted for 1t, but many niore democrats voted against 1t. The majority against 1t was about 5000. In the new amendment the democrats insert ed plank protecting the foreign-born voter and the party management tried to satisfy the mel, who assume to speak for the independent voter by persuading them to participate in the conference at which the amendment was outlined.
 It follows, therefore that the democrats will go into the battle in much stronger shape than they were in three years ago.
 Stamps Disappeared.
 Twenty three dollars worth of stamps were lost or stolen from the Birmingham postoffice last year, according to a report made to Congress by the Postmaster Gen eral today The worst of 1t Is that Post master Carter could not be reimbursed as the postoffice department held that the ''loss resulted from the negligence of the postmaster or an employe." Several hun dred postn,asters throughout the country met a similar fate. including the postmas- ter at Blanche, Ala.
 Frank on Typewriter.
 At least one member of Congress be- lieves typewriter machines can be franked to Washing tor, A typewriter bearing his terday from his home town, said to be in New York. The postmaster here held 1t up and informed the congressman that the machine was at his disposal as soon as the postage is paid.
 Representative Richardson of Alabama will spend the holidays on the lsthmus of Panama, being a member of the inter gtate and foreign commerce committee.
 T. G. Bush of Birmingham is made a member of the board of directors of the National Rivers and Harbors congress.
 
 Minister Becomes Teacher.
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