The Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1???-1928, 1909-03-28

| HiCfSt tHc IptI, iuuiNhhuni ch'HPN'
Operating through traffic bureau In
Idividual effort can be elaborated up
on by the combined effort of the
community through the ability CT the
traffic bureau to gather the necessar,
statements, fluctuations and test
mony in support of the contention.
What Is needed on the part of the
shipper is greater knowledge ~
general of the complexities of freight
problems and the added wisdom
gained thereby for the succ sssiul
prosecution OF their comp ANTS
where complaints are justified,
National Industrial Traffic League.
have incidentally referred to the
National Industrial Traffic League,
an organization that is now com
posed of representatives from bards
commercial organizations from about
forty cities, also traffic managers of
the leading industrial organizations
and national organizations through
organization we are dealing with the
bill Of ladng question, seeking the
elimination of the many objection
able features contained in the new
uniform bill Of lading. This We arc
undertaking to accomplish by confer
ence between our bill of lading com
mite and the committees represent
ing the carriers. We also have in
hand the penalty clause contained in
the classifcatiy n This. however,
assumes a legal aspect but is being
followed up along conservative lines.
On claim matters We are working
with the Freight Clam Agents Assc-
citation of tie United States looking
to improved service in the adjust
nlent of claims We are also under
taking to cooperate with the rail-
roads with the view of doing away
With improper packages creative OF
50 many claims for loss and damage
We likewise have committees con-
I ring with various railroad orSani- |
lutibuH ltStiCtl uS int uct " 'sf' -
,ars where small cars ordered and
he use of long cars where short cas-
ire ordered aud charges are based
lpon the size CT ear furnished. II IS
'ur contention that tie carriers. to
Git their own convenience. furnish
car differing from that ordered by
hipper, the minimum weight appli-
able to size of car ordered should be
| only mention these as among
lany matters which are being nego-
lated by representative committees
rom the Leagues membership with
he carriers themselves.
There are three very important sub
Gets which have been discussed at
eugth in meetings of tho League
hey have been very thoroughly de-
eloped by experience and upon these
abjects ii Is felt that some acticn
houlI be taken protective of ship
ers' interes s. These mat e"s, which |,
ave only reached the legislative
tage after conference with the In
srstate Commerce Commission aud
was developed that under existin
Tvs they did not have jur'slioti ton,
re as follows:
Giving 10 The Interstate Commerce.
the right to suspend tar
ifs proposing advances in rates,
A. |
Giving to the shipper the right %
lutte his freight;
Placing upon the carriers resp5nsi-
ility for erroneous rate quotatioas
We do not favor the extreme legis
ition directed against the carriers
fhich seems TO control the legisla
I've mind Of today and for the past
hrce or forr years. We are opposed !
o the practice which has selectel
he carrier rs an object upon which
hould be visited excessive rcgua-
lens and unwarrantad interference
WITH the conduct of such corporations
y expressing this view it does not
mean that we arr opposed to any leg
station involving he carriers, but t.
he contrary We believe there stould
70 some additional legislation along
and protective lines.
'hanges that experience has d mol-
trated should he erected.
Suspension OF Rates.
Under tho present law the right |
If initiative for the making of ra'es
'csts with the carriers, and it should
continue to rest with them. Under
the present law when the carrier
Institutes rev rate Il becomes law |
md is binding upon carrier and ship |
,cr until set aside nv a constituted |
The Interstate Commerce |
Commission can not challenge nor
las II supervision over rates legally |
published and sl,1 with the Commits |
lion until saTe have been made f-
cctivc and t1ca only upon formal |
and after a Dire hearing |
: carriers err in Their jnlgme n |
Ilyauc'ng rates which may Injurious |
" anlct 2 businest interez or . |
there Is no me- bod now
'roviJ-d by which q . errC ri of indg |
ncnt may be core I'D exc p after