Coeur d'Alene evening press. (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho) 1907-1929, 1909-06-09
RATE CASE HEAR
ING TODAY
Spokane Wins on Class Rates.
Hearing Petition Later

SeSPhehs, the famous rate case, will
nile supplemental complaint EN-
'bracing the entire commodity list
praying for terminal rates on eyert-
thing. The allegations and prayer
Of the complaint are for the same
Classification, mixed carload lots and
minimums as to the coast. A PRAYER
VIII also be made for joint through
rates from all shipping points to
Spokane and that railroads east of
st. Paul be required to accept the
same proportion of rates as they now
accept.
Roads east OF st. Paul have for Is
years or more accepted exactly the
same rates to Spokane ar to the
coast. The proportions accepted by
roads east Of st. Paul have been in
varisbly based on Pacific coast rates,
and 1t made no difference whether
the freight moved to Spokane of Pa
cihc coast points, Roads from st.
Paul west have always received and
now receive the difference between
coast and Spokane rates.
Commissioner Thurtell of the rail-
way commission of Nevada, President
Simmons Of the Reno Commercial
club and Commissioner Bieknell, of
Phoenix, Ariz., conferred with At
torney stephens and the Spokane del
egation proffering assistance in main
tanning Spokane's contention.
Cities of Both Coasts May Combine.
j. c. Stubbs OF Chicago, for the
Hartman system, reached Washing
ton last evening. Other railroad men
are expected.
The Time for Objections.
At tOday's hearing an opportunity
will be given for any interested par
ties to object to placing in effect in
less than statutory time the rates
now pending, but If no objection be
interposed such rates shall be made
effective probably July /.
Attorney Stephens said Spokane
would offer objection to the order
making the rates effective as pro-
posed by the railroads. AS Spokane
will propose to broaden the scope of
the issue to the Atlantic Coast by
special prayer for application OF the
schedules from Atlantic points It is
likely, too that Spokane will object
to the proposed schedules of distri-
butiye rates eastward from the Pa
cific coast towns. limitations are
given that the proposed rates from
the coast to the interior are distinct
ly favorable to Portland as against
Spokane.
The general view of the situation
is that II is shaping for a thorough
up of the entire rate system
from the Missouri river. involving
rates between San Francisco and the
east and in and out Of Denver, Salt
Lake and Arizona points, and In fact.
the whole western half of the CONT
nent. Coast interests seem disposed
to push with special insistence the
scheme to have the government es-
tablish a line of steamers from the
isthmus of Panama to Pacific ports.
giving. with the isthmus railroad.
through WITHDRAWING facilities
from Atlantic to Pacific ports, claim
ing the freight actually will go via
that route instead Of relying on 1t
as a theoretical or potential carrier
In rate making.
Delegation Calls Upon Taft.
Attorney Stephens and the entire
Spokane delegation. accompanied BY
Senator Jones and Representative
Poindexter. called at the White
House yesterday. the interview haV-
ing been arranged by Senator Jones.
The delegation through Attorney
STEPHENS as spokesman. suggested TO
President Taft that he recommend an
amendment to the interstate com
merce law from the shippers point
of view. Mr.. Stephens pointed out
that the Law does not give shippers
equal chances with the railroads In
the courts: that the decisions Of the
commission should be flnal as the
railroads or that shippers should
have the same rights as railroads TO
20 into court and prevent railroads
from collecting excessive rates: that