Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1910-01-25
THE WATERWAYS.
Continued from Page One.)

nels solely for the effect upon such
rates. The fundamental criterion, it
says. should be whether a railway or a
waterway, when constructed or i'm
proved will be profitable investment.
Pointing out that railways have tenn
porarily reduced rates and continued
them upon a lower basis until compet-
ing lines have been driven out of bus
mess, the commission recommends
! that when rate is once thus reduced
| by railroad it should not be permit
| ted to raise it again unless, after hear
| ing by the Interstate Commerce Com
mission or other competent body, it
should be found that such proposed
increase rests upon changed condi-
tons other than the elimination or de-
crease of water competition.
The most essential requirement for
the rehabilitation of water traffic is
asserted to be the establishment of
harmonious relations between railway
and water lines. In practically every
case &C water routes, the boats are op-
Grated, the report says, in connection,
and in harmony with railway lines.
The commission believes transporta
ton facilities will be still further pro-
noted by compelling joint rates and
pro-rating agreements, through bills
Of lading and physical connection be-
tween rail and water agencies, sepa-
rate warehouse and terminal systems
for railroads and waterways being Of
ten d waste of capital. Terminal and
wharfage charges should be reason
able regardless of the ownership OF
these facilities.
The commission cannot see its way
clear to recommend general power
to fix minimum rates, but a majority
of the commission would recommend
empowering the Interstate Commerce
Corlission to prescribe minimum rail-
way rate whenever in its opinion the
object of railroad in reducing rates
is to destroy waterway competition.
The general tendency, the commission
points out, has been towards lower
rates aud any general regulation which
would dire ctly or indirectly Interfere
with this tendency would probably be
injurious than otherwise. The subject
of the driving out of water competition
appears to be the only question upon
which the commission divided.
Referring to criticisms upon the de-
Law of Congress in the development of
water routes, the commission points to
the fact that the use of the improved
channels in many instances has not
been commensurate with the expense
incurred, and to lack of progressive
ness in providing suitable freight car
rying facilities and to failure to pro-
federal Improvement will suffice, the
commission insists without co-opera-
ton of communities and business in
terests and between rail and water
routes.
A uniform system is recommended, APP
plicable to all waterways. under which
statistics may be collected showing the
volume and different kinds of traffic car
ried on the rivers and inland channels.
This country is declared to be far be-
hind several European countries in the
accuracy of inland navigation statistics,
and the commission wants to see more
extensive information regarding high and
low water and average discharge of the
streams in order to frame and execute
plans for improvements.
The commission is unwilling to recon-
| mend such a change as the creation of a
board to decide on the feasibility and
desirability of propositions for expendi-
lures on rivers and ,harbors, and pays
| high tribute to the work of the army
engineer corps. 1t advises that without
careful and unbiased examination of
proposed improvements of the nature now
4 required nv statute no project should ba
| adopted by Congress- and recommends
that hereafter the general policy be
| adopted OF providing for the early com
pletion of any and all projects which are
undertaken and that only such number