The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1910-03-04
Ask CHAMBER TO
PROTECT. TRAFFIC
Feared That Measure Intro
duced in Congress Would
Increase all Rates
STEAMSHIP LINES AT
MERCY OF CRAMPS"
Senator Martin and Congressman
Lamb May Be Appealed to on
Behalf of Richmond
Shippers.

On behalf OF local shippers, all of
whom now enjoy difrerentiai rates
brought about by competition between
rail and water transportation. Traffic
Manager Goodman. Of the Richmond
Chamber Of Commerce. has been ask
cd to look into the provisions Of a
bill recently introduced in both
branches of Congress, which, by piac-
ing all port-to-port transportation UNI
der the authority OF the Interstate
Commerce Commission, would result,
according to many traffic experts, In
the practical humiliation of the busi-
ness OF coastwtse and inland water
transportation companies.
In the event that the provisions Of
the bill appear Objectionable, the
Chamber Of Commerce will be called
upon to take special action similar
to that taken within the last ten days
by the respective Chambers OF Boston,
New York, Norfolk. Newport News
and other cities on the Atlantic sea-
board II this action between repre-
sentattves OF the Chamber Will get in
immediate touch with Senator
Thomas 3. Martin and Congressman
John A. Lamb and request them to
use their influence for the elimination
of the injurious features of the meas
ure.
The bill. Introduced by Senator Ell
kins and Representative Townsend,
provides FOR the placing of port-to-
port trafIic under the ruling of the
commission to such an extent that all
tariffs would have to be issued thirty
days before becoming effective, and
ufhf1o ufxa y1ot1l nv fo !
its regular tariff achednle. Ii has not
fixed rate, 80 II 10 claimed. for every
commodity in very large quantities,
ana 80 II offered q shipment OF any
unusual proportion It could not han
die II within thirty days, and In the
meantime 4 tramp or free lance.
.ateAu4E cQNld take this entire ship.
ment WffhOut Interference freSn the
commission. thus paraiyxing the regu-
lar transportation company.
Raise Railway Rates.
1t Is also shown that by injuring
the business OF steamship lines, the
inevitable result would be the increase
of railway rates. since without steady
competition the roads would not be
compelled to keep their rates at the
to move freight on their own terms.
Resolutions Prepared.
Resolutions are already prepared
for presentation to the Richmond
Chamber Of Commerce should tina
body decide TO take definite action
These resolutions are as follows.
Whereas Senate bill 5106, nov
before the United States, pro
tides that ali steamship lines which
have rail connections and may hav'
through rail and water rates. shall b.
subject to the Interstate Commerce
law with reference to their port-to
port traffic. and
whereas. II is plain that such law
would result In the practical annihila
ton OF our coast-wfse and inland
water Transportation companies;
Resolved, That the Richmond
Chamber Of Commerce use its utmos
efforts to prevent the passage OF thu
section of the law for the following
reasons:
4. The steamship lines are the rat'
regulators for practically the entirt
country, operating as they do along
the Atlantic Coast. Csif Coast Paci
fic Ceast, also en- the Great Lakes, ana
up and down all of our great rivers.
- The enactment of such Law
would put one regular lines at ths
mercy OF the tramp lines and woule
result inevitably in an Irregular ser
vice that could not he depended upoI
ON account Of not having to publish
their rates thirty days ahead and
maintain their schedule rates. woult
thus yield 10 the tramp lines contro
OF all bulk cargoes. such as cotton
wool forest products. products o.
mines. etc.
-. While railway rate regulation
has had the desirable effect OF re-
moving to a great extent unjust dis.
against various classes q
shippers, II has also resulted through
the consequent consolidation OF own
srship OF railroads. and much les
fiexibility In rail rate schedules. ~
esta biish this same control over nj
rail and water lines, not only as Z
their rail and water traffic, but as X
their port-to-port traffic, would un'
result In similar infexi
biHty In these rates and In conse'
uuent deterioration OF servsce.
For all these , reasons, the Law
seems to be one which could only re-
suit In injury to the great mass q
people OF this country. and an In
Justice to investors OF large amount
OF capital"