The Hattiesburg news. (Hattiesburg, Miss.) 1908-1917, 1910-01-12
IMPORT RATE WAX
IS ON IN EARNEST
Committees From Philadelphia and
Boston Meet Today in Attempt to
Settle Differences.

Philadelphia, Jan. 12.-Philadelphia
commercial interests are deeply in
volved in the proposed settlement of
the import rate war, the fiercest in
the history of the country, which has
been waged with Boston. A confer
ence between committees represent
ing this city and Boston has been
arranged for today, at which it is
| hoped that some amicable decision
may be reached.
The joint committee on differen-
| tials is understood to view with favor
proposition to place New York and
Boston on an equal basis, and one
cent higher than either Philadelphia
or Baltimore. This is new phase of
the effort to adjust the controversy
connected with the westbound import
rate war and one which has been
guarded with much secrecy.
1t has SO far been agreed that Bos-
ton should be on higher basis than
either Philadelphia or Baltimore. 1t
is understood, however, that there is
now dl POSITION to accept the com
promise of putting Boston and New
York on an equal basis. in the belief
that by doing so, the cooperation of
the railroads will be assured and it
will be easier to obtain for Philadel-
phia satisfactory adjustment of the
differential question.
When the normal import rate basis
was restored. New York went back to
Is cents, or six cents above Philade!-
phia. This difference is actually three
cents, as the railroads allow one-half
of the differential rate for lighterage
charges The new adjustment would
cut the differential enjoyed by this
port over New York from three to one
cent, but would also bring about what
this port is striving fora lower rate
han Boston and an equal rate with
Baltimore. So far as New York goes
he question of rates will matter but
title, as New York will always be
assured in it's proportion of freight
Those members of the committee ia
: oring this plan said that when tn,
natter is placed officially before tn,
oint body it will be found to cove
/, IL that Philadelphia is seeking, as j
! i'll rot only prove effective in fore
: ng Boston back to it's original basi
If 10 cents, as against this ports 6
ents, but will also have the more dc
'ired effect of achieving for Phils
'elphia what it is seeking-an equa
ate with Baltimore.
Those in close touch with the raj
Dads are strongly of the opinion tina
UGH an arrangement will be entirel
satisfactory to the carriers. as tn
after are said to be in favor of put
/ ing Baltimore and Philadelphia o.
n equal basis, provided the CONNER
t, ial bodies of the ports affected ca
, )ffer logical reason for such action
{ Jew York is now agitating a redus
on of the differential enjoyed by thi
+ crt, Baltimore and Boston. CONNER
ial interests here do not fear Ne,
iork, even with rates of near part
IS one cent differential would brin
: nem. Their fears are centered o
'a'dnor and Boston, which port
re recognized as aggressive compel
ors to Philadelphia, New York's bus
ess is now so large that commercis
, aterests here declare it is only a que.
on of time when freight rates tha
ow goes there will have to be d,
!7ered TO other ports. 1t is to plac