Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1910-01-28
the FOUR CENT RAILROAD FAIR.

4
The Gazette feels prompted to
again call to the attention OF the
public the rule nov in force on the
NJ, H. & L. Ran Road as a part
Of the Iron Mountain system, by
which the auditoys are required to
collect a four cent rate from pas
sengers boarding trains without tick
cts at ticket stations. This rule does
not apply to passengers boarding at
ticket stations, where Of course
it is impossible to obtain tickets,
and such passengers can only be
charged the regular three cent rate.
The four cent fair applies entirely
to ticket stations, where passengers
thoughtlessly neglect to obtain tick
cts, expecting to settle cash fare
with the train auditor. Such pas
sengers must then pay a four cent
rate, as the matter is not optional
with the auditor, but is made COM
pulsory by order Of the Company.
The auditors dislike to enforce this
collection as it frequently causes un-
pleasantness and in some instances
perhaps in absence of true informa-
ton the necessity of the case is
doubted by the passenger, to whom
the matter is suggestive of graft,
thus subjecting the auditor, a hui
man being like ourselves, to the un-
pleasant realization that his honesty
is questioned, and when in reality
he is only following orders.
The object Of this rule on the
part Of the Company is to relieve
the auditors as far as possible Of the
trouble. work and responsibility in
cident to the collection of cash fares,
and in addition affording opportu-
nifty to the several ticket stations
to make better showing of business
and enabling the officials to keep
better run Of the passenger traffic
I'VE therefore desire to impress the
fact on the public in justice not only
to themselves and the auditors but
also to the several agents, whose
compensation is governed largely by
the business of his office.
Mr.. w. NJ. Barrow. Secretary Of
the Louisiana Railroad Commission,
addresses the Point Coupe Banner
on the subject as follows:
The question Of passenger fares between
points in the State of Louisiana is regu.
lated BY statute, the Commissions rule
in the premises simply conforming to
this statute. This is Act No. 1873 of 1894,
and for your information I am enclosing
herewith . copy Of this Act.
From this Act you will note that where
a passenger fails TO provide himself with
q ticket . railroad company is allowed to
collect four cents . mile. OF course, the
icompany cannot collect four cents pei
mils nniees the ticket Office has been
open thirty minutes before the scheduled
departure of the train which the passen.
ger desires to travel on. and has afforded
every facility for the purchase Of tickets.
Train auditors are not allowed to col.
lect four centa per mile from flag sta.
tons. When passenger fails to provide
himself with . ticket, except for the
causes set forth in the rules and regu.
lstions Of the Commission ~ specified
I above, then . railroad company trans
porting passenger may collect one cent
per mile additional up TO . distance oil
fifty miles. The passenger, however,
may pay fare ct the rste of four cents
per mile to the first ticket station and al
that point procure . ticket for the bal.
ance OF his journey.