The Washington herald., 1910-10-04

Proposed increases in freight rates over
the lines Of practically every railroad in
the United States formed the subject of
an all-day session. of the Interstate Com
merce Commission yesterday.
II was the first formal conference Of
the commission following the summer re-
cess, and as the rate cases. presenting
What is generally conceded 10 be the big
gest problem that the commission has
ever been called upon to solve, was set
for discussion. every member was present
The only conclusion reached during the
day was that a further hearing shall be
held in Washington in connection with
proposed advanced rates on Eastern
railroads. and that the inquiry in the
West shall be resumed in Chicago. The
Washington hearing was set for October
-. The date for the Chicago hearing was
not fixed. although it was stated unof-
ficially that the session will be held the
latter part OF the month
Long and Short Clause.
The commission also decided just before
adjournment 20 take up for hearing on
October the long and short haul clause
OF the new railroad act. This case Is
second only in importance 10 that involv-
ing freight charges directly, as it has
bearing on all railroad rates.
At the hearing before the commission
on October u President Brown, Of the
New York Central; President Mccrea,
OF the Pennsylvania, and President WI
lard, OF the Baltimore and Ohio. will offer
testimony as 20 the financial condition
OF their respective lines. with view
Of securing approval Of the proposed IN
crease Of rates
Present indications are that the West
ern and Eastern railroads that gave no.
;iee OF an intention to raise rates VIII
further suspend the effective date OF
such rates. The present suspension.
whieh was voluntarily made by the rail-
roads. following conferences Of railroad
presidents with President Taft. will ex-
pire November l. Members OF the Inter
state Commerce Commission are OF the
opinion that the railroads Will extend
the date 20 January 1. and possibly later.
At least. arrangements 10 that end are
now making. and no doubt Is expressed
that the railroads will consent 70 the
extension. Officials point out that It
would be impossible for the commission
to reach a decision as 10 the reasonable
ness OF the proposed increase by Novem-
Der /. In fact. the commission may be
unable TO announce it's decision until
the latter part or January.
What the Roads Expect.
The commission il called upon 20 decide
whether the railroads deserve more than
they are now receiving for the transpor-
tation OF commodities. The railroads
insist that they are entitled 10 the pro-
posed additional charges. On the other
hand. the shippers insist that they are
paying all the traffic should bear.
Now come railway employees demanding
tkat their employers shall be permitted 10
raise rates. Otherwise. they aver. the
railways Will be unable TO raise wages.
This phase OF the question was discussed
at a conference held ar the White House
last week, representatives of the rail-
road brotherhoods taking 1t up with
President Taft. II is 20 be given consid-
Grafton. and before the pending inquiry is
concluded labor leaders will be given an
opportunity to tell their side OF the story
In the rate cases.
Every effort viii be made by the COM
mission TO reach decision in these cases
at the earliest practicable date in order
that the present state OF uncertainty may
be removed.