Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1911-01-04
LOWER EXPRESS RATES.
Iowa Railroad Commission Issues
Decree Reducing Rates.
GOVERNORS APPOINTMENTS.
Matters OF Interest to lows,
People Noted ia Letter From
Correspondent at State
Capital.


Iowa Board of Railroad Commits
sioners today handed down a deci.
sion in the Express Rate case in.
stituted by Geo. Wrightman, secre-
tary Of the Iowa Manufacturers AS
ISOLATION, against the Express COM
panies operating in Iowa, which he
alleged were collecting excessive
charges. The decision is a crafty
ing victory TO Mr.. Wrightman, who
has worked conscientiously to get a
reduction in the Iowa rates.
The Commission has granted a
reduction in the merchandise rate
of 100 pounds of an average of six
per cent. Some reductions are as
high as sixteen per cent. The rate
on small packages under 100 pounds
is reduced from five to ten per cent,
thus giving a total reduction on
over $4,000 express rates in Iowa.
This is taken as material reduc-
ton when it is considered that in
1908 the Commission reduced the
merchandise express rates practical
ly eighteen per cent. This carried
with it reduction in the graduated
scale.
During the hearing on express
rates much stress was laid on the
express rates in Illinois. The
graduated scale now adopted by the
Iowa Commission is for the most
part the Illinois scale, there being
but a few alterations to conform
with local conditions.
The Commission also established
a universal joint rate, being eighty
per cent Of the sum of the two
locals. Of course this is a material
reduction on shipment carried by
two or more express companies. The
Board has also placed a number oil
articles in the general special class
which reduces the rates thereon
considerable. Among these items o:
the most Importance are parts OF
agricultural implements, parts OF
vehicles, patterns of castings, cast.
ings, etc.
At the coming session Of the Iowa
legislature, Governor B. F. Carroll
Will have number of important ap-
pointments to be made which must
have the sanction of the senate.
The terms of Office for all three
members of the state board of con-
troll expire at this time, and three
men must be appointed to their
positions. 1t is expected that Judge
Robinson will be receptive candi-
date for reappointment, and will
probably be given such. Who the
other members of the board will be
is yet matter of speculation among
those who are watching the pro-
gress OF the executive plans for the
coming two years. The governor
must also appoint one member of
the state board of parole. AS this
is the democratic member of the
board it is expected he will appoint
a democrat as successor. A custo-
dian of the state house must also
be appointed Inasmuch as it was
the appointment of one member of
the state board of control that
caused a great deal of trouble last
session, there is considerable specu-
lation as to what the appointment
of three members will cause this
session.
Ernest r. Moore of Cedar Rapids,
representative from Linn county,
contemplates introducing IN the gen.
eral assembly early in the session
bill providing for decided reform
in the regulation Of automobiles and
their operators. The measure he has
under consideration will provide for
tax on every machine according
to its horsepower. This tax is to be
paid to the state auditor and the
money thus collected reapportioned
to road districts for the improve
ment and maintenance of good
roads, with premium provision for
such counties as build permanent
roads and maintain them. Another
section of the bill will provide for
the examination, licensing and tax
ing of every person who operates an
automobile. Another strict provi-
sion of the bill will be TO make it
a felony, punishable by imprison.
ment, for any person who runs
down another and does not stop to
look after the injured person.
FOley's Kidney Remedy
An ADnreciatiOn