Perth Amboy evening news., 1911-04-21
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How Traffic Can be Restored.

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How Traffic Can be Restored.
We do not believe hat coal, iron,
timber and some Of the other commodi-
ties mentioned can be recovered for
transportation over this canal. There
are, however, many others that can and
which may be classified as miscellan-
eous. There is a heavy interchange of
commodities between New York and
Philadelphia and other accessible points
which might go by canal. Under pro-
per conditions much of this traffic could
be brought to this canal.
Before the canal, however, can be
made an important factor many things
must combine.
l. There should be a reduction in
the rates of toll in order that there may
be effective competition with the rail
roads.
Q. The present Classification of
commodities for the purpose of making
rates therefore should be abolished.
8. The toll-rate must be an estab-
lished one, so hat shippers may rely
upon the fact that the rate will be
stable and Interchangeable and sufficient
ly certain to insure the investment of
capital.
4. There should be regulation of the
management of the canal to prevent un-
necessary delays and discrimination.
5. The canal should be protected
against destructive railroad competi-
tion.
6. The Interstate Commerce Commits
sion should be given jurisdiction over
the canal, as to interstate traffic.
7. Trade bodies and merchants should
unite to use the canal and to provide
transportation facilities.
8. Faster motive power should be
used.
9. The use of the canal could be
stimulated by advertisement that this
method of transportation is open TO the
public.
10. Terminals should be provided SO
that all shippers may be accommodated
These elements would do much to re.
store traffic to the canal.
The reduction of tolls is perhaps the
most essential, because it would reduce
| the cost of transportation and so per
nit Of competition with the railroads
| But until these rates are on a firm basis
and not subject to change, capital will
hesitate to enter the field.
or course here should be regulation
that would prevent discrimination, de
laws and the like. Otherwise cana
competition might in this way be
crushed.
Perhaps the largest part of the traf
fc is Interstate. Arising without the
State and being delivered within; arts
ing within and delivered without, OF
arising without and delivered without
the State, and merely passing through
en- route.
No jurisdiction now resides in the
Inter State Commerce Commission tc
regulate this traffic, owing to omission.
in the act. This should of course be
remedied..
In many cases transportation by
canal is much quicker than by rail, but
not always, Mule power is a~ntiquated
and the substitution Of 8 quicker
method, if found practicable, should be
adopted, and, under proper conditions
reduce expense.
A very important element is that
those who could use the canal should
do so. This can only be done by enlist
ing trade boards and merchants who
will point out the advantages.
Incorporation they could also estab.
lish transportation lines to accommodate
the public. Boats provided by individ
uals operated in an u~norganized way
would not provide the facilities neces
sary for the restoration of traffic.
The lines, when established, should
by advertisement and solicitation bring
back those shippers who have forgot